Can I get a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois PPO plan on the marketplace in Des Plaines?

Yes, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois offers PPO plans on the GetCoveredIllinois marketplace in Des Plaines and across Rating Area 1. Unlike some states, Illinois allows marketplace shoppers to choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO plan structures, often with subsidies.

How many health insurance carriers offer plans in Des Plaines?

For the 2026 plan year, five health insurance carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which includes Des Plaines. These carriers are Ambetter, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Molina Healthcare, Oscar Health, and United Healthcare.

What income level qualifies for Illinois Medicaid in Des Plaines?

Illinois expanded Medicaid in 2014, making adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) eligible for coverage. For a single individual, this means qualifying with an annual income around $20,780 in 2026 (specific FPL figures update annually).

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Health Insurance in Des Plaines, IL

Updated July 2026 · IllinoisPlanFinder.com — Licensed Health Insurance Producer (NPN #21249133)

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is one of five carriers offering marketplace plans in Des Plaines for 2026.
PPO plans from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois are available on the GetCoveredIllinois marketplace, alongside HMO and EPO options.
Des Plaines residents with income up to 138% FPL may qualify for Illinois Medicaid, an expanded program since 2014.
The uninsured rate in Des Plaines is 8.1%, slightly lower than Cook County's 8.9% average, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

For residents of Des Plaines, Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois offers a range of health insurance plans, including options available through the official state marketplace, GetCoveredIllinois. As one of the confirmed carriers serving Des Plaines and the surrounding Cook County area, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois provides various plan types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Unlike some states, Illinois allows marketplace shoppers to access PPO plans with potential subsidies, offering more flexibility in choosing doctors and hospitals. Understanding your options with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and other local carriers is key to securing coverage that fits your needs and budget.

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What Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Plans Are Available in Des Plaines?

In Des Plaines, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois participates in Rating Area 1, which covers all of Cook County. This means that plans offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois are designed to serve the healthcare needs of residents throughout the county, including those in Des Plaines. You can find their plans on GetCoveredIllinois, the state's official health insurance marketplace. Illinois is a state that offers a variety of plan types on its exchange, including:

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans: These plans typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the plan's network and get referrals for specialists. They often have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plans: EPOs offer a network of doctors and hospitals you can use without a PCP referral. However, they generally won't cover care outside the network except in emergencies.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans: PPO plans provide more flexibility, allowing you to see any doctor or specialist without a referral, both in-network and out-of-network (though out-of-network care usually costs more). Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is one of the carriers offering PPO plans on-exchange in Illinois.

When selecting a plan, consider your healthcare needs, preferred doctors, and budget. All marketplace plans, including those from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, cover essential health benefits, such as preventive care, prescription drugs, emergency services, and maternity care.

Understanding Health Insurance Costs and Subsidies in Des Plaines

The cost of health insurance in Des Plaines can vary significantly based on your income, age, and the plan tier you choose (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum). Many Des Plaines residents qualify for financial assistance, known as subsidies, which can substantially lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. These subsidies are available through GetCoveredIllinois. For individuals and families earning between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), premium tax credits can reduce monthly premiums. Those with incomes between 100% and 250% FPL may also qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) when enrolling in a Silver plan. CSRs lower your deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums, making healthcare more affordable when you use it. For example, a Des Plaines resident with a median income of $97,875 (per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates) would likely be above the FPL thresholds for significant subsidies unless they have a larger household size. Illinois expanded its Medicaid program in 2014. This means adults with incomes up to 138% FPL may qualify for Illinois Medicaid, a free or very low-cost health coverage program. This expanded eligibility ensures that more low-income residents in Des Plaines have access to comprehensive healthcare.

Hospitals and Healthcare Access in Cook County

Des Plaines is located in Cook County, which is home to a vast network of hospitals and healthcare providers. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois plans typically offer access to a wide range of these facilities. For instance, Loyola Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in nearby Melrose Park is an acute care facility that serves the area. Cook County features 46 acute care hospitals, including major systems like Northshore University Healthsystem - Evanston Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital, providing extensive options for specialized care. Residents of Des Plaines, with a population of 59,156, benefit from this dense concentration of medical facilities within Rating Area 1. The county's uninsured rate is 8.9%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, indicating that a significant portion of the population relies on health insurance for accessing these services.

Health Insurance Carriers in Des Plaines

For the 2026 plan year, five health insurance carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which includes Des Plaines. These carriers provide a range of options, from budget-friendly HMOs to flexible PPOs, ensuring residents can find a plan that meets their specific needs. The confirmed carriers for Des Plaines are:

Ambetter
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Molina Healthcare
Oscar Health
United Healthcare

When comparing plans, it's important to look beyond just the monthly premium. Consider the deductible, copayments, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether your preferred doctors and hospitals are in the plan's network. Each carrier offers plans at different metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), which indicate the balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs when you use medical services.

Making Your Health Insurance Decision in Des Plaines

Choosing the right health insurance plan in Des Plaines involves evaluating your personal health needs, financial situation, and preferred access to doctors and hospitals.

Your Situation	Recommended Action	Key Consideration
Income up to 138% FPL	Apply for Illinois Medicaid through ABE (abe.illinois.gov) or the DHS helpline.	You likely qualify for comprehensive, low-cost coverage. Pregnant women up to 213% FPL and children up to 313% FPL (Illinois All Kids) also have high eligibility thresholds.
Income 100% - 250% FPL	Explore Silver plans on GetCoveredIllinois for premium tax credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs).	CSRs significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs, making Silver plans a strong value.
Income 250% - 400% FPL	Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans on GetCoveredIllinois for premium tax credits.	You may still qualify for substantial premium subsidies, but not CSRs. Consider your expected healthcare usage.
Income above 400% FPL	Compare plans on GetCoveredIllinois or directly with carriers. Subsidies are generally not available.	Focus on network, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. PPO plans are available from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.
Need immediate coverage due to a Qualifying Life Event	Enroll during a Special Enrollment Period on GetCoveredIllinois.	Events like losing previous coverage, marriage, birth of a child, or moving to Des Plaines can trigger a SEP.

A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, helping you compare plans from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and other carriers, understand subsidy eligibility, and enroll in the best plan for your circumstances, all at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois the only carrier offering PPO plans in Des Plaines?

While Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is a prominent provider of PPO plans on the GetCoveredIllinois marketplace, other carriers may also offer PPO or similar flexible plan types. It is recommended to compare all available options on GetCoveredIllinois to find the plan that best suits your needs for network flexibility and cost.

What is GetCoveredIllinois?

GetCoveredIllinois is the official state-based health insurance marketplace for Illinois. It's where individuals and families can compare health plans, determine eligibility for financial assistance (subsidies), and enroll in coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). All plans offered through GetCoveredIllinois cover essential health benefits.

Does Illinois Medicaid cover pregnant women?

Yes, Illinois Medicaid offers extensive coverage for pregnant women with incomes up to 213% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This includes comprehensive prenatal care, labor, delivery, and 12 months of postpartum care, an extension enacted under the American Rescue Plan. Applications can be submitted through ABE (abe.illinois.gov) or by calling the DHS helpline.