CHICAGO – Illinois officials chose a relatively lean small-group policy Friday as the benchmark plan for essential health benefits in the state, another milepost in implementing President Barack Obama’s health care law.

Gov. Pat Quinn’s health care council approved Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Blue Advantage plan as the benchmark at a meeting in Chicago. It will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which will take public comment.

Ultimately, the benchmark plan will determine the cost of future premiums and how broad coverage will be for many Illinois patients.