LowerScript for Illinoisans

Prescription savings guide

Losing Health Insurance in Illinois (2026 Guide)

Last updated September 8, 2026 · Reviewed by the LowerScript editorial team · Español

If you've lost job-based health insurance in Illinois, you generally have 60 days to enroll in a Marketplace plan through Illinois's own exchange, Get Covered Illinois, under a special enrollment period — or you can elect COBRA to continue your old employer plan (usually at full premium cost). Illinois has also adopted the ACA Medicaid expansion, so check your Medicaid eligibility too. In the meantime, a free discount card keeps prescription costs down no matter what coverage you end up with.

Your options, in order

  1. 1

    COBRA

    Continues your exact former employer plan, but you pay the full premium — compare this cost against a Get Covered Illinois plan before deciding.

  2. 2

    Get Covered Illinois special enrollment

    Losing job-based coverage triggers a special enrollment period, generally 60 days, to sign up for a plan through Get Covered Illinois — the state's own exchange starting with the 2026 plan year, replacing HealthCare.gov for Illinois residents (Illinois Department of Human Services; Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services launch notice). 448,568 Illinoisans selected a 2026 Marketplace plan, per healthinsurance.org's summary of the Get Covered Illinois transition, and eight out of 10 enrollees were eligible for a subsidy on their 2026 plan, per the same source.

  3. 3

    Medicaid

    Illinois adopted the ACA Medicaid expansion effective January 1, 2014 (KFF). If your income is low enough, you may qualify — non-elderly adults qualify up to 138% of the federal poverty level (healthinsurance.org, Medicaid eligibility and enrollment in Illinois). See prescription help for the uninsured in Illinois for eligibility detail.

Keep filling prescriptions in the meantime

Whichever option you choose, gaps happen. A free LowerScript card works with no insurance at all, so you can keep filling your regular medications while you sort out longer-term coverage.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to enroll in a Marketplace plan after losing coverage?

Generally 60 days from the date you lost coverage, under a special enrollment period. Check Get Covered Illinois for your exact deadline.

Is COBRA the same as my old plan?

Usually yes — it continues your exact former employer plan — but you generally pay the full premium yourself, which is often expensive.

What do I do about prescriptions while I sort out coverage?

A free discount card like LowerScript can lower the cash price at the counter with no coverage at all, while you apply for a new plan or COBRA.

Sources: healthinsurance.org, Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace: 2026 ACA Coverage Guide; KFF, Status of State Medicaid Expansion Decisions; healthinsurance.org, Medicaid eligibility and enrollment in Illinois; Illinois Department of Human Services, Get Covered Illinois; Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Get Covered Illinois launch notice. This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Confirm deadlines and eligibility at getcovered.illinois.gov. LowerScript is a discount program, not insurance.

Ready to save? Get your free Illinois discount card or check a medication price.

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More guides: Prescription Help for the Uninsured in Illinois · Illinois Prescription Assistance Programs · Insurance vs Cash Price: Which Is Cheaper?  |  All savings guides · Drug prices