2025 Illinois Medicare Plans: Coverage Options & Average Costs

Residents of Illinois have access to a variety of Medicare coverage options for 2025, including Original Medicare (Parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Medicare Part D for prescription drugs.

Medicare is a federal insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as younger people with qualifying disabilities. It assists with essential healthcare expenses.

This guide covers all Medicare choices available in Illinois, such as Medicare Advantage and supplemental Medigap plans, along with important factors to consider when selecting coverage.

Key 2025 Medicare Insights for Illinois

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) report highlights the following for Illinois in 2025:

• Approximately 2.39 million Illinois residents are enrolled in Medicare.
• Medicare Advantage average monthly premiums have dropped from $12.01 in 2024 to $8.39 in 2025.
• There are 157 Medicare Advantage plans available, down from 165 in 2024.
• All Medicare beneficiaries in Illinois have access to Medicare Advantage plans, including options with $0 premiums.
• Illinois offers 10 Medigap plans; Plans C and F are no longer available to new enrollees.

Overview of 2025 Medicare Coverage Options in Illinois

When enrolling in Medicare in Illinois, you can opt for Original Medicare (Parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), and add Part D for prescription drug coverage. Supplemental Medigap plans are also available for additional cost coverage.

Original Medicare Explained

Original Medicare, managed by the federal government, includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, while Part B covers doctor visits and preventive care.

Understanding Medicare Part D

Part D provides prescription drug coverage and can be purchased separately or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Advantage Plans in Illinois

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are offered by private insurers and combine Part A and Part B coverage. Many also include extra benefits such as:

• Hearing, vision, and dental services
• Prescription drug coverage
• Wellness programs and fitness memberships
• Coverage for over-the-counter medications

Major providers offering Medicare Advantage in Illinois include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and more.

Plan availability varies by county, so use the Medicare online tool to search by ZIP code for the most accurate options.

Medigap Supplement Plans

For those enrolled in Original Medicare, Medigap policies help cover out-of-pocket costs like copayments and deductibles. Illinois offers 10 Medigap plan types through providers such as AARP UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and State Farm.

Note that you cannot have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage simultaneously, as Medigap supplements only Original Medicare.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Medicare Plan in Illinois

To select the best Medicare plan, evaluate:

• Covered Services: Medicare Advantage plans may include dental, vision, and hearing care, unlike Original Medicare.
• Cost: Monthly premiums, copays, coinsurance, and deductibles vary among plans.
• Provider Networks: Medicare Advantage often requires using in-network providers.
• Service Areas: Original Medicare offers nationwide coverage; Medicare Advantage plans typically have geographic limits.
• Plan Ratings: CMS star ratings reflect quality and customer satisfaction.

How to Enroll in Medicare in Illinois

Enrollment periods include:

• Initial Enrollment Period: Seven-month window around your 65th birthday.
• Annual Open Enrollment: October 15 to December 7 to join or switch plans.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 to March 31 to change Medicare Advantage plans.
• Special Enrollment Periods: Triggered by qualifying life events like loss of employer coverage.

Medicare enrollment can also be automatic for those receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.

Next Steps for Medicare Enrollment

• Sign up for Parts A and B through the Social Security Administration via phone, in-person, or online.
• Compare and enroll in Medicare Advantage and Part D plans on Medicare.gov.

Medicare Eligibility Guidelines

Eligibility includes:

• Age 65 or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Under 65 with disabilities, including ALS or end-stage renal disease.
• Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for 24 months.

Illinois Medicare Assistance Resources

Contact the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) in Illinois for free, personalized Medicare counseling to help you make informed decisions.

Summary

Illinois residents have diverse Medicare options in 2025, including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D drug plans. Evaluate costs, coverage, and provider networks to find the plan that fits your healthcare needs best.

Remember, Medigap supplements Original Medicare only, and you cannot combine Medigap with Medicare Advantage plans.

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