There are just over 1,653,000 people in Illinois who are Medicare recipients. The coverage ranges from beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare only to Supplemental Medicare plans.
Whether you’re about to join Medicare or firmly in all or just a portion, the Land of Lincoln has plenty of information about its supplemental plans and Original Medicare.
Illinois Medicare Insurance
- More than 1,400,000 Illinoisans can proudly report enrollment in Part A & B of Medicare.
- Just over 1,200,000 of those receive Medicare by aging in.
- Roughly 180,000 have Medicare through disability.
- Medicare Part D utilizers account for 1,630,000 Illinois residents. Medicare Advantage plans have 534,000 beneficiaries.
Perusing Medicare Costs in Illinois
Whether you’re new to Medicare or currently a user but feel you might need a refresher, the following info should help you get a grip on potential costs surrounding Original Medicare.
Part A of Medicare is free and covers all the costs of hospital visits. Medicare Part A is also known as inpatient care. While it’s free to enroll, it’s good to remember that a deductible for each benefit period exists. Part A would cover you if you have an emergency room visit or are scheduled for major surgery.
The other side of Original Medicare is Part B. any doctor visit not at the hospital uses Part B. Anything from a trip to your general practitioner to a specialist is included, as well as needed medical supplies, vaccines, and more.
You can access both parts if you’re 65 years or older and a US citizen. If you have a 10-year work history, membership in Part A of Medicare is free.
| Medicare Part A Costs in 2023 | Medicare Part B Costs in 2023 |
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Original Medicare in Illinois
To see the reach of Original Medicare, let’s take a quick look at those enrolled in both Parts A&B in Illinois. In the Land of Lincoln, over 1,600,000 Illinoisans have at least one part. Of that number, 1,400,000 aged in, and 200,000 get it through disability.
Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage)
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Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
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Supplemental Medicare Plans in Illinois
Even though Parts A&B are suitable for most people, there might come a time when you decide you require a supplemental Medicare plan to ensure you’re fully insured. Here are some of the different supplements available.
Medigap: If some part of Original Medicare doesn’t offer all the coverage you need, a Medicare Supplement plan might be for you. This plan costs the recipient upfront but can help by further reducing or eliminating co-pays and deductibles. You’re also not tied to just Original Medicare’s approved providers, including coverage if you travel outside the United States.
Part C/Medicare Advantage: Medicare Advantage is another way Illinois residents can receive their Original Medicare. These plans work because private health care providers have to follow the rules of Original Medicare. You’ll pay an out-of-pocket premium for this. However, choosing this option could be advantageous depending on plan availability in your area.
Part D: Medication can be expensive. So a Part D plan, which covers your prescription drugs, is attractive to many senior citizens who want more stabilized costs. Recipients can be in different tiers of Part D coverage based on their individual needs.
Another important note is that if you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can get Part D included with Parts A&B.
All these supplemental plans have in common that the price will differ depending on what coverage you choose and where you live within Illinois. So those in Chicago will be eligible for a different rate than their counterparts in Springfield or Rockford, for instance.
Illinois Medicare Resources
The State of Illinois has its SHIP program through the Illinois Department of Aging. In particular, its Good Start Medicare page is a good starting point for figuring out what you need to know about Medicare.
If Medicaid is what you’re searching for, citizens can apply for and find information about that through the Application for Benefits Eligibility (or ABE).
When you’re looking for supplemental health care plans, though, we’re the ones who can provide you with those.
Cities in Illinois with Estimated Premiums for Medicare Supplement Coverage
Below, there are charts with the estimated premiums for Medicare Supplement coverage for the following cities:
FAQs
How old do you have to be to qualify for Medicare in Illinois?
If you’re able-bodied, you must be 65 years old to enroll in Medicare. However, if you have a disability and have been drawing Social Security Disability Insurance for at least 24 months, you can enter it earlier.
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Illinois?
Indeed, there is. The income limit for Medicaid is $17,775 per year for a single person before taxes. To figure out your exact threshold, add $6,265 for each additional person in your household. If you’re at or under the number for your family, you qualify for Medicaid in Illinois.
Can I get Medicare at age 62?
You can only get Medicare under particular criteria at age 62. Those include:
- End-stage renal (kidney) disease
- Receiving SSDI for at least 24 months unless you have ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). The 24-month requirement is waived in this case.
How to Sign Up for Supplemental Medicare in Illinois
A licensed agent can help you sort through all Illinois supplemental Medicare plans. As the customer, you have a wealth of options, and using a licensed agent will be a huge aid — especially considering the agent is free of charge!
Your health coverage is not a decision to take lightly. So give us a call or click on our rate form to connect with us today and assist you in finding the best plans at affordable prices.
