Illinois Medicare Supplement Plans: What You Need to Know
Illinois has a substantial Medicare population of approximately 2.2 million beneficiaries. From the world-class medical centers in Chicago to community hospitals in Peoria, Springfield, and Rockford, having the right Medicare coverage ensures access to quality care. That's where unbiased, fee-only guidance makes a difference.
Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that vary by county, Medigap plans in Illinois are standardized by letter (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). This means a Plan G from one company covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from another company. The only differences are the premium you pay and the company's customer service.
Illinois Medigap Open Enrollment Period
In Illinois, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. This 6-month window is critical because:
- Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for any reason
- They cannot charge you more due to health conditions
- You have guaranteed issue rights to any Medigap plan sold in Illinois
Illinois Consumer Protection
Illinois law requires insurance companies to offer a 30-day "free look" period for all Medigap policies. During this time, you can review the policy and cancel for a full refund if you're not satisfied, no questions asked.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in Illinois
While 10 standardized Medigap plans are available in Illinois, the most popular choices are:
| Plan | Coverage Level | Best For | IL Monthly Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Comprehensive | Most new enrollees (best value) | $115 - $250 |
| Plan N | High with copays | Those wanting lower premiums | $85 - $180 |
| Plan F | Most comprehensive | Those eligible before 2020 | $140 - $300 |
*Premium ranges are estimates and vary by age, location within Illinois (Chicago metro typically higher than downstate), gender, and tobacco use. Contact us for personalized quotes.
Plan G vs Plan N in Illinois
For most Illinois residents new to Medicare, the choice comes down to Plan G or Plan N:
- Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible ($240 in 2024). No copays, no surprises. Ideal if you want predictable costs and visit doctors frequently.
- Plan N has lower premiums but requires up to $20 copays for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Good choice if you're healthy and want to save on monthly costs.
Illinois Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
Illinois has a competitive Medicare Advantage market, especially in the Chicago metropolitan area. But these are very different products. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Medigap (Supplement) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $85 - $300+ | $0 - $50 (some higher) |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Very low (predictable) | Up to $8,850/year |
| Doctor Network | Any doctor accepting Medicare | Network restrictions |
| Referrals Needed | No | Often yes (HMO plans) |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Separate Part D plan needed | Usually included |
| Extra Benefits | None | May include dental, vision, gym |
Read our complete Medigap vs Medicare Advantage guide to understand which option might be better for your situation.
Illinois-Specific Medicare Considerations
Chicago Metro vs Downstate Coverage
Illinois presents distinct healthcare environments. Chicago and its surrounding suburbs offer some of the nation's top medical centers, including Northwestern, University of Chicago Medicine, and Rush University Medical Center. However, premiums in the Chicago metro area tend to be higher than in downstate communities. If you live in downstate Illinois, Medigap offers a significant advantage: any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare will accept your Medigap plan, providing flexibility that Medicare Advantage networks may not match.
Rural Illinois Healthcare Access
Many Illinois counties outside the Chicago metro are considered rural or medically underserved. If you live in central or southern Illinois and need to travel to Springfield, Peoria, or even Chicago for specialist care, Medigap eliminates network restrictions. Your coverage works at any facility accepting Medicare, whether it's your local clinic or a university hospital in Chicago.
Snowbird Considerations
Many Illinois residents escape harsh winters by spending time in warmer states like Florida, Arizona, or Texas. If you're a snowbird who lives part of the year elsewhere, Medigap provides nationwide coverage. Your plan works the same whether you're in Chicago, Phoenix, or anywhere in between. Medicare Advantage plans often have network restrictions that can be problematic when traveling or living part-time in another state.
Illinois SHIP Program
Illinois offers a free counseling program called SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) through the Illinois Department on Aging. While SHIP counselors can provide general Medicare information, they cannot recommend specific plans or companies. That's where a fee-only Medicare advisor adds value: we can make specific recommendations based on your individual situation, health needs, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions: Illinois Medicare
The best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights and cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to health conditions.
Yes, but you'll need to go through medical underwriting, which means the insurance company can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health. Some situations trigger "guaranteed issue" rights outside of open enrollment, such as losing employer coverage or moving out of your plan's service area.
Medigap premiums in Illinois typically range from $85-$300+ per month depending on the plan letter, your age, location (Chicago metro premiums are typically higher than downstate), gender, and tobacco use. Illinois generally has moderate Medigap rates with significant regional variation.
Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 before that date, you can still enroll in Plan F. However, Plan G offers nearly identical coverage (minus the Part B deductible) and often has lower premiums.
Yes. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You'll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan separately. Illinois has many Part D options, and we can help you compare them based on your specific medications.
Illinois follows standard federal Medigap rules with a 6-month Open Enrollment Period and no special state-specific protections like birthday rules or year-round guaranteed issue. However, Illinois law does require a 30-day "free look" period for all Medigap policies, during which you can cancel for a full refund.