Can I get health insurance if I'm a contractor in Saline County?

Yes, as a contractor or self-employed individual in Saline County, you can purchase health insurance through GetCoveredIllinois, the state's official marketplace. You may qualify for significant subsidies based on your income to lower your monthly premiums.

What income qualifies me for subsidies in Saline County?

In Illinois, individuals and families with household incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) typically qualify for premium tax credits through GetCoveredIllinois. For a single person, this range is approximately $15,060 to $60,240 per year in 2024. Those with incomes below 138% FPL may qualify for Illinois Medicaid.

Are PPO plans available on the marketplace in Illinois?

Yes, PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans are available on-exchange through GetCoveredIllinois. Unlike some other states, marketplace shoppers in Illinois, including those in Saline County, can choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO plan structures, offering more flexibility in provider networks.

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

Health Insurance for Contractors in Saline County, Illinois

Q: What is the uninsured rate in Saline County?

Saline County has an uninsured rate of 5.4%, which is lower than the national average. This reflects strong access to coverage options, including marketplace plans and Illinois Medicaid, for its population of 23,213 residents.

As a contractor in Saline County, you can access comprehensive health insurance through GetCoveredIllinois, the state's official marketplace.
Individuals with incomes between 100% and 400% FPL (e.g., $15,060 - $60,240 for a single person in 2024) may qualify for significant premium subsidies.
Illinois expanded Medicaid in 2014, covering adults with incomes up to 138% FPL, and pregnant women up to 213% FPL.
In 2026, 5 carriers, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, offer PPO, HMO, and EPO plans in Saline County's Rating Area 9.

As a contractor or self-employed individual in Saline County, securing reliable health insurance is crucial for managing your health and finances. Unlike traditional employees who might receive employer-sponsored benefits, you are responsible for finding your own coverage. Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, GetCoveredIllinois, provides robust options, often with financial assistance, for independent workers in Illinois. This guide will help you understand your choices, from subsidized marketplace plans to Illinois Medicaid, ensuring you can find coverage that fits your needs and budget in Saline County.

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What Are Your Health Insurance Options as a Contractor in Saline County?

For contractors and self-employed individuals in Saline County, the primary avenue for comprehensive and affordable health insurance is through GetCoveredIllinois, the state's ACA marketplace. This platform allows you to compare various plans, check eligibility for financial assistance, and enroll in coverage.

ACA Marketplace Plans

Through GetCoveredIllinois, you can choose from different metal tiers of plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each tier represents a different balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs:

Bronze plans: Offer the lowest monthly premiums but have the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. They are suitable for those who expect to use medical services infrequently and want protection against catastrophic costs.
Silver plans: Provide moderate premiums and out-of-pocket costs. These plans are particularly valuable if you qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), which are available to individuals with incomes up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. CSRs reduce your deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums, making Silver plans much more comprehensive.
Gold and Platinum plans: Have higher monthly premiums but lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. These are ideal if you anticipate frequent medical care or have ongoing health conditions.

In Illinois, marketplace shoppers in Saline County can choose from HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization), and PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan structures. PPO plans are available on-exchange, offering greater flexibility in choosing healthcare providers outside a primary care physician referral.

Financial Assistance: Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions

Many contractors in Saline County qualify for financial assistance, significantly reducing the cost of their health insurance.

Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies): These credits lower your monthly premium payments. Eligibility is based on your household income and family size, generally for those earning between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): Available only with Silver plans, CSRs reduce the amount you pay for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. You are eligible if your income is between 100% and 250% FPL.

For example, a single contractor in Saline County with an annual income of $40,000 (around 265% FPL for 2024) would likely qualify for substantial premium tax credits, making a Silver plan much more affordable than its sticker price.

Illinois Medicaid and CHIP for Saline County Residents

Illinois is a Medicaid expansion state, which significantly broadens eligibility for low-income residents, including contractors.

Illinois Medicaid: Adults in Saline County with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Illinois Medicaid. This program provides comprehensive health coverage with little to no out-of-pocket costs.
Pregnant Women Medicaid: Illinois offers one of the most expansive Medicaid programs for pregnant women, covering those with incomes up to 213% FPL. This coverage includes prenatal care, labor, delivery, and 12 months of postpartum care, extended under the American Rescue Plan.
Illinois All Kids (CHIP): For children, Illinois's CHIP equivalent, Illinois All Kids, provides low-cost coverage for those in families with incomes up to 313% FPL, making it one of the most generous child coverage programs in the country.

You can apply for Illinois Medicaid or Illinois All Kids through ABE (abe.illinois.gov) or by calling the DHS helpline.

Health Insurance Carriers in Saline County

In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 9, which covers Alexander, Clay, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Marion, Massac, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, Saline, Union, Wabash, Washington, Wayne counties. This multi-county rating area ensures a competitive selection of plans for residents of Saline County. The confirmed carriers for this rating area include:

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

These carriers offer a range of HMO, EPO, and PPO plans, allowing you to choose coverage that best suits your healthcare needs and preferences. For instance, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is one of the carriers offering PPO plans on-exchange in Rating Area 9. Residents of Saline County, which has a population of 23,213 and an uninsured rate of 5.4% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, benefit from these competitive options. Harrisburg Medical Center in Harrisburg serves as the acute care hospital within the county, providing local access to essential medical services.

Making Your Health Insurance Decision in Saline County

Choosing the right health insurance plan as a contractor involves evaluating your income, health needs, and budget. Here's a guide to help you decide:

If your income is below 138% FPL: You will likely qualify for Illinois Medicaid. This is the most comprehensive and lowest-cost option if you meet the income requirements. Apply through ABE (abe.illinois.gov).
If your income is between 100% and 250% FPL: Focus on Silver plans through GetCoveredIllinois. You will qualify for both premium tax credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions, making these plans very affordable with lower out-of-pocket costs.
If your income is between 250% and 400% FPL: You will still qualify for premium tax credits, which can significantly reduce your monthly premiums on any metal tier. Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans to find the best balance of premium and deductible for your anticipated healthcare use.
If your income is above 400% FPL: While you won't qualify for subsidies, you can still purchase a comprehensive plan through GetCoveredIllinois. Compare plans across all metal tiers to find one that fits your budget and healthcare needs.

Consider your health status: if you expect to use medical services frequently, a Gold or even a subsidized Silver plan might be more cost-effective in the long run due to lower deductibles and copayments. If you are generally healthy and want protection against unforeseen major medical events, a Bronze plan with a health savings account (HSA) might be a good fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deduct health insurance premiums as a self-employed individual?

Yes, if you are self-employed and not eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan, you can generally deduct 100% of the health insurance premiums you pay for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. This is an above-the-line deduction, meaning it reduces your adjusted gross income (AGI).

What is the enrollment period for marketplace plans in Saline County?

The annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for GetCoveredIllinois typically runs from November 1 to January 15 each year. If you miss OEP, you may still be able to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience a qualifying life event, such as moving to Saline County, getting married, having a baby, or losing other coverage.

How do I apply for Illinois Medicaid?

You can apply for Illinois Medicaid online through the ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility) portal at abe.illinois.gov. You can also apply in person at a local Department of Human Services (DHS) office or by calling the DHS helpline. Be prepared to provide income and household information.

What types of plans are available on GetCoveredIllinois in Saline County?

In Saline County, through GetCoveredIllinois, you can find a variety of plan types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Illinois is one of the states where PPO plans are offered on-exchange, giving you more choice in how you access care.