Medicare Supplement Plans in Illinois

Medicare Supplement plans in Illinois follow federally standardized rules, so they are the same as in most other states. When you enroll in Original Medicare, you can also get a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, which will pay secondary. It is essential to research the Medigap plans and carriers available in your area to ensure you enroll in the best coverage possible.

Below, we review what makes Illinois unique when it comes to Medicare Supplement plans. We also help explain how best to utilize the benefits of Medigap plans in Illinois.

The Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Illinois are:

• Medicare Supplement Plan F
• Medicare Supplement Plan G
• Medicare Supplement Plan N

Medicare Supplement Plan F was once the King of Medicare Supplement plans because it covers every cost after Original Medicare pays. However, many Medicare beneficiaries are no longer eligible to enroll in this coverage. Specifically, those initially eligible for Original Medicare after January 1, 2020, cannot enroll in Medigap Plan F.

Additionally, Medicare Supplement Plan F has declined in popularity, even among those eligible to enroll. This decrease in enrollment is due to high premium increases on Medigap Plan F, which negates the annual savings that come with the plan’s coverage of the Medicare Part B deductible. Thus, it is more cost-effective for most to enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G.

Medigap Plan G is swiftly becoming the most popular Medicare Supplement plan available. This plan covers everything Medicare Supplement Plan F covers, other than the Medicare Part B deductible. Thus, once you meet the annual Medicare Part B deductible, your policy will cover you at 100% for the rest of the calendar year.

Medicare Supplement Plan N rounds out our list of best Medicare Supplement plans in Illinois. This plan is a fantastic option for the Medicare beneficiary who does not want to pay a high monthly premium but still wants to ensure coverage in an emergency.

With Medicare Supplement Plan N, you are responsible for covering the Medicare Part B deductible and $20-$50 copayments when visiting the doctor or emergency room. Additionally, you may be subject to excess charges.

Excess charges are an additional 15% cost on top of the pre-determined price of medical services Medicare covers if the beneficiary receives the services at a doctor who does not accept Medicare assignment. Eight states do not allow excess charges. However, Illinois is not one of those states.

Ultimately, the best Medicare Supplement plan for you is the one that brings you the most value. So, if you do not visit the doctor regularly and your family health history is not concerning, Medicare Supplement Plan N could save you quite a bit of money. Still, if you are eligible and want top-of-the-line coverage, you may be partial to Medicare Supplement Plan F.

This change must occur during a window starting on your birthday and lasting 45 days. The Illinois birthday rule aims to provide a chance for individuals to enroll in a new plan when they may otherwise be denied entry due to pre-existing health conditions.

Below is an example of a male and female who enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan in Illinois. In both scenarios, the beneficiary does NOT use any form of tobacco. Remember that these prices are examples, and your actual cost could be more or less than the below rates.

Additional Medicare Coverage in Illinois

Medicare Supplement plans in Illinois are not the only form of coverage available for those over 65. One of the most significant holes in Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans is the lack of prescription drug coverage as well as dental, vision, and hearing coverage. These services are necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

If you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan in Illinois, you should also sign up for a Medicare Part D plan as soon as possible. Medicare Part D plans work alongside Original Medicare to provide coverage for prescription drugs.

Additionally, several carriers offer stand-alone dental, vision, and hearing plans that combine the benefits of these services into one policy. While Medicare eligibility does not factor into eligibility for these plans, they are most helpful for those with Original Medicare.

If you wish to enroll in coverage with a low to zero-dollar monthly premium, a Medicare Advantage plan might be right for you. Medicare Advantage plans bundle Original Medicare and additional benefits, such as prescription drug, dental, vision, and hearing coverage, into an all-in-one plan.

However, since Medicare Advantage becomes your primary source of coverage, it often restricts beneficiaries to small networks of physicians with additional restrictions on coverage. These plans can also ultimately have higher out-of-pocket costs per year in comparison to Medigap.

It is illegal to enroll in both a Medicare Supplement and a Medicare Advantage plan. So, it is important to research both plan types before deciding which coverage to choose.

Medigap Under 65 in Illinois

Since the 1980s, Illinois requires Medicare Supplement plan carriers to sell plans to those who qualify for Medicare under age 65. However, there is no federal mandate for carriers to offer all plans to beneficiaries under 65.

When you enroll in a Medigap plan in Illinois under age 65, you will likely pay a higher premium than those who are over 65. Therefore, you receive a second Open Enrollment Period upon turning 65. This opportunity allows beneficiaries to choose a new plan with a potentially lower premium.

FAQs

How to Apply for the Best Medicare Supplement Plan in Illinois

You can apply for Medicare Supplement plans over the phone with a knowledgeable agent. At MedicareFAQ, we are not only an excellent resource for Medicare education, but we also work one-on-one with our clients to find the best plan for their needs. You do not need an Illinois-based Medicare agent to find your ideal coverage.

Our agents provide every client with a personalized plan comparison outlining the top options based on your needs and wants for your healthcare. Once we determine the best coverage for you, we can also help walk you through the application process to ensure all information is received correctly.

You deserve the best policy with the best customer service, and we deliver just that! Give us a call at the number above to get your rates today. Or, fill out an online rate form to see your rates now!

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