Two markets for the self-employed
Subsidy-eligible after business expenses → Get Covered Illinois. Above the subsidy line and healthy → private PPO on Cigna, Aetna and PHCS PPO, priced on your health rather than your income. Serious condition → marketplace regardless.
The deduction
Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax, so the self-employed premium deduction helps at both levels. Self-employed people deduct 100% of premiums above the line on either kind of plan, and can stack HSA contributions on an HSA-eligible plan.
Who we see most in Illinois
Realtors, contractors, consultants, drivers, salon owners, and anyone running a business from Chicago, Naperville, Aurora and across the state. 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.