Key Takeaways:
- Illinois offers 157 Medicare Advantage plans with an average monthly premium of $8.39. All Medicare beneficiaries in the state have access to at least one $0 premium plan.
- For those seeking supplemental coverage, Medigap Plan G in Illinois provides comprehensive benefits at an average cost of $150-$120 per month, while Plan N offers a more budget-friendly option.
- Illinois residents have access to 17 stand-alone Part D prescription drug plans, with over 65% of beneficiaries able to switch to a lower-premium plan in 2025.
Medicare coverage in Illinois varies dramatically, from Chicago’s metropolitan settings to the state’s rural communities. That makes plan selection a critical decision for the state’s Medicare-eligible population.
Understanding your options – from the comprehensive coverage of Original Medicare’s foundational coverage to the extra benefits of Medicare Advantage plans – is key to ensuring access to the healthcare you need without unexpected costs.
Types of Medicare Plans Available in Illinois
Illinois Medicare beneficiaries can access multiple coverage options designed to meet different healthcare needs and preferences.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
Original Medicare provides standardized benefits for Illinois residents through two distinct components:
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Provides coverage for inpatient care, including hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care.
In 2025, many Illinois residents qualify for premium-free Part A through their work history. Those without sufficient Medicare tax contributions face monthly premiums of $285 or $518.
Each benefit period carries a $1,676 deductible, with additional costs varying according to the length of inpatient care.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient services, including preventive services, medical equipment, and diagnostic tests.
For 2025, Medicare Part B involves several cost components:
- Standard monthly premium: $185.
- Yearly deductible: $257.
- Ongoing costs: 20% coinsurance for covered services.
Data sourced from Medicare Basics.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare-approved private insurers offer Medicare Advantage or Part C plans that cover all the benefits of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), together with extra coverage of prescription drugs and vision, hearing, and dental services.
In 2025, Illinois offered 157 Medicare Advantage plans, a wide selection.
- All Medicare beneficiaries in the state have access to a Medicare Advantage plan.
- The average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans fell from $12.01 in 2024 to $8.39 in 2025.
- The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan is $0, and all Illinois residents with Medicare have access to at least one such plan.
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Illinois:
| Carrier | Average CMS Star Rating (All Plans) | Availability | Monthly Premium | Annual Deductible | Maximum Out-of-Pocket |
| UnitedHealthcare(AARP Medicare Advantage Plan) | 3.82 ★ | 49 states and D.C. | $0 | $0 | $2,900 |
| Humana (Humana Gold Plus Plan) | 3.63 ★ | 48 states, D.C., PR | $0 | $0 | $2,150 |
| Aetna(Aetna Medicare Choice Plan) | 4.27 ★ | 44 states and D.C. | $0 | $0 | $4,750 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield (Basic HMO Plan) | 3.96 ★ | 48 states, D.C., PR | $0 | $0 | $4,500 |
Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Comparison of plans from Illinois Zip Code 60606. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.
Private insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans in Illinois include:
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Devoted Health
- Essence Healthcare
- Quartz Medicare Advantage
- Humana
Navigate Illinois Medicare with confidence.
CoverRight understands the unique healthcare needs of Illinois residents. Our licensed advisors help you compare plans and get optimal Medicare coverage for your healthcare needs.
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Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Managing prescription drug costs is a crucial part of healthcare planning. Medicare Part D covers the costs of prescription medications.
You have two primary options for obtaining Medicare Part D coverage in Illinois:
- Stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs): These plans are designed to supplement Original Medicare by adding prescription drug coverage.
- Medicare Advantage Plans with Prescription Drug Coverage: Many Medicare Advantage plans in Illinois include prescription drug coverage as part of their benefits package.
Each Part D plan has a formulary or a list of covered drugs organized into different tiers, each with a different cost-sharing arrangement.
When evaluating Part D plans, you must compare costs – including premiums, deductibles, and copayments – and carefully review the formulary to ensure your medications are covered.
Learn more: How to Compare Medicare Part D Plans.
In 2025, Illinois residents can access 17 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans, with all Medicare enrollees having access to at least one plan.
- Over 65% of those with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan can switch to a plan with a premium lower than what they paid in 2024.
- Eligibility for Extra Help, a financial assistance program for Medicare Part D, expanded in 2024. As a result, 26.36% of Illinois Part D beneficiaries can access Extra Help.
- The lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan is $0.
| Plan Name | Premium | Deductible | CMS Star Rating |
| WellCare Value Script | $0 | $590 | 3.5 ★ |
| Humana Premier Rx Plan | $125.80 | $0 | 3.5 ★ |
| AARP MedicareRxPreferred from UHC | $81.1 | $0 | 2 ★ |
| Blue Cross MedicareRx Choice | $51.3 | $590 | 3 ★ |
Note: Data from MedicareWire.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans
Private insurers offer Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans to pay for certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not cover.
Medigap plans offer standardized benefits that remain consistent year after year for those who value financial predictability in their healthcare spending. This predictability makes budgeting for healthcare expenses more manageable.
Two plans stand out in popularity: Plan G and Plan N.
Plan G offers comprehensive coverage and pays for nearly all Medicare-approved costs except the Part B deductible. Plan N, on the other hand, is a cost-effective alternative for those willing to share the cost of Part B excess charges and some copayments in exchange for lower premiums.
Top Medigap providers in Illinois include:
- Thrivent
- Americo Life
- MassMutual
- Mutual of Omaha
- AARP
Average Costs of Medicare Plans in Illinois
Planning for Medicare expenses requires understanding coverage options’ fixed and variable costs.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what Illinois beneficiaries can expect to pay.
| Plan Type | Average Monthly Premium | Average Deductibles | What it Covers |
| Original Medicare Part A | $0($285 or $518 if you do not qualify for free premiums). | $1,676 | Inpatient care, such as hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice care. |
| Original Medicare Part B | $185 | $257 | Outpatient care, preventative services, and medical equipment. |
| Medicare Advantage | $8.39 | ($0 – $590) Varies by plan/region. |
All Original Medicare + extra benefits like vision, hearing, and dental care. |
| Part D | $56.12 | $495 | Prescription drugs. |
| Medigap Plan G and Plan N | $120 – $200 | N/A | Fills gaps in Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs. |
Note: All data reflect 2025 averages sourced from Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, and MedicareWire and may vary by provider.
Top Medicare Advantage and Medigap Providers in Illinois
Illinois boasts a diverse and competitive Medicare market. While that gives you more options, it also requires you to assess each provider’s strengths and weaknesses carefully.
Best Medicare Advantage Providers
Medicare Advantage plans in Illinois offer an all-in-one approach to health coverage, but choosing the right provider requires careful consideration.
The best plans balance comprehensive networks with sustainable cost structures and added benefits.
Understanding each provider’s track record is key to having reliable coverage when you need it most.
Learn more: Finding Medicare Providers: Which One Is Right For You?
| Carrier | Highest Rating | Lowest Rating | Median Rating | Total Number of MA Contracts |
| Aetna | 4.5 | 2.5 | 4.0 | 45 |
| Centene | 4.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 106 |
| Cigna | 4.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 17 |
| Elevance (Anthem BCBS) | 5.0 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 46 |
| Humana | 5.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 48 |
| United Healthcare | 5.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 75 |
Note: Medicare Advantage CMS Star Ratings: 6 Major Carriers (Updated 11/15/24).
Best Medigap Providers
The best Medigap providers in Illinois bring the advantage of proven claim payment histories and stable premium structures.
The highest-rated companies offer competitive pricing, excellence in customer support, and transparent policy terms that help beneficiaries maximize their coverage benefits.
Here’s how the top providers compare for Plan G and Plan N coverage in Illinois:
Plan G Providers
| Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | AM Best Rating |
| Thrivent | $92.15 | $25.00 | A++ |
| Americo Life | $92.63 | None | A |
| MassMutual | $99.04 | None | A++ |
| AARP | $107.59 | None | A |
| Mutual of Omaha | $110.76 | None | A+ |
| Reserve National | $113.40 | $15.00 | A- |
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield | $139.00 | None | A |
| Globe Life | $145.50 | None | A+ |
| United American | $160.00 | None | A+ |
| Liberty Bankers Life | $88.64 | $25.00 | B++ |
Plan N Providers
| Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | AM Best Rating |
| Thrivent | $77.83 | $25.00 | A++ |
| Americo Life | $75.39 | None | A |
| Mutual of Omaha | $80.10 | None | A+ |
| MassMutual | $85.49 | None | A++ |
| AARP | $91.22 | None | A |
| Reserve National | $105.75 | $15.00 | A- |
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield | $108.00 | None | A |
| Globe Life | $123.50 | None | A+ |
| United American | $139.00 | None | A+ |
| Liberty Bankers Life | $75.72 | $25.00 | B++ |
Note: Data for Plan G and Plan N from MedicareWire.
How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in Illinois
Your path to optimal Medicare coverage involves balancing three key factors: your healthcare needs, preferred providers, and financial considerations.
Start by listing your must-have benefits, whether comprehensive prescription coverage, access to preferred doctors and specialists, or extra services like dental and vision care.
Here are some key considerations:
- Calculate your typical yearly healthcare expenses.
- Review your current doctors’ Medicare participation status.
- Evaluate how often you travel outside Illinois.
- Compare prescription drug formularies across plans.
How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in Illinois
Understanding Medicare enrollment periods and processes is important.
Here’s what you need to know about key enrollment periods:
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is your first opportunity to enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). It begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and extends three months after that. You can also enroll in Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D prescription drug plans during this period.
- Annual Open Enrollment Period: You can make changes to your existing Medicare coverage from October 15th to December 7th each year. That includes switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, changing Medicare Advantage plans, and enrolling in or changing Part D plans.
Learn more: Open Enrollment vs Annual Enrollment: Difference Between AEP and OEP.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different plan or return to Original Medicare (and join a Part D plan) from January 1st to March 31st of each year.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Certain life events such as relocating, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid may trigger a Special Enrollment Period. This is an opportunity to enroll in Medicare outside the standard enrollment periods.
Let’s now consider the steps necessary to enroll in Medicare.
- Gather Your Information: Your Medicare number (if you have one), Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and information about your current health coverage (if any). You may also need to provide tax information, bank account information, and existing prescription medication.
- Explore Your Options: Research the different Medicare plans available in Illinois by comparing costs, coverage, and provider networks. Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to compare plans side-by-side.
- Enroll Online or By Phone: You can enroll in a Medicare plan online through the Medicare website. This is often the quickest and easiest method. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to enroll by phone.
- Enroll with an Insurance Agent: A licensed insurance agent such as CoverRight can provide personalized guidance and help you enroll in a plan that meets your needs.
Medicare Resources for Illinois Residents
Illinois maintains several free resources to help you understand and maximize your Medicare benefits. These organizations are dedicated to supporting your healthcare decisions.
- Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program: Delivers free, personalized counseling to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their options and make informed coverage decisions.
- Illinois Department of Insurance: Handles insurance-related questions, complaints, and regulatory issues to ensure fair treatment of Medicare beneficiaries.
- Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services: Provides guidance about Medicaid benefits and eligibility, particularly valuable for those exploring dual Medicare-Medicaid coverage.
Make Medicare simple in Illinois.
At CoverRight, our specialists deeply understand the Medicare system and the Illinois healthcare market. We’ll help guide you to coverage that fits your life and budget.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Medicare Open Enrollment Partner Resources. Published 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed December 4, 2024
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Ratings Fact Sheet. Published October 13, 2023. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed December 4, 2024
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 4, 2024
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 4, 2024
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 4, 2024.
- Medicare.gov
- When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 4, 2024.
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 4, 2024.
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
- Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2024. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed December 4, 2024.
