Health News Illinois reports: Rates for health plans available on the state’s marketplace exchange will see double-digit increases, according to an analysis released Wednesday by the Department of Insurance.

The average rate change for the lowest cost bronze plans and the lowest cost silver plans will both rise by 10 percent.

The average rate change for the second lowest cost silver plans is expected to increase by 11 percent.

Rates for the lowest cost gold plans are increasing by 14 percent on average. No platinum or small group plans will be offered during the exchange year.

The statewide weighted average rate increase for individual plans is 14.1 percent, half of the 28.8 percent increase during the current plan year. 

DOI Director Ann Gillespie laid blame at the Trump administration for the continued increase in insurance costs.

“Due to the continuing economic fallout from the Trump Administration’s damaging decisions… more Americans are still struggling to pay for health insurance, and many are uninsured,” she said. “Our Get Covered Illinois team stands ready to support Illinoisans during the upcoming open enrollment period to help find the best health plan to fit their budget and needs.”

A total of 263 plans will be available from 5 issuers on the marketplace. Cigna and Molina, which previously offered plans in the Chicagoland area, have left the exchange.

The agency said there are a few changes as far as plans are concerned in different regions. Celtic will expand coverage into parts of central and southern Illinois, while MercyCare will expand into Stephenson County.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois remains the sole insurer that covers the entire state and will be the only available issuer in 42 counties.

Open enrollment began Friday and lasts until Jan. 15.

According to IDOI, 466,371 Illinoisans enrolled in marketplace plans during plan year 2026. Of those, 85 percent received premium tax credits to help lower the cost of monthly premiums. 

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