A Guide to Medicare Supplement Plans in Illinois

Medicare Supplement Plans in Illinois are designed to help fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, offering extra protection against unexpected medical expenses.

There are 10 standardized Medicare Supplement Plans available in Illinois, each with its own unique set of benefits and price points.

Illinois residents can enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan during their Initial Enrollment Period, which begins on the first day of the month that is three months before their 65th birthday.

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There are 10 standardized types of Medigap plans in Illinois, each identified by a single letter from A to N. Plans F and G are the most popular, offering the most comprehensive coverage.

Here's a breakdown of the 10 Medigap plan categories:

There are 10 standardized types of Medigap plans, identified by a single letter from A to N. Each plan category offers the same base of benefits, including reimbursement for all or a portion of the expenses related to Part A and B coinsurance, Part A hospice care copays or coinsurance, blood transfusions, and 365 days of inpatient hospital care after Original Medicare benefits are exhausted.

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Plan F and G are the most comprehensive and popular options, offering a high-deductible version. Plans F and G also offer foreign travel exchange or charges for services and supplies that exceed the amount approved by Original Medicare.

Here's a breakdown of the benefits offered by each plan category:

Note that Plans C and F are not available to new beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.

If you're looking for affordable options, here are the cheapest plans available. In Illinois, the cheapest Plan G option is Allstate Insurance, with a monthly premium of $111.68.

The top 5 cheapest Plan G options in Illinois are:

Plan F options are also available, but they tend to be more expensive. Chubb Limited offers the cheapest Plan F option in Illinois, with a monthly premium of $125.36.

You can purchase a Medicare Supplement plan in Illinois if you're eligible for Original Medicare. This means you can buy a Medigap plan, but if you don't buy one during your initial 6-month open enrollment period, there's no guarantee you'll be able to buy a plan later on, and you might pay more if you do get one.

Your initial 6-month open enrollment period starts the first month you have Medicare Part B coverage. During this time, insurance companies can't deny you coverage, even if you have pre-existing conditions.

You'll get the best prices and the most choices if you purchase a Medigap plan during your initial 6-month open enrollment period. After this period, plans can choose to deny coverage based on your health status.

You can use Medicare's online plan finder tool to help you locate plans and providers in your zip code. GoHealth licensed insurance agents can also help you find plans in your area and thoroughly help you compare them so you can find the right one that will fit your needs.

Here are some situations that may give you guaranteed issue rights to purchase a Medigap policy, regardless of your health conditions or any pre-existing health conditions:

You might be able to buy a Medicare Supplement insurance plan any time of the year once you're eligible, but the best time to buy a plan in Illinois is during the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period. This period begins automatically on the first day of the month that you're at least 65 years old and enrolled in Medicare Part B, and it lasts for six months.

Consider reading: Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period 2023

In Illinois, Medigap plan costs can vary depending on the insurance company and your age. Expect to pay around $98 to $391 each month for a Medigap plan A, G, or N if you enroll during your open enrollment period.

Medigap policies can be rated in three ways: community rated, issue-age rated, and attained-age-rated. Community rated plans charge the same premium to everyone, regardless of age, while issue-age rated plans are based on your age when you buy the policy. Attained-age-rated plans increase in cost as you get older.

You can get help navigating Medicare options from various Illinois organizations, including the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Illinois. These organizations offer free counseling services and can connect you with resources to guide you through the Medicare enrollment process.

Here are some key contact numbers to keep handy:

Medigap plan costs can also vary depending on the insurance company and plan type. In 2022, Medigap premiums in Illinois ranged from around $50 to $920 per month for standard plans and $32 to $220 per month for high-deductible plans.

Medigap premiums in Illinois can range from $50 to $920 per month for standard plans and $32 to $220 per month for high-deductible plans in 2022. This is a significant variation in costs, depending on the insurance company and plan type.

The cost of Medigap plans can be affected by your age, with some plans pricing premiums based on your age and others using a community rating system. Community-rated plans charge the same premium regardless of age, with only inflation or other factors causing increases.

Medigap plans can be rated in three ways: community rated, issue-age rated, and attained-age-rated. Community-rated plans are based on inflation or other factors, while issue-age rated plans are based on your age when you buy the policy.

If you enroll in a Medigap plan during your open enrollment period, you can expect to pay about $98 to $391 each month for a plan A, G, or N in Illinois. This cost can vary depending on your insurer and how your premium is rated.

Some Medigap plans offer discounts for things like being a non-smoker, paying your premium annually instead of monthly, and joining as a married couple. These discounts can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

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If you're a Medicare beneficiary or caregiver in Illinois, there are several organizations and resources available to help you navigate the Medicare system.

The Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging can connect you with one of its regional agencies, which provide a comprehensive selection of services for older adults, including resources to guide you through the Medicare enrollment process.

These agencies have programs designed to help seniors 60 and older maintain their health and independence, including resources to guide you through the Medicare enrollment process.

You can contact the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging at 217-787-9234 or visit their website for more information.

The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Illinois is a free counseling service that can provide you with information about applying for Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.

You can contact SHIP Illinois at 800-252-8966 or visit their website for more information.

If you need to submit an insurance complaint, you can contact the Illinois Department of Insurance at 312-814-8292 or visit their website.

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The Good Start Medicare service, offered through the state's Department On Aging and SHIP, is a valuable resource for frequently asked questions, connections to agencies, and general guidelines for enrolling in and making the most of Medicare and associated plans.

Here are the contact details for these resources:

Start by deciding the level of coverage you need, based on your budget and health needs.

The main variable in choosing a Medicare Supplement plan in Illinois is plan cost. This is because benefits are standardized for each plan type.

You pay a monthly premium for your Medicare Supplement plan, in addition to your Part B monthly premium. The premium amount is determined based on the type of plan you get, your age, gender, tobacco use, and state of residence.

Consider the insurance provider's ratings and past experience when choosing a plan. You can contact a company representative to get an idea of their customer service and responsiveness.

Additional reading: What Is the Average Medicare Supplement Premium

Some plans and insurers offer added perks or discounts once you become a member, such as discounted hearing aid providers or eyeglass suppliers.

Here's a breakdown of the factors to consider when choosing a Medicare Supplement plan: