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ACA vs. Private Health Insurance for Illinois Realtors
Realtors in Illinois ask us this more than any other group. Here's the direct comparison for a commission-based income.
ACA (Get Covered Illinois)
Priced on income, which for you means after-expense MAGI. If you qualify for a subsidy, it's unbeatable. The risks: a strong year pushes you over the cliff and you repay subsidies at tax time; most plans are HMO and tied to one hospital system; enrollment is only Nov 1 – Jan 15.
Private shared-network PPO
Priced on age and health — your income is irrelevant. National PPO on Cigna, Aetna and PHCS PPO, no referrals, enroll any month, month to month. The risk: underwriting. A serious pre-existing condition can be declined.
Decision guide for agents
Under the subsidy line after deductions → ACA. Over the line and healthy → private PPO, usually $300–$500 a month less. Over the line with a significant condition → ACA at full price, or a small-group plan if your brokerage or spouse opens one.
The Illinois angle
Illinois moved to its own state-run marketplace, Get Covered Illinois, for 2026 coverage, and Chicago-area marketplace plans are heavily HMO — one reason suburban business owners look at national PPOs. Illinois has no state individual mandate.
Check your options and we'll show both markets for your ZIP.