Health insurance can sometimes feel like assembling IKEA furniture with no instructions and three leftover screws. In this episode of The Council Covers It, host Kate Morthland sits down with Morgan Winters, Director of Get Covered Illinois, to help consumers better understand what happens after enrolling in a Marketplace health plan.

Whether you recently selected coverage through the Illinois Marketplace, switched plans during open enrollment, or are simply trying to decode terms like deductible, copay, and out-of-pocket maximum without your brain buffering, this episode walks through the practical basics of using your new health insurance with confidence.

Morgan shares helpful guidance on:

• The first steps consumers should take once coverage begins
• Understanding common insurance terminology
• How to check what services your plan covers
• Making sure doctors, specialists, and pharmacies are in-network
• What to do if you receive an unexpected medical bill
• Where consumers can turn for help when they have questions about their coverage

This episode is packed with practical tips designed to help Illinois consumers avoid common mistakes, save money, and make the most of their health insurance coverage.

Resources & Links

• Get Covered Illinois
• Get Covered Illinois Phone Number: 1-866-311-1119
  
  
• Illinois Life & Health Insurance Council (ILHIC)
  
  

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🎧 New episodes drop regularly with industry experts, policy discussions, and consumer-focused conversations that make insurance easier to understand.

We’ll catch you next time on another episode of The Council Covers It!

In this episode of The Council Covers It, we’re celebrating Life Insurance Awareness Month with a conversation designed to make life insurance simple, clear, and approachable. Host Kate Morthland sits down with Corbin McGhee from the Illinois Department of Insurance to break down what life insurance is, how to figure out how much coverage you need, and how to navigate your options as a consumer.

Whether you’re shopping for a policy for the first time or just want to better understand how life insurance works, this episode is packed with practical tips, myth-busting, and insights from the state regulator working to protect Illinois consumers.

Important Links:

Home - IDOI

Contact Us

In this episode of The Council Covers It, we’re honored to welcome Senator Julie Morrison, Chairwoman of the Illinois Senate Insurance Committee and a powerhouse voice in public policy. From championing issues to navigating the complexities of insurance legislation, Senator Morrison brings clarity, compassion, and commitment to her role.

Host Kate Morthland sits down with the Senator to explore:
✅ Her legislative priorities this session
✅ What it’s like to lead the Senate Insurance Committee
✅ How she balances consumer protections with insurance innovation
✅ The importance of bipartisanship and collaboration in policymaking
✅ Her favorite ways to decompress after a long day in the Capitol

Whether you're a policymaker, insurance professional, or simply curious about how real change happens in Springfield, this episode is full of insight, perspective, and a few personal gems (comfort food, anyone?).

Connect with Senator Morrison:
E-Mail the Senator

Senate Bill 2323 (SB 2323) is discussed in this episode. Be sure to check it out for more context on the policy topics covered.