Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Illinois
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More than 2.3 million people in Illinois are signed up for Medicare, making it the seventh-largest state for Medicare beneficiaries.
Medicare is the government health care program for people 65 and older. Medicare Advantage is a bundled alternative to Medicare sold by private insurance companies. It offers all the same benefits and usually some extras, such as cost help with dental and vision coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans offer more benefits than Original Medicare, and they're often cheaper than paying for Medicare and a Medicare Supplement plan, but they offer less flexibility because you’ll need to get care from within the plan’s network of providers. Weigh your options to determine what plan best suits your needs.
What to know about Medicare in Illinois
With about 1 in 6 people in Illinois being 65 and older, the state offers a variety of Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.
The average monthly premium in 2023 for a Medicare Advantage plan in Illinois is $11.39. (This is down from $14.25 in 2022.)
There are 173 Medicare Advantage plans available in Illinois in 2023. (This is up from 166 plans in 2022.)
All Medicare-eligible people in Illinois have access to a $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Advantage companies in Illinois
Ascension Complete.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of IL, NM.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.
Clear Spring Health.
Devoted Health.
Essence Healthcare.
Health Alliance Medicare.
HealthPartners UnityPoint Health.
Lasso Healthcare.
Medical Associates Health Plan.
Molina Healthcare of Illinois.
Quartz Medicare Advantage.
Wellcare.
WellFirst Health.
Zing Health.
Top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in Illinois
Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, awards every Medicare Advantage plan a star rating on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being a top-rated plan. Below are companies with plans that received top marks in Illinois for the 2023 plan year. (Check out more information about Medicare star ratings.)
5-star plans
The companies below offer plans in Illinois that are rated 5 stars out of 5 by CMS:
Essence Healthcare.
Quartz Medicare Advantage.
4.5-star plans
The companies below offer plans in Illinois that are rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by CMS:
HealthPartners UnityPoint Health.
Humana.
UnitedHealthcare.
Medicare resources in Illinois
Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program: Free guidance and counseling for Medicare enrollees.
Illinois Department of Insurance: For questions about your insurance.
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services: For questions about Medicaid benefits or eligibility.
Find the right Medicare Advantage plan
It’s important to do your research before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan for yourself. Here are some questions to consider asking:
What are the plan’s costs? Do you understand what the plan’s premium, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance will be? Can you afford them?
Is your doctor in-network? If you have a preferred medical provider or providers, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.
Are your prescriptions covered? If you’re on medication, it’s crucial to understand how the plan covers it. What tier are your prescription drugs on, and are there any coverage rules that apply to them?
Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?
Are there extras? Does the plan offer any extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?
Medicare Advantage providers
Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage providers. These insurers offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.
Looking for more insurance in Illinois? Check out these resources:
