If you’re pregnant and uninsured in Illinois, there’s important new health insurance news that could bring you peace of mind. Starting in 2026, Illinois now allows pregnancy itself to be a qualifying life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for health insurance through the state marketplace — Get Covered Illinois.

What This Change Means for You

In most states, pregnancy alone hasn’t traditionally qualified someone to enroll in marketplace health coverage after the annual Open Enrollment ends — meaning uninsured expectant parents could get stuck waiting, even with prenatal appointments and medical bills stacking up. But Illinois has updated its rules so that:

  • Once a qualified health care professional certifies your pregnancy, you can enroll in a qualified health plan through Get Covered Illinois at any time during your pregnancy.

  • Your coverage can start as early as the first day of the month in which the certification occurs.

This change gives pregnant people more flexibility and security, helping them access prenatal care, doctor visits, and childbirth coverage without having to wait for the next Open Enrollment Period.

How a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) Works

A Special Enrollment Period lets people sign up for or change health insurance outside the usual enrollment window if they experience certain life events — like having a baby, losing other coverage, moving, or now, being pregnant in Illinois.

Once you qualify for an SEP:

  • You typically have 60 days to enroll after the qualifying event (in this case, pregnancy certification).

  • You can choose the health plan that fits your needs and may also qualify for financial help (subsidies) to make premiums more affordable.

Why This Matters

Health care costs during pregnancy — including prenatal care, tests, and delivery — can be expensive without insurance. This policy shift makes it easier for pregnant people in Illinois to get coverage when they need it most.

Whether you’re just finding out you’re expecting or already well into your trimester, this change could help reduce stress and ensure you’re not navigating pregnancy without support. Just remember to check eligibility and enroll as soon as possible once you receive certification.

Please contact us with any questions you may have!