Molina offers the cheapest overall health insurance in Illinois, with an average monthly premium of $453. However, availability may vary, so we also recommend Ambetter, Cigna, Health Alliance and Oscar for some of the most affordable health plans in the state.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Illinois: Affordable Plans for 2025
Updated: October 21, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Molina offers the most affordable health insurance in Illinois, with average monthly savings of $453 compared to the state average.
Cigna, Ambetter and Oscar provide solid alternatives when Molina isn't available.
To find the cheapest health insurance for you, decide on a coverage level within your budget, check subsidy eligibility and compare plans from several companies.
Most Affordable Health Insurance Companies in Illinois
| Molina | 453 | $5,434 | $8,563 |
| Oscar | 460 | $5,520 | $8,883 |
| Cigna | 508 | $6,101 | $9,217 |
| Ambetter | 569 | $6,832 | $7,850 |
| UnitedHealthcare | 577 | $6,920 | $9,333 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | 589 | $7,072 | $9,328 |
| MercyCare Health Plans | 593 | $7,112 | $8,950 |
| Aetna | 616 | $7,390 | $8,819 |
| Medica | 633 | $7,602 | $9,133 |
| Quartz | 699 | $8,385 | $9,300 |
| Health Alliance | 816 | $9,787 | $8,817 |
*These plans reflect rates for 40-year-olds who are not considered low-income.
Most Affordable Health Insurance Company in Illinois: Molina
Molina Healthcare
MoneyGeek Score:
97/ 100
Overview
Molina Healthcare delivers Illinois' most affordable Silver HMO coverage at $453 monthly, earning perfect scores for affordability and plan flexibility. Their asthma disease management program helps members control chronic symptoms and avoid expensive emergency room visits.
The coverage area limitation to five Chicago-area counties may restrict options for downstate residents. However, members within the service area benefit from simplified billing and coordinated care through their redesigned My Molina mobile app and member portal.
Cheapest Illinois Health Insurance Plans by Profile
While we've discussed the overall cheapest option, your personal situation can change which insurer offers you the best deal. Age alone can triple your premium: a 26-year-old pays $363 monthly while a 60-year-old pays $962 for similar coverage. Your health conditions matter too, as insurers price chronic needs differently. Even your preferred network type affects costs, with PPO flexibility running about $250 more monthly than HMO plans.
We've broken down the cheapest options by age group, health situation and plan type to help you find your best match.
| Seniors (60) | Molina | $962 | $11,541 | $8,563 |
| Cheapest POS (40) | Health Alliance | $816 | $9,787 | $8,817 |
| Cheapest PPO (40) | Aetna | $705 | $8,464 | $8,810 |
| People with Low Back Pain (40) | Aetna | $616 | $7,390 | $8,819 |
| People needing Pain Management (40) | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $589 | $7,072 | $9,328 |
| Adults (40) | Molina | $453 | $5,434 | $8,563 |
| Young Adults (26) | Molina | $363 | $4,354 | $8,563 |
| Teens (18) | Molina | $324 | $3,882 | $8,563 |
| Children (0-14) | Molina | $271 | $3,253 | $8,563 |
Cheapest Health Insurance Plans by City in Illinois
While statewide averages provide a good benchmark, health insurance costs can vary slightly by city. Below, we’ve broken down the cheapest plans in the largest Illinois metro, Chicago to help you compare local options.
| Chicago | Adults | Ambetter | $454 | $5,447 |
| Chicago | Children | Ambetter | $272 | $3,260 |
| Chicago | HMO | Oscar | $477 | $5,719 |
| Chicago | Low-Income | Ambetter | $454 | $5,447 |
| Chicago | People Who Have Depression | Aetna | $557 | $6,683 |
| Chicago | People With Asthma | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $562 | $6,748 |
| Chicago | People With Diabetes | Aetna | $557 | $6,683 |
| Chicago | People With Heart Disease | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $562 | $6,748 |
| Chicago | People With High Blood Pressure or Cholesterol | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $562 | $6,748 |
| Chicago | PPO | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $692 | $8,303 |
| Chicago | Pregnant Women | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $562 | $6,748 |
| Chicago | Seniors | Ambetter | $964 | $11,567 |
| Chicago | Teens | Ambetter | $324 | $3,891 |
| Chicago | Young Adults | Ambetter | $364 | $4,364 |
How to Find the Cheapest Health Insurance in Illinois
Follow these steps to find affordable health insurance in Illinois:
- 1Determine what coverage plan you need and can afford
Depending on your personal health circumstances and income, your type of coverage plan and tier needed will differ widely. To decide how much health insurance you should get, calculate how much income you can put aside for monthly premiums, consider your health and determine your risk for injury or disease based on your location, age and habits.
- 2Find out your subsidy eligibility
Individuals with incomes between $15,650 and $62,600 qualify for premium tax credits, offering a 40% to 100% reduction in costs. Those earning below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, or $39,125 can also qualify for cost-sharing reductions that lower out-of-pocket expenses by up to 73%.
- 3Consider federal programs if old enough
If you are old enough, explore Medicare/Medicaid programs, Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans. These plans are often more affordable than traditional health insurance and offer more flexible coverage options.
- 4Review prescription formularies
Review prescription coverages for medications you regularly take. Some insurers place common medications on lower tiers with reduced copays compared to competitors, potentially saving you hundreds annually.
- 5Compare plans during Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is from November 1 to January 15, with Special Enrollment available after life events like job loss, divorce or childbirth. When comparing plans, consider coverage types, customer ratings, costs and provider availability to ensure you select an insurance plan that best fits your needs.
Most Affordable Health Insurance in Illinois: Bottom Line
Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Alliance, Ambetter, Molina and Oscar are the most affordable health insurance companies in Illinois. While we recommend these options, you should compare as many plan types and tier quotes as possible from multiple companies to get the best deal.
Cheap Illinois Health Insurance: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about cheap health insurance in Illinois:
What is the cheapest health insurance in Illinois?
In Illinois, Molina offers the most affordable health insurance, with silver plans starting at $453 for 40-year-olds. However, also consider plans from Health Alliance, Ambetter, Molina and Oscar based on your budget and requirements
What are the downsides of a cheap health insurance plan?
With cheap health insurance plans, you're likely to face higher costs such as copays and deductibles during medical services. Meanwhile, pricier plans generally deliver extensive benefits and reduced out-of-pocket limits.
Do I qualify for subsidies on health insurance in Illinois?
People earning $15,650 to $62,600 annually qualify for premium tax credits that reduce costs by 40% to 100%. Those earning under $39,125 (250% of the Federal Poverty Level) can also receive cost-sharing reductions that lower out-of-pocket expenses by up to 73%.
When can I enroll in health insurance in Illinois?
Open Enrollment is from November 1 to January 15, with Special Enrollment available after life events like job loss, divorce or childbirth.
How We Decided the Cheapest Health Insurance Companies in Illinois
MoneyGeek obtained data directly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on available health insurance plans in Illinois based on consumers aged 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. We considered the cheapest overall to be those that have the lowest monthly premium costs for 40-year-olds due to most in the state being near this age demographically and for simplicity. However, cheaper plans tend to have higher out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles, meaning you may pay more if you receive care.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.