Insurer Exits Reduce Choices In Illinois Marketplace

Choices will be fewer for health insurance marketplace customers shopping for 2017 coverage in many parts of President Barack Obama's home state.

The Illinois Department of Insurance says 75 percent of Illinois counties will have only one or two insurance companies selling coverage on the health law marketplace for 2017. Blue Cross Blue Shield will be the only insurer selling marketplace policies in seven counties.

Open enrollment for HealthCare.gov starts Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 31. The marketplace policies are the only way some individuals and families who aren't insured through their jobs can get government tax credits to help bring down the cost.

Illinois Department of Insurance Acting Director Anne Melissa Dowling says her department is prepared to help Illinois consumers sign up for coverage.