The open enrollment period can be confusing. Premiums. Deductibles. Coinsurance. Networks. We can help.

Here are three important steps to help you prepare for this year’s open enrollment for health insurance coverage.

Step 1: Make Note of the Deadline

Mark your calendar and set a reminder on your phone:

Apply by Dec. 18 for coverage that begins Jan. 1.

Apply by Jan. 15 for coverage that begins Feb. 1.

Step 2: Gather Your Personal Information

Before you start shopping, you may want to have some personal information handy:

Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency: That includes social security numbers or proof of legal residency for all family members.

Current health insurance information: Gather policy numbers for any current health insurance you have and information about any available job-related insurance.

State residency: You can use your driver’s license, housing lease or utility bills.

Immigration status/legal residency status: If it applies to you, be sure to have your immigration document status numbers.

Income information for all family members: This may include a copy of your last tax return, W-2 forms or pay stubs, and information about any unemployment, disability, social security, pension or retirement income.

Method of payment: Think about how you want to pay for your insurance plan: personal check, cash or credit card?

Step 3: Find Out If You Qualify for Help to Pay Health Insurance Costs

Do you know that you may be able to get help paying for health care coverage? Depending on how big your family is and how much you earn, you may qualify for financial help, such as a subsidy.

Special Enrollment

Find out if you qualify for a 2025 BCBSIL health plan for yourself or your family.

Enroll Now!

There are three main options for signing up for coverage from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois for 2025:

1. Call us directly at 877-731-4649. Licensed sales agents will work with you to determine the plan that fits your needs.

2. Visit bcbsil.com. You can view and compare all plans available to you and fill out an application online.

3. Contact an independent, authorized BCBSIL agent. This is another method of talking directly to someone to help you choose a plan that meets your needs. If you need help finding an agent, go to our website's contact us page. Below Contact Us, select Request Agent and submit your information. 

Original publish date: 11/15/2015;  Revised 2016-2024