If you want to buy a new individual and family health plan or choose a different one, get the details you need before open enrollment starts on Nov. 1. Break the task into easy-to-handle steps.

Keep the Deadlines in Mind

Open enrollment ends Jan. 15. If you want new health care coverage to start Jan. 1, the last day to enroll is Dec. 18.

If your current Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois health plan will be available for 2025, we’ll automatically re-enroll you so you won’t have a gap in coverage.

Compare Health Plans

• Compare each health plan’s coverage and costs, such as premiums, copays, coinsurance and deductibles, especially for services you know you may need. These costs can change from year to year.
• Make a list of your doctors so you can find out if they are in network for your choice of plan.
• Check the plan’s drug list for the prescription drugs you and your dependents take.

Personal Information

• For a Marketplace plan, proof of U.S. citizenship is needed to enroll. Have Social Security card numbers or U.S. passports handy for yourself and your family members.
• You’ll need a driver’s license, housing lease or utility bill to show the state you live in.
• If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need proof of immigration status, like a permanent resident card. You can also use a work authorization or an immigrant visa. See healthcare.gov  for the full list.

Financial Information

If you want subsidies for a Marketplace plan, you’ll need to provide earning records from all family members to be covered. These records may include:

• W-2 forms, pay stubs and your most recent tax return
• Any unemployment or disability payments
• Earnings records from Social Security, pension or retirement income

You’ll most likely make payments to the health insurance company through a bank draft. You’ll need that account number to enroll.

How to Buy

You can buy health care coverage:

• Directly from the insurance company
• Through an independent, authorized agent at no cost to you
• On the Health Insurance Marketplace
• Through an online insurance seller

Planning now will help you make a health care coverage choice that works for you and any dependents you cover.

Original publish date: 10/20/2016, Revised 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024