The Premier Health Insurance blog is constantly being updated with current and pressing topics, including Affordable Care Act changes, Open Enrollment dates, Medicare information, group health plan updates, as well as articles to help individuals and families get the best value for their hard-earned healthcare dollar.

The Benefits of Small Group Health Insurance Plans in Illinois

The Benefits of Small Group Health Insurance Plans in Illinois

Published March 27, 2026

You’re running a small business with a lean team, tight margins, and a growing to-do list. So, understandably, the idea of sorting through health insurance options can feel overwhelming. Many small business owners face the same challenge – you want to support your employees, but the process seems to...

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No-Exam Life Insurance in Illinois: What You Need to Know

No-Exam Life Insurance in Illinois: What You Need to Know

Published February 19, 2026

No-exam life insurance offers a fast and convenient path to coverage for people who want to avoid medical exams, need quick approval, or may struggle to qualify for traditional policies. Two main types are available: guaranteed issue life insurance and simplified issue life insurance. Each brings it...

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Adding Health Insurance Coverage After Open Enrollment

Adding Health Insurance Coverage After Open Enrollment

Published January 20, 2026

It's not uncommon for people to discover gaps in their health insurance coverage once the annual Open Enrollment period has ended.  Unexpected bills, missing dental or vision coverage, or concerns about the cost of a potentially pricey hospital stay often illustrate just how limited some major medic...

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Understanding the New Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace

Understanding the New Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace

Published December 15, 2025

Effective November 1st 2025, Illinois residents shopping for new health insurance coverage will no longer be using the healthcare.gov website.  Going forward, the new Illinois health insurance marketplace will be state-based and done through Get Covered Illinois (getcovered.illinois.gov).  There, yo...

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IL Health Insurance Open Enrollment Begins November 1st

IL Health Insurance Open Enrollment Begins November 1st

Published November 1, 2025

If you’re an Illinois resident who needs to purchase a new health insurance plan, or alter your existing coverage, the 2026 Open Enrollment period begins on November 1st 2025 and will run until January 15th, 2026.  And while the dates are consistent to those over the past few years, there will be a...

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How to Simplify the Medicare Reimbursement Process

How to Simplify the Medicare Reimbursement Process

Published October 10, 2025

Medicare reimbursement helps beneficiaries recover costs for approved healthcare services they may have paid for upfront. While the process can feel confusing, knowing which forms to use and when to submit them makes it much more manageable. With the right steps and support, you can reduce out-of-po...

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Enhancing the Value of Your Employee Health Insurance Plan

Enhancing the Value of Your Employee Health Insurance Plan

Published September 18, 2025

Group health insurance costs are constantly on the increase, putting non-stop pressure on employers to balance value, convenience and quality coverage.  Instead of cutting benefits, many organizations are finding smarter ways to improve how their group healthcare dollars are spent.  By focusing on e...

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HOW OBBBA May Affect Medicare Coverage in 2026

HOW OBBBA May Affect Medicare Coverage in 2026

Published August 15, 2025

Legislative changes can feel overwhelming, especially when they touch on finances, healthcare, or long-term care.  The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is a newly signed law introducing sweeping updates that every senior—and their families—should understand.  While some provisions may offer financ...

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Understanding The Psychology Behind Underinsurance

Understanding The Psychology Behind Underinsurance

Published July 17, 2025

You're Not Alone in Hesitation.  If you've ever found yourself considering life insurance but never quite following through, you're in good company. Many people start with the best of intentions, yet somehow, it remains a task on tomorrow's to-do list. This isn't about laziness or neglect—there are...

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What Medicare Covers for Skin Cancer Screenings

What Medicare Covers for Skin Cancer Screenings

Published June 20, 2025

The approach of summer invites more time outdoors and increased sun exposure, making skin cancer screening a timely and important health consideration, especially for those over 65. Understanding Medicare Coverage for Skin Cancer Medicare covers medically necessary services for the detection a...

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Improving Employee Health Insurance Benefits During Economic Uncertainty

Improving Employee Health Insurance Benefits During Economic Uncertainty

Published May 15, 2025

In times of economic downturn, both employers and employees face increased challenges, from heightened financial stress to more pressing health concerns. As organizations navigate these turbulent periods, it's crucial to consider the optimization of employee benefits. An effective benefits package c...

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What Is Preventative Care? Key Insights for Better Health

What Is Preventative Care? Key Insights for Better Health

Published April 21, 2025

Understanding Preventative Care Preventative care is the practice of taking proactive measures to maintain your health and ward off illnesses before they arise. Its purpose is to ensure long-term wellness by identifying health risks early and taking action to mitigate them. Despite its many benefit...

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Understanding Medicare Reimbursement: Your Guide to Recouping Costs

Understanding Medicare Reimbursement: Your Guide to Recouping Costs

Published March 11, 2025

It's no secret that the Medicare system can be a maze, leaving many beneficiaries scratching their heads in confusion. However, understanding how to claim Medicare reimbursements is crucial for recouping eligible medical expenses and can significantly ease financial burdens. What is Medicare Reimbu...

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The Vital Role of Ancillary Benefits in Employee Satisfaction

The Vital Role of Ancillary Benefits in Employee Satisfaction

Published February 19, 2025

Have you ever wondered what truly keeps employees engaged and satisfied within a company? While competitive salaries and conventional health insurance are pivotal, it's often the ancillary benefits that make employees feel truly valued. In today's competitive business environment, employee well-bein...

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The 3 Most Popular Types of Workers Compensation Benefits

The 3 Most Popular Types of Workers Compensation Benefits

Published January 13, 2025

Workers' compensation plays a vital role in ensuring financial and medical support for employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. Understanding the types of workers' compensation available is crucial for both employees and employers, ensuring preparedness for workplace incidents and e...

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2025 IL Medicare Open Enrollment: 5 Key Questions Answered

2025 IL Medicare Open Enrollment: 5 Key Questions Answered

Published December 4, 2024

Understanding the 2025 Illinois Medicare Enrollment Period The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) occurs each year from October 15 to December 7. This window is your opportunity to make adjustments to your Medicare coverage, whether that means switching plans or updating your existing coverage...

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The Benefits of an Annual Health Insurance Plan Review

The Benefits of an Annual Health Insurance Plan Review

Published November 15, 2024

Once you have a health insurance plan that provides ample coverage for your needs and the needs of your loved ones, it can be easy to simply forget about it.  After all, how much time do any of us really need to spend thinking about our healthcare coverage?  Still, this raises an interesting point,...

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Health Insurance Options for the Self-Employed

Health Insurance Options for the Self-Employed

Published October 14, 2024

Starting a new business is, ironically enough, one of the scariest and most rewarding things a person can do in this lifetime.  The freedom of working for yourself provides great feelings of accomplishment, yet at the same time, the newfound responsibilities can be unpredictably overwhelming during...

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How to Lower Premiums When Renewing Your Group Health Insurance Plan

How to Lower Premiums When Renewing Your Group Health Insurance Plan

Published September 18, 2024

One of the most frequently voiced concerns we hear from our group health insurance customers, is how substantially premiums have increased for employee health benefits.  And they couldn’t be more right.  Just when a business begins to get comfortable with their new premiums, find themselves shocked...

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Tips for Those Buying Health Insurance for the First Time

Tips for Those Buying Health Insurance for the First Time

Published August 16, 2024

Regardless of whether you recently left your job, underwent a significant life change, or turned 26 and are no longer eligible under your parent’s policy, shopping for health insurance on your own for the first time can be a bit overwhelming.  The healthcare industry is more complex than ever before...

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Is Chiropractic Treatment Covered By Health Insurance?

Is Chiropractic Treatment Covered By Health Insurance?

Published July 31, 2024

For millions, chiropractors are a total Godsend. Here at our Illinois health insurance agency, we are often asked a diverse range of questions regarding specialized treatment such as chiropractic, acupuncture and physical therapy; one of the most common as you might expect, is: "Will my health insur...

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Information on 2024 Medicare Supplement Rate Increases

Information on 2024 Medicare Supplement Rate Increases

Published May 30, 2024

Over the past few months, many who purchase Medicare supplements have discovered that their monthly premiums have increased rather significantly.  And while major health insurance carriers are known to periodically raise rates, it’s apparent that many of those affected have seen premium increases th...

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Tips for New Businesses Considering an Employee Health Insurance Plan

Tips for New Businesses Considering an Employee Health Insurance Plan

Published April 2, 2024

As any budding business owner will agree, launching a new company can be as exciting as it is mentally exhausting.  The list of tasks and responsibilities that must be taken into consideration is nothing short of extraordinary, and overlooking even one can impact the success of the company well into...

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7 Ways to Keep Your Loved Ones Healthy This Spring

7 Ways to Keep Your Loved Ones Healthy This Spring

Published March 12, 2024

Between new COVID variants, RSV and one of the nastiest cold & flu seasons we’ve seen in years, it’s been an unusually trying winter—even among healthy individuals who rarely get sick.  Many of the more common symptoms seemed to linger longer than most people are accustomed to, and illness re-occurr...

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Health Insurance Options After Losing a Job

Health Insurance Options After Losing a Job

Published January 10, 2024

Coming to terms with the loss of a job is stressful enough on its own.  But when losing your job also results in the loss of your employer-provided health insurance, the effects can feel far more catastrophic.  This is especially relevant for older individuals, those with families, and individuals w...

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How a Local Health Insurance Agent Can Simplify Open Enrollment

How a Local Health Insurance Agent Can Simplify Open Enrollment

Published November 14, 2023

With the 2024 health insurance Open Enrollment in full swing, many families and individuals will find themselves shopping for medical insurance on their own for the first time.  And as with previous years, there’s no shortage of plan changes and new coverage options to keep things interesting.  If y...

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5 Mistakes Employers Make During Employee Health Plan Renewal

5 Mistakes Employers Make During Employee Health Plan Renewal

Published September 13, 2023

Renewing a group health plan is, as anyone charged with the task will surely agree, a complex and often frustrating process.  There are dozens and sometime hundreds of forms to fill out, various rates and coverage options to consider, and budgetary restraints which can make finding an affordable pla...

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Join the Company Health Insurance Plan or Buy Your Own?

Join the Company Health Insurance Plan or Buy Your Own?

Published August 17, 2023

For as long as people have been getting health insurance through their jobs, many find themselves questioning whether or not the plan, as selected by their employer, best meets their unique health and medical needs.  The process of choosing a group health plan can be nothing short of mentally exhaus...

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Understanding the Most Popular Types of Life Insurance Policies

Understanding the Most Popular Types of Life Insurance Policies

Published July 28, 2023

Thanks to the seemingly endless stream of life insurance commercials that flood our airwaves and digital media, no one needs to be further reminded on the importance of having life insurance.  What can be helpful, however, is to know the core differences between the various types of life insurance p...

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How Long Term Care Insurance Helps Protect Your Assets and Loved Ones

How Long Term Care Insurance Helps Protect Your Assets and Loved Ones

Published June 28, 2023

Whether for ourselves or for a loved one, many people are shocked to learn just how expensive things like hospice, in-home care, nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be.  On average, the annual cost of a nursing home can range from $40,000 to $70,000, while assisted living centers can ru...

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Since 2003 Premier has been offering the most diverse selection of IL health insurance plans and coverage options. Speak with one of our agents or get a free quote!