Gov. Pat Quinn announced details of the program in Chicago on Thursday. It will provide coverage until Jan. 1, 2014. That's when federal law will bar insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.
The federal government has allotted $196 million to Illinois, enough to cover claims for an estimate 4,000 to 6,000 people. The state has chosen Health Alliance of Urbana to administer the program.
The plan offers a preperred provider organization product with a $2,000 annual deductible, 80/20 cost sharing, and maximum major medical out of pocket annual cost of $2350.
Monthly premiums would be between $111 and $653, depending on a person's age, where they live and whether they use tobacco.
Enrollment will be first-come, first-served for eligible people who fill out their applications correctly and can take place by phone (877-210-9167) or online at www.insurance.illinois.gov/ipxp.
Hard copies of the application are also available at the Department of Insurance Office.
Illinois Department of Insurance Director Michael McRaith says the online enrollment system will be able to process a high volume of applications.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
