Illinois Launches Tax Time Health Insurance Enrollment Program

New 'Tax Time Easy Enrollment' allows uninsured residents to sign up for coverage through tax filing process.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:53pm

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The state of Illinois has announced a new 'Tax Time Easy Enrollment' program that allows uninsured residents to sign up for health insurance coverage as part of their annual tax filing process. The program aims to connect more Illinoisans to affordable health plans, including Medicaid and premium tax credits.

Why it matters

This new initiative makes it easier for uninsured Illinois residents to access health coverage by aligning the enrollment process with the familiar annual tax filing routine. It represents an innovative approach to expanding healthcare access and reducing the state's uninsured population.

The details

Through the Tax Time Easy Enrollment program, Illinois taxpayers filing their IL-1040 can check a box on line 42 to indicate that they or members of their household need health insurance. The Illinois Department of Revenue will then share this information with Get Covered Illinois, the state's health insurance marketplace, who will notify the filer of their potential eligibility for Medicaid or Marketplace plans. Those eligible for Marketplace coverage will have 60 days from the notice date to enroll.

  • The tax filing deadline in Illinois is April 15.
  • The Tax Time Easy Enrollment program launched in 2026.

The players

Get Covered Illinois

The state-based health insurance marketplace for Illinois that is administering the new Tax Time Easy Enrollment program.

Morgan Winters

The Director of Get Covered Illinois, who stated that the program makes it easier for residents to take the first step toward getting covered.

Illinois Department of Revenue

The state agency that will share tax filing information with Get Covered Illinois to facilitate health insurance enrollment.

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What they’re saying

“By embedding health insurance enrollment into the annual tax filing process, Illinois is making it easier than ever for residents to take the first step toward getting covered.”

— Morgan Winters, Director, Get Covered Illinois

“Illinois continues to expand access to coverage by aligning enrollment with the real-life moments when people need care. By recognizing pregnancy as a qualifying life event, we're making it easier for Illinoisans to enroll in coverage when they need it most.”

— Morgan Winters, Director, Get Covered Illinois

What’s next

The Tax Time Easy Enrollment program is now available for Illinois residents filing their 2025 tax returns. Those who indicate a need for health coverage will have 60 days from the notification date to enroll in a Marketplace plan.

The takeaway

This innovative program in Illinois makes it simpler for uninsured residents to access health coverage by integrating the enrollment process into the familiar annual tax filing routine. By aligning coverage with key life events, the state is expanding pathways to affordable care and reducing barriers to getting insured.