Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Health Insurance in Harvey, IL

Q: What are the income limits for Medicaid in Illinois?

Illinois expanded Medicaid in 2014, making it available to adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For pregnant women, Illinois Medicaid covers those with incomes up to 213% FPL, and children are covered up to 313% FPL through the Illinois All Kids program.

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

In 2026, five carriers, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, offer marketplace plans in Harvey's Rating Area 1.
Illinois expanded Medicaid in 2014, covering adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois provides a range of plan types, including PPOs, which are available on the GetCoveredIllinois marketplace.
Harvey residents have an uninsured rate of 14.8%, significantly higher than Cook County's 8.9% average, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

For residents of Harvey, Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is a prominent option for health insurance coverage, offering a variety of plans through the state's official marketplace, GetCoveredIllinois. As Illinois is a state-based marketplace (SBM) and has expanded Medicaid, you'll find comprehensive options for individuals and families, often with significant financial assistance based on your income. Whether you're seeking a PPO, HMO, or EPO plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois provides choices designed to fit different healthcare needs and budgets within Cook County's Rating Area 1.

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

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is a key health insurance provider in Harvey, offering a diverse selection of plans through GetCoveredIllinois. Unlike some states, Illinois allows marketplace shoppers to choose from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. This means you have greater flexibility to select a plan structure that aligns with your preferences for provider choice and referral requirements. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois plans typically fall into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers categorize plans by how you and your insurance company share costs, with Bronze plans having lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, and Gold/Platinum plans offering higher premiums but lower costs when you receive care. Harvey residents can compare these options on GetCoveredIllinois to find a plan that balances monthly costs with potential healthcare expenses.

Understanding Financial Assistance for Health Insurance in Illinois

Many Harvey residents may qualify for financial assistance to help pay for their health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs. These subsidies are available through GetCoveredIllinois, depending on your household income and size. There are two main types of subsidies:

Premium Tax Credits (PTCs): These reduce your monthly premium payment. Eligibility is generally for individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), though higher income households may also qualify depending on the cost of benchmark plans.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): These lower your deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums. CSRs are only available with Silver-tier plans and are typically for individuals and families with incomes up to 250% FPL. If you qualify for CSRs, choosing a Silver plan is often the most cost-effective option, as it provides better benefits than its premium might suggest.

For example, a single person in Harvey earning $35,000 (around 230% FPL) would likely qualify for significant Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions on a Silver plan. This means they could pay a much lower monthly premium and have substantially reduced out-of-pocket costs when accessing care compared to someone with the same plan who does not qualify for CSRs.

Illinois Medicaid and CHIP Coverage for Harvey Residents

Illinois expanded its Medicaid program in 2014, ensuring that more low-income residents in Harvey and across the state have access to affordable healthcare. Adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Illinois Medicaid. This comprehensive coverage includes doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health services, and more, with no monthly premiums or deductibles for most services. You can apply for Illinois Medicaid through ABE (abe.illinois.gov) or by calling the DHS helpline. Beyond standard adult Medicaid, Illinois offers some of the most expansive coverage for specific populations:

Pregnant Women: Illinois Medicaid covers pregnant women with incomes up to 213% FPL. This includes prenatal care, labor, delivery, and an extended 12 months of postpartum care, a benefit enhanced under the American Rescue Plan.
Children: The Illinois All Kids program, the state's CHIP equivalent, provides low-cost coverage for children up to 313% FPL. This makes Illinois one of the leading states for comprehensive child health coverage.

These programs are vital for Harvey, Illinois, where the poverty rate is 22.6% and the uninsured rate is 14.8%, both higher than the Cook County averages of 13.5% and 8.9%, respectively, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

Health Insurance Carriers in Harvey

Residents of Harvey, Illinois, located in Cook County's Rating Area 1, have a competitive marketplace for health insurance plans. In 2026, five carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, ensuring a range of choices for consumers. These confirmed local carriers are:

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

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is one of the most established providers in the region, offering a wide array of plan types, including PPO options, which are often sought after for their flexibility. When comparing plans, consider not only the premium but also the network of doctors and hospitals, deductibles, copayments, and overall out-of-pocket maximums. The GetCoveredIllinois website allows you to easily compare plans from all these carriers side-by-side.

Accessing Healthcare in Harvey and Cook County

Harvey residents have access to a robust healthcare infrastructure within Cook County. The city itself is home to Ingalls Memorial Hospital, an acute care facility that serves the local community. Cook County, with a population of 5,182,090, boasts 46 hospitals, including major systems like The University of Chicago Medical Center, Rush University Medical Center, and Advocate Christ Hospital & Medical Center. These facilities offer a wide range of specialized services. When choosing a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois plan, it is crucial to verify that your preferred doctors and local hospitals, such as Ingalls Memorial Hospital, are included in the plan's network to ensure seamless access to care. Cook County's 46 acute care hospitals, including Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, serve a population of 5.18 million with a median age of 38.0 years. The median household income in Cook County is $83,498, significantly higher than Harvey's median income of $42,429, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. This diverse economic landscape underscores the importance of accessible and affordable health insurance options for all residents.

Making Your Health Insurance Decision in Harvey

Choosing the right health insurance plan, especially from a carrier like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, requires careful consideration of your personal health needs, financial situation, and preferred doctors. Here's a guide to help you decide:

If your income is below 138% FPL: You likely qualify for Illinois Medicaid. This is the most comprehensive and lowest-cost option. Verify your eligibility and apply through ABE (abe.illinois.gov).
If your income is between 100% and 250% FPL: You will likely qualify for significant Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions. Focus on Silver-tier plans from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois or other carriers, as they offer enhanced benefits for lower out-of-pocket costs.
If your income is above 250% FPL: You may still qualify for Premium Tax Credits, especially if you have a larger household. Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans. Consider a Bronze plan if you expect minimal healthcare use and want lower premiums, or a Gold plan for more predictable costs if you anticipate frequent medical care.
Consider your preferred doctors and hospitals: Always check the plan's provider network to ensure your current healthcare providers, including facilities like Ingalls Memorial Hospital, are in-network.

Navigating these choices can be complex. A licensed health insurance producer can provide free, personalized assistance, helping you compare Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois plans and other options available in Harvey, ensuring you get the best coverage for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois PPO plans through GetCoveredIllinois?

Yes, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois offers PPO plans on the GetCoveredIllinois marketplace. Unlike some states, Illinois provides a choice of HMO, EPO, and PPO plan structures for marketplace shoppers, including options from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.

What are the income limits for Medicaid in Illinois?

Illinois expanded Medicaid in 2014, covering adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For pregnant women, Illinois Medicaid covers those with incomes up to 213% FPL, and children are covered up to 313% FPL through the Illinois All Kids program.

How many health insurance carriers offer plans in Harvey, Illinois?

In 2026, five health insurance carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which includes Harvey, Illinois. These carriers are Ambetter, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Molina Healthcare, Oscar Health, and United Healthcare. You can compare their plans through GetCoveredIllinois.

Is Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey covered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois plans?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is a major carrier in Cook County, where Ingalls Memorial Hospital is located. While specific plan networks vary, it is highly likely that many Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois plans will include Ingalls Memorial Hospital. Always verify network inclusion for your specific plan before receiving care.