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Marketplace “Obamacare” Open Enrollment Center

ACA stands for the Affordable Care Act, which is the health reform law also known as “Obamacare”.

CCHCC’s ACA Enrollment Program was established in October2013. CCHCC’s staff are Certified Application Counselors (CACs), and provide in-person help to community members who need to enroll in insurance coverage and financial assistance made available by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). CCHCC staff help enroll community members into in Medicaid as well as private insurance options available through the Health Insurance Marketplace on Health Care.gov. If Marketplace Open Enrollment is closed, individuals may qualify for Special Enrollment Periods when a life-changing event occurs (like moving, changing jobs, etc.). Open Enrollment is from November 1, 2024 until January 15, 2025.

Medicaid – also known as the medical card, public aid, All Kids, and Family Care – is health insurance provided by the state of Illinois to adults and families who meet certain income criteria. The Medicaid program in Illinois was expanded under the ACA, so more individuals can get coverage through the program, just by meeting income criteria. If you think you qualify for Medicaid, you can skip the Health Care.gov website and apply directly through abe.illinois.gov. Enrollment is year-round for Medicaid. CCHCC also helps with Managed Care plan choice and enrollment, which offers some Medicaid members the option to choose a company to manage their benefits.

Please use the Income Guideline Chart below to help determine which program you will be eligible for, and to see which website to use. If you are unsure of what you might be eligible for, or would like help applying, please contact CCHCC at (217) 352-6533.

For more information:

Watch CCHCC’s video presentation with PowerPoint What you need to know for Marketplace Open Enrollment  (2021)

View CCHCC’s PowerPoint presentation (without narration) on Marketplace Open Enrollment  (Updated for 2025)

Health Insurance Options Flyer (2025)