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

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Health Insurance in Gurnee, Illinois

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is one of 5 carriers offering marketplace plans in Gurnee for 2026.
Gurnee is part of Illinois Rating Area 3, which also includes McHenry County.
Marketplace plans in Illinois, including those from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, offer HMO, EPO, and PPO options.
The uninsured rate in Gurnee is 2.6%, significantly lower than Lake County's 6.9% rate, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

If you're seeking health insurance in Gurnee, Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois offers a range of individual and family plans, including options available through GetCoveredIllinois, the state's official health insurance marketplace. As one of the leading carriers in the state, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois provides various plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO plans, allowing residents to choose coverage that best fits their healthcare needs and budget. Understanding the local market, including available carriers, plan types, and financial assistance, is key to making an informed decision about your health coverage in Gurnee.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available in Gurnee?

Gurnee residents have several avenues for obtaining health insurance, primarily through GetCoveredIllinois for individual and family plans. As a state-based marketplace, GetCoveredIllinois allows eligible individuals and families to compare plans, apply for subsidies, and enroll in coverage. In Illinois, marketplace plans offer a choice of Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) structures, with PPO plans notably available on-exchange. This provides greater flexibility for those who prefer out-of-network coverage options, though at a potentially higher cost. Beyond the marketplace, individuals may also secure coverage through employer-sponsored plans, Medicare for those 65 and older or with certain disabilities, or Illinois Medicaid for eligible low-income individuals and families. Illinois expanded Medicaid in 2014, allowing adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to qualify. The expansion also provides robust coverage for pregnant women up to 213% FPL and children through Illinois All Kids (CHIP equivalent) up to 313% FPL, making comprehensive coverage accessible to a wide range of residents.

Health Insurance Carriers in Gurnee

For 2026, residents of Gurnee, Illinois, which is part of Illinois Rating Area 3 (covering Lake and McHenry counties), have a choice of 5 health insurance carriers offering plans on GetCoveredIllinois. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is a prominent option among these. The confirmed carriers for Rating Area 3 include:

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

These carriers offer a variety of plans across different metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Catastrophic for eligible individuals), each with varying levels of premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is recognized for offering a comprehensive network and various plan types, including PPO options, which can be a significant factor for those seeking more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. Lake County, the parent county for Gurnee, is home to 5 acute care hospitals, including Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital in Lake Forest, and Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. These facilities provide a strong network of care for residents, and it is important to confirm that your chosen health plan's network includes the hospitals and doctors you prefer. Gurnee has a population of 30,510 with a median income of $119,628 and an uninsured rate of 2.6%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, indicating a relatively well-insured community compared to the county-wide uninsured rate of 6.9%.

Understanding Plan Types and Subsidies on GetCoveredIllinois

When selecting a plan from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois or any other carrier on GetCoveredIllinois, understanding plan types and financial assistance is crucial.

Plan Types:

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Typically requires you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the network and get referrals for specialists. Generally has lower premiums.
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): Does not require a PCP or referrals, but only covers care from in-network providers, except in emergencies.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Offers the most flexibility, allowing you to see any provider without a referral, both in-network and out-of-network, though out-of-network care will cost more. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois offers PPO plans on GetCoveredIllinois in Gurnee.

Subsidies:

Financial assistance, known as Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs), is available to help reduce monthly premiums for eligible individuals and families purchasing plans through GetCoveredIllinois. Eligibility is based on household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In Illinois, subsidies are available for those earning between 100% and 400% FPL, with enhanced subsidies available for many. Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) are also available for those with incomes up to 250% FPL who enroll in Silver-tier plans, further reducing out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments.

How to Choose the Right Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Plan in Gurnee

Choosing the ideal Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois plan in Gurnee involves evaluating your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred providers. Consider the following:

Network and Providers: If you have specific doctors or hospitals, such as Vista Medical Center East or Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, ensure they are in the plan's network. PPO plans from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois typically offer broader networks, while HMOs and EPOs are more restrictive.
Expected Healthcare Use: If you anticipate frequent doctor visits, prescriptions, or specialist care, a Gold or Platinum plan with lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs might be more cost-effective despite higher premiums. Bronze and Silver plans are generally suitable for those who expect less frequent care but still want protection against major medical events.
Budget and Subsidies: Use GetCoveredIllinois to determine your eligibility for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. These subsidies can significantly lower your monthly premium and out-of-pocket expenses, making higher metal-tier plans more affordable.
Plan Type Preference: Decide whether the flexibility of a PPO, the balance of an EPO, or the coordinated care of an HMO best suits your lifestyle. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois offers choices across these structures.

A licensed health insurance producer specializing in the Gurnee market can help you navigate these options, compare plans from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois with other carriers, and ensure you receive all eligible financial assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois available on GetCoveredIllinois in Gurnee?

Yes, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is one of 5 carriers offering health plans on GetCoveredIllinois in Rating Area 3 for 2026, which includes Gurnee and the rest of Lake and McHenry counties.

What types of plans does Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois offer in Gurnee?

In Gurnee, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois offers a range of plan types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans through GetCoveredIllinois.

Can I get a PPO plan through GetCoveredIllinois in Gurnee?

Yes, PPO plans are available on GetCoveredIllinois in Gurnee. Unlike some states, Illinois allows marketplace shoppers to choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO plan structures, with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois being one of the carriers offering PPO options.

What is the income limit for Illinois Medicaid in Gurnee?

Illinois Medicaid is expanded and covers adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For pregnant women, the threshold is higher, covering those with income up to 213% FPL.