Same-sex marriage refers to lawful marriage between spouses of the same sex. Same-sex marriage is legal and recognized in every U.S. state and the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.).

As long as a same-sex couple is married in a jurisdiction with legal authority to authorize the marriage, a health insurance company that offers health coverage to opposite-sex spouses must do the same for same-sex spouses.

The federal Health Insurance Marketplace® also treats married same-sex couples the same as married opposite-sex couples in every state when they apply for premium tax credits and lower out-of-pocket costs on private insurance plans.

In Illinois, same-sex marriage has been legally recognized since it was signed into law on November 20, 2013, and went into effect on June 1, 2014. This recognition means that same-sex couples have the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as opposite-sex couples under state law, including in matters of health insurance. Health insurance companies in Illinois are required to offer coverage to same-sex spouses if they offer coverage to opposite-sex spouses. This is in line with federal regulations, which mandate that the Health Insurance Marketplace® must treat married same-sex couples the same as married opposite-sex couples for purposes of premium tax credits and lower out-of-pocket costs on private insurance plans, regardless of the state in which they reside. Therefore, in Illinois, same-sex married couples are entitled to the same health insurance benefits as any other married couple.