Discover the Top Medicare Advantage Plans Illinois Offers
Sorting through the Medicare Advantage plans available in Illinois can feel overwhelming, with so many choices to consider. Whether you’re brand new to Medicare or just searching for a plan that better fits your needs, remember that each plan can be very different.
If you already know how Medicare Advantage works, you can go straight to the plans in your Illinois County by entering your zip code in the Plan Finder tool below. Otherwise, read on for more details.
Explore Plans in your area using your ZIP Code
Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan in Illinois starts with understanding your personal health requirements and budget. These two factors are essential in narrowing down which plans may work best for you.
In the sections ahead, we’ll provide a roadmap to Illinois’s Medicare Advantage landscape, spotlight plans that score well in quality, and explain the factors to weigh as you compare your options.
Comparing Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage in Illinois
While many people stay with Original Medicare (Parts A and B), a large share of beneficiaries choose Medicare Advantage instead. Often called Medicare Part C, these plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and must include all the benefits of Original Medicare.
That said, each plan can vary in important ways, including its provider network, costs, and any extra benefits. Comparing these details closely will help you decide which plan best matches your situation.
The Medicare Advantage 5-Star Quality System
When looking at Medicare Advantage plans in Illinois, you may come across Medicare’s Star Ratings. Created by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), this system rates plans from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars reflecting the highest performance.
The ratings take into account factors such as member satisfaction, preventive services, management of chronic health needs, and customer support. They’re designed to give you a clearer way to compare plan quality.
Access to 5-star Medicare Advantage plans isn’t guaranteed in every Illinois County. Plans with 4 stars or fewer may still deliver quality care and benefits. Be sure to look at the Star Ratings before making a final decision.
Looking Past Star Ratings: What Else Matters
A plan’s Star Rating is a helpful benchmark, but it shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. Think about what matters most to you. If access to wellness or fitness programs is a priority, confirm that the plan offers those options.
Understanding Prescription Coverage Under Part D
Prescription drug coverage, or Part D, is often built into Medicare Advantage plans. For those who rely on daily or ongoing prescriptions, checking a plan’s formulary is a key step. The formulary outlines which drugs are covered and what you’ll pay.
Be mindful of restrictions that may apply, like prior authorization or dosage limits. Understanding these details helps you avoid surprises and manage your healthcare costs.
Doctors, Specialists, and Hospitals in Your Network
Unlike Original Medicare, most Medicare Advantage plans work within a defined provider network, except in emergencies. These networks include doctors, specialists, and hospitals. It’s important to confirm that your preferred providers participate in the plan before you enroll.
If you regularly see certain doctors, making sure they’re in-network helps maintain consistent care. Also, review the network’s service area, which can be especially important if you travel often or live in more than one location.
Understanding Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Costs under Medicare Advantage differ by plan and typically include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Reviewing these details closely, or using the Plan Finder on Medicare.gov, can help you understand your potential yearly expenses.
When comparing, think about how your health needs translate into costs. Also factor in additional services like dental or vision, since they can affect your total out-of-pocket responsibility.
Practical Tips for Reviewing Plan Options
Selecting a Medicare Advantage plan in Illinois shouldn’t be rushed. Careful comparison from trusted sources will help you make a more informed choice.
Medicare.gov’s Plan Finder tool allows you to see how plans compare in your area. In addition, reviewing plan materials, checking independent resources, and asking others about their experiences can give you valuable perspective.
Where to Turn for Medicare Guidance
If you find Medicare Advantage options overwhelming, assistance is just a phone call away. Licensed Medicare brokers and agents are available, or you can contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE for unbiased information.
These experts can help you understand your choices, answer specific questions, and guide you toward plans that align with your needs. Seeking help can make the enrollment journey less stressful.
Explore Plans in your area using your ZIP Code
Explore Plans in Illinois by County
Click on your Illinois County to explore the plans available in your area.
The MA and MAPD plans available though this page are available to people on Medicare enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B living in Illinois.
Plans Offered for Enrollment through Medicare.org
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers: Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aspire Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Capital Blue Cross, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, Florida Blue Medicare, Freedom Health, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, HealthSpring℠, HealthSun, Healthy Blue, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Medica Central Health Plan, Optimum HealthCare, Premera Blue Cross, SCAN Health Plan, Simply, UnitedHealthcare(R), Wellcare, WellPoint
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