In Chicago, Illinois, 180,180 out of 308,565 seniors have supplemental Part A and Part B from an Original Medicare plan. The remaining 41.61%, or 128,385 individuals, benefit from a Medicare Advantage plan. We’ll delve into leading supplemental Medicare in Chicago, Illinois, its benefits, and drawbacks.
Medicare plans in Chicago, Illinois
Beneficiaries with out-of-pocket costs from Original Medicare take advantage of Supplemental Medicare plans that provide more coverage. Supplemental Medicare in Illinois consists primarily of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and Medigap. The quotes below reflect male Supplemental Medicare recipients around 70 years of age.
Medicare Advantage plans
Exactly 128,385 Chicago residents are part of an Illinois Medicare Advantage plan. Chicago, located in Cook and DuPage counties, has 56 and 50 supplemental plans, respectively.
One top plan for Medicare in Chicago, Illinois, is Humana, with a four-star rating. It has one of the lowest maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) rates of $2,600 and a zero-dollar premium. As a local PPO, it has a limited service area.
UnitedHealthcare is another four-star rated local PPO Medicare Advantage plan. It has a higher MOOP of $5,900. This provider also has a zero-dollar premium.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (HMO-POS) allows consumers to receive care outside their network. It has a zero-dollar premium and a $3,450 MOOP. Compared to the former two, it has a slightly lower three-star rating.
The average cost of Medicare Advantage plans in Chicago, Illinois
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Star Rating |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois | $0 | $3,450 | HMO-POS | 3 |
| Wellcare | $0 | $3,450 | LOCAL PPO | N/A |
| $0 | $5,900 | LOCAL PPO | 4 | |
| Cigna | $0 | $4,400 | LOCAL PPO | 3 |
| Humana | $0 | $2,600 | HMO | 4 |
Medicare Supplement plans
Supplemental Medicare in Chicago covers what traditional or fee-for-service (FFS) Original Medicare in Illinois doesn’t. Beneficiaries with an additional plan count on supplemental Medicare or Medigap to lower out-of-pocket costs. While Medigap benefits remain constant across all states, monthly premiums may differ depending on location.
The most popular supplemental plan is Plan F. Although it has one of the highest premiums ranging from $155.38 to $456.40, it covers all medical costs. Unlike most other plans, that includes Part B Deductible and Part B Excess Charges.
Plan G is closest in benefits to Plan F. This slightly cheaper plan is ideal for enrollees with a Part D deductible. Monthly premium costs range from $163.30 to $414.30.
The High-Deductible Plan F (HDF) offers the same coverage as Plan F. However, Plan HDF has a monthly deductible. That lowers the premium from $47.34 to $87.21 monthly.
The average cost of Medicare Supplement plans in Chicago, Illinois
| LETTER PLAN | LOWEST PREMIUM | HIGHEST PREMIUM |
| PLAN A | $104.36 | $446.62 |
| PLAN B | $147.86 | $407.08 |
| PLAN C | $170.43 | $453.43 |
| PLAN D | $140.50 | $396.36 |
| PLAN F | $155.38 | $456.40 |
| PLAN HDF | $47.34 | $87.21 |
| PLAN G | $126.67 | $414.30 |
| PLAN HDG | $49.00 | $87.29 |
| PLAN K | $67.75 | $162.25 |
| PLAN L | $85.53 | $265.22 |
| PLAN M | $116.18 | $311.58 |
| PLAN N | $102.47 | $394.68 |
Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
Covering prescription drugs in Illinois out of pocket adds up. Unfortunately, traditional Medicare in Chicago, Illinois (Part A and Part B) and Medigap don’t cover these costs. Instead, consumers need a Part D plan from a private company to cover drug plans.
With a four-star rating, Humana offers Part D with a $480 deductible. It has one of the highest premiums of $22.70.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois is another four-star private company offering Part D. There’s a slightly lower premium of $20.20. The deductible mirrors Humana’s at $480.
For a smaller premium, consider Aetna. Aetna has a marginally lower rating of three stars. However, it has a $6.90 premium and a $480 deductible.
The average cost of Medicare Part D plans in Chicago, Illinois
| PLAN | PREMIUM | DEDUCTIBLE | STAR RATING |
| Aetna | $6.90 | $480 | 3 |
| Wellcare | $11.70 | $480 | 3 |
| Clear Spring | $17.70 | $480 | 2 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois | $20.20 | $480 | 4 |
| Humana | $22.70 | $480 | 4 |
Special Needs plans
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are a smaller subcategory of supplemental Medicare in Chicago, Illinois. SNPs help those with cancer, arthritis, and other chronic disabilities or special needs. While they may not be accessible in all areas, the following carriers provide quality plans.
Humana is an HMO plan type with the cheapest MOOP of $2,600 for those with chronic or disabling illnesses. This carrier has a zero-dollar premium.
UnitedHealthcare has a Local PPO plan type. It has a high MOOP of $7,550 and a $26.70 premium. Those with chronic illnesses or disabilities are eligible for this plan.
MoreCare (HMO) has a lower MOOP of $3,450. It has a zero-dollar premium. Institutional eligibility makes this plan unique.
The average cost of Medicare Special Needs plans in Chicago, Illinois
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Eligibility |
| Wellcare | $0 | $3,450 | HMO | Chronic or Disabling |
| Zing Health | $0 | $3,450 | HMO | Chronic or Disabling |
| Humana | $0 | $2,600 | HMO | Chronic or Disabling |
| MoreCare | $0 | $3,450 | HMO | Institutional |
| $26.70 | $7,550 | LOCAL PPO | Chronic or Disabling |
How to sign up for Medicare plans in Chicago
Whether you’re in the information-gathering stage or ready to make a choice, we can help the residents of Chicago, Illinois, get Supplemental Medicare coverage.
Our licensed insurance agents will assist you in sorting through Medigap plans, Part D, and Medicare Advantage. Their knowledge is unmatched, and their time with you is free of charge.
Give us a call today. Or complete our form to find the best rates in your area today!
