Before subsidies, the average benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Illinois costs $707 a month for 2027 (the national average is $704). Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size.
Brokers in the Des Plaines area can quote individual, family and self-employed coverage from multiple carriers licensed in Illinois. Their commission is built into the premium, so using one doesn't raise your price. Here are 12 brokerages within reach of Des Plaines.
Health Insurance Brokers near Des Plaines
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Cook County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Do brokers cost more?
No. Health insurers pay brokers a commission that's already part of the premium. You pay the same price for a plan whether you buy it yourself or through a broker.
What a broker can compare for you
Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums; which doctors and hospitals are in each network; whether your prescriptions are covered; and whether you qualify for a premium tax credit.
Broker or agent: what's the difference?
A captive agent sells one company's plans. An independent agent or broker is appointed with several insurers and can compare them. In everyday use the words overlap, so ask any office which carriers it can quote in Illinois.
Carriers a Des Plaines broker can quote
For 2027, marketplace plans in Illinois come from 5 insurers: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Ambetter (Celtic), MercyCare, Oscar Health and UnitedHealthcare. Not every insurer sells in every county. An independent broker appointed with several of them can compare prices and networks side by side.
How to get ready
- Write down the enrollment deadline and confirm your first premium payment.
- Have a realistic estimate of next year's household income; subsidies are based on it.
- Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus deductible), not just the monthly premium.
- Check that the agent's license is active with the state regulator.
Checking an agent's license in Illinois
- Illinois producer licenses are handled through the national State-Based Systems (SBS) platform, where a licensee's record can be searched by jurisdiction, name and national producer number. Source
- The Illinois Department of Insurance licenses insurance producers and regulates insurers and HMOs in the state. It investigates written consumer complaints about companies and producers. Source
Frequently asked questions
Can a broker help me get a subsidy?
Yes. Brokers certified with the marketplace can estimate your premium tax credit and enroll you in a subsidized plan.
Is there a fee to use a broker?
Most health insurance brokers charge nothing to individuals and families; the insurer pays them. Ask up front if you're unsure.
How do I find a good health insurance broker in Des Plaines?
Look for a broker licensed in Illinois who can quote several carriers, is certified with the Get Covered Illinois, and has reviews from local clients. You can verify any license with the Illinois insurance regulator.
Brokers in nearby cities
- Mount Prospect, IL 3 miles
- Park Ridge, IL 3 miles
- Niles, IL 5 miles
- Prospect Heights, IL 5 miles
- Elk Grove Village, IL 5 miles
- Glenview, IL 5 miles
- Schiller Park, IL 5 miles
- Bensenville, IL 6 miles
- Morton Grove, IL 6 miles
- Arlington Heights, IL 6 miles