CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois is opening its new health insurance marketplace, an online site where thousands of state residents can comparison shop for coverage.
The marketplace opening Tuesday is called Get Covered Illinois and it’s a key part of President Barack Obama’s health care law.
Some residents are excited about the marketplace. Sue Winking, of Quincy, hopes she and her husband can find a policy that’s cheaper than the temporary health insurance they have now. The 55-year-old Winking has multiple sclerosis and lost her job in January. Her husband makes a living painting houses.
Consumers have until Dec. 15 to sign up if they want coverage to start Jan. 1. After that, they can still enroll through the end of March to avoid penalties for 2014.
