Illinois Medicare Plans in 2021
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that helps people age 65 and older pay for necessary medical care. You may also be eligible if you are younger than age 65 and living with certain disabilities. In Illinois, about 2.2 million people are enrolled in Medicare.
This article will explain Medicare options in Illinois in 2021, including Medicare Advantage plans and what to consider as you shop for coverage.
When you sign up for Medicare in Illinois, you can choose either original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.
Original Medicare, sometimes called traditional Medicare, is run by the government. It includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).
Part A covers hospital stays and other inpatient care, while Part B covers many necessary medical services, including doctors’ visits and preventative services.
If you enroll in original Medicare, you can choose to sign up for some additional types of coverage. Medigap policies cover some of the healthcare costs that original Medicare doesn’t, such as your copayments and deductibles. If you want drug coverage, you can also sign up for a stand-alone drug plan, known as Part D.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans give you another way to get your Medicare coverage. These plans are offered by private insurance companies, and they include all Medicare parts A and B services.
Medicare Advantage plans in Illinois may offer many other benefits that aren’t included in original Medicare, such as:
- hearing, vision, and dental care
- prescription drug coverage
- wellness programs
- over-the-counter drug coverage