2026 Medicare Advantage Plans in Illinois by County
Medicare Advantage plans in Illinois for 2026 are offered by county. Use your ZIP code or select a county below to view plans available where you live.
Explore Plans in your area using your ZIP Code
Illinois Medicare Advantage Plans: An Overview
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is one option, but nearly half of people with Medicare nationwide are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. These plans, also known as Part C, are run by private insurers that contract with Medicare and are required to provide the same basic coverage as Original Medicare.
Because plans differ in networks, cost-sharing, and added benefits, it’s important to review your options carefully to see which ones align with your needs and budget.
How Medicare Star Ratings Work
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.
In some Illinois County regions, 5-star Medicare Advantage plans may not be offered. That doesn’t mean a 4-star plan isn’t worth considering — it can still provide reliable coverage. Always check the Star Rating when weighing your choices.
Looking Past Star Ratings: What Else Matters
Although Star Ratings shed light on plan performance, they’re just one part of the picture. Your personal health priorities should also shape your decision. For instance, if you’re interested in wellness extras, check whether those benefits are part of the plan.
Checking a Plan’s Formulary and Drug Benefits
Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, also known as Part D. If you take medications regularly, be sure to review a plan’s formulary — the list of drugs it covers and the cost-sharing details.
Look closely for any rules such as prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limits that may apply. Knowing how a formulary works can help you better predict and manage your medication expenses.
Why Provider Networks Matter in Medicare Advantage
Most Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks, meaning you’ll generally need to get care from doctors, hospitals, and specialists in that network unless it’s an emergency. This is different from Original Medicare, which allows broader access.
Check whether your current providers are included in a plan’s network to avoid disruptions in care. It’s also wise to look at the network’s overall reach, particularly if you split time between locations or travel frequently.
Evaluating Medicare Advantage Plan Costs
Out-of-pocket costs vary across Medicare Advantage plans. Expenses such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance determine what you’ll pay for care. Reviewing plan documents or using the Medicare.gov Plan Finder can help you estimate your yearly costs based on your expected healthcare use.
Choosing a plan that matches your health situation and likely service needs may help you manage expenses. Don’t forget to account for costs tied to extra benefits like dental or vision when building a full budget picture.
Tools and Resources to Help You Choose a Plan
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.
Expert Support for Choosing a Plan
Sorting through Medicare Advantage choices can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Help is available through licensed agents and brokers, as well as directly from Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.
They can walk you through plan comparisons, clarify coverage, and provide support in selecting an option that works for you. Reaching out for guidance can bring peace of mind during the decision process.
Explore Plans in your area using your ZIP Code
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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