• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to footer
MedicareWire

MedicareWire

Best Medicare plan, cost, and enrollment tools for seniors.

Speak with a Licensed Advisor[1]

1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711)

Mon-Sun, 8am to 11pm EST

  • Medicare Advantage
  • Special Needs
  • Medigap
  • Medicare Part D
  • More➲
    • Senior Dental Plans
    • Medicare Mistakes
    • What Does Medicare Cover?
    • Important Resources
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Medicare Glossary
Medigap Plans
 » 
Illinois

Best Illinois Medigap Medicare Supplement Plans

Table of Contents

What Are Medigap Plans? Medigap Plans in Illinois Do You Need Medigap in Illinois? What Do Medigap Plans Cover? What Are the Most Popular Plans? How Much Do Policies Cost? How Do You Choose a Plan? Who is Eligible? When and How Do You Enroll? How Do I Get Prescription Drugs? What Are the Alternatives? What if I have Medicaid? Next Steps

What Are Medigap Plans?

A Medicare Supplement plan can help you pay some out-of-pocket costs in Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare). In this article, you'll learn what Medigap plans in Illinois cost, which plans are available, when and how to enroll (without underwriting), what gaps they cover, and how you can get premiums and discounts on all Medicare plans where you live.

What You Need to Know

  1. Medigap plans in Illinois are offered by private insurance companies and are designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
  2. Medigap Plans are standardized. Each plan letter offers the same core benefits regardless of the insurer.
  3. Medigap coverage is available to Illinois residents at age 65 and over who have enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
  4. All standard plans offer coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments, and the first three pints of blood.
  5. All but two Medigap plans cover the Medicare Part A deductible and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance.
  6. Medigap insurance does not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing.
  7. Medigap policies are available in 10 different plan options, labeled A through N.
  8. Medicare SELECT plans require enrollees to use a local Illinois provider network.
  9. Some insurers offer a household discount when both you and your spouse have a policy.

Get a Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison

Medigap Plans in Illinois

Insurance Company Plan F Plan G Plan N Rating
Aetna $150.54 $139.97 $109.16
☆☆☆☆☆
American Republic $155.42 N/A N/A
☆☆☆☆☆
American Retirement Life $149.65 $123.02 $90.66
☆☆☆☆☆
Americo Life $116.61 $92.63 $75.39
☆☆☆☆☆
Assured Life $209.67 $148.59 $118.89
☆☆☆☆☆
Bankers Fidelity $127.21 $135.74 $82.62
☆☆☆☆☆
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas $153.00 $139.00 $108.00
☆☆☆☆☆
Cigna $123.13 $100.25 $85.15
☆☆☆☆☆
Colonial Penn $157.94 $122.95 $86.79
☆☆☆☆☆
Combined Insurance $134.88 $104.43 $112.05
☆☆☆☆☆
Continental Life $125.87 $99.38 $83.72
☆☆☆☆☆
COUNTRY Life $137.11 N/A N/A
☆☆☆☆☆
CSI Life $155.50 $107.42 $88.67
☆☆☆☆☆
Equitable Life $154.42 $108.08 $98.67
☆☆☆☆☆
Everence $200.51 $163.97 $93.70
☆☆☆☆☆
Everest $122.26 $95.60 $82.06
☆☆☆☆☆
Gerber Life $226.45 $190.92 N/A
☆☆☆☆☆
Globe Life $161.50 $145.50 $123.50
☆☆☆☆☆
GPM Health and Life $127.88 $92.60 $78.36
☆☆☆☆☆
Greek Catholic Union $123.02 $99.71 $76.33
☆☆☆☆☆
Guarantee Trust Life $121.20 $98.40 $82.41
☆☆☆☆☆
Health Alliance $147.00 $129.00 $110.00
☆☆☆☆☆
Heartland National $128.40 $110.17 $87.49
☆☆☆☆☆
Humana $139.45 $113.51 $95.78
☆☆☆☆☆
IAC $135.79 $100.45 $87.54
☆☆☆☆☆
Liberty Bankers Life $111.70 $88.64 $75.72
☆☆☆☆☆
Loyal Christian $127.45 $99.25 $83.83
☆☆☆☆☆
MassMutual $123.75 $99.04 $85.49
☆☆☆☆☆
Medico $174.31 $138.48 $125.51
☆☆☆☆☆
Mutual of Omaha $141.58 $110.76 $80.10
☆☆☆☆☆
New Era Life $153.00 $126.81 $101.09
☆☆☆☆☆
Oxford Life $163.50 $99.51 $102.60
☆☆☆☆☆
Pan-American Life $116.76 $93.67 $78.81
☆☆☆☆☆
Pekin Insurance $154.22 $123.32 N/A
☆☆☆☆☆
Physicians Mutual $203.16 $164.86 $124.14
☆☆☆☆☆
Polish Falcons of America $122.01 $93.90 $79.72
☆☆☆☆☆
Puritan Life $121.27 $93.72 $79.55
☆☆☆☆☆
Renaissance Life $118.95 $95.43 $80.29
☆☆☆☆☆
Reserve National $163.60 $113.40 $105.75
☆☆☆☆☆
Sentinel Security Life $129.29 $96.64 $80.90
☆☆☆☆☆
Shenandoah Life $121.78 $92.52 $73.74
☆☆☆☆☆
State Farm $157.08 N/A N/A
☆☆☆☆☆
S.USA Life Insurance $117.49 $99.21 N/A
☆☆☆☆☆
Thrivent $116.68 $92.15 $77.83
☆☆☆☆☆
Unified Life $116.10 $92.58 $77.79
☆☆☆☆☆
United American $197.00 $160.00 $139.00
☆☆☆☆☆
United Commercial Travelers $216.24 $168.46 $149.99
☆☆☆☆☆
AARP $125.88 $107.59 $91.22
☆☆☆☆☆
USAA Life $132.77 N/A $99.96
☆☆☆☆☆
Western Catholic Union $137.35 $105.06 $81.19
☆☆☆☆☆
Western United Life $123.83 $93.67 $81.58
☆☆☆☆☆

Do You Need a Supplement in Illinois?

Although Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers most of your major healthcare costs, you are responsible for about 20% of all medically necessary healthcare services you use. These expenses come in the form of deductibles, coinsurance, and copays, and they can add up quickly.

Each time you use a Medicare-approved healthcare service, you pay a deductible, co-payment, or coinsurance. Due to the sky-high healthcare costs in Illinois, if you are hospitalized, these costs are considerable.

To illustrate, Medicare Part A's benefit period deductible is $1,600. You pay this each time you are hospitalized unless you're readmitted within 60 days for the same issue. Plus, you're responsible for 20% of all Part B medical costs while you're an inpatient.

This is where Illinois Medicare Supplement plan coverage comes in. Supplements, also called Medigap plans, pay many of the out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare. So, if you're wondering, "What is Medigap?", it's gap coverage.

More Info: 7 Reasons You Need Supplemental Insurance with Medicare

Is a Medicare Supplement Right for You?

Yes, if you:

  1. Expect the need for frequent healthcare services now and/or in the future and want to limit your deductibles and co-pays.
  2. Can afford the monthly premiums of Medicare Supplement insurance and don't qualify for Medicaid.
  3. Want the freedom to choose your doctors and other Medicare providers without network restrictions.
  4. Need nationwide coverage and/or travel abroad and need coverage for emergency care.
  5. Are in your initial enrollment period and have guaranteed issue rights to join a plan regardless of your health condition.
  6. Don’t want a Medicare Advantage plan and the hassle of referrals and pre-authorization to receive services.

No, if you:

  1. Don’t expect the need for frequent healthcare now or in the future.
  2. Missed your Medigap open enrollment period and can't pass medical underwriting to get the Medigap policy you want.
  3. Want a Medicare Advantage plan with low or no monthly premiums.
  4. Have Medicaid, VA, retiree benefits, or other coverage options that will pay for most of your Medicare out-of-pocket expenses.
  5. Prefer an all-in-one HMO or PPO plan that includes a Part D prescription drug plan, SilverSneakers, and routine care for dental, vision, and hearing.
  6. Can adhere to the rules and restrictions of a Medicare Advantage.

Get a Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison

What Does Supplemental Medicare Insurance Cover?

All Medicare Supplement insurance carriers in Illinois are required to follow both federal and state laws designed to protect you. Insurers must offer the standardized Medigap plans identified by letters A through N.

For example, a Plan F from Aetna Medicare has exactly the same health coverage as a Plan F from Mutual of Omaha, AARP Medicare, United Healthcare, Humana, Cigna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield. This is what makes Medigap plans easier to compare vs. an HMO or PPO style plan through Medicare Advantage.

Medicare Supplement policies may include the following benefits:

  • Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up
  • Part A inpatient deductible
  • Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
  • Skilled nursing facility care and hospice care coinsurance
  • Part B deductible
  • Part B coinsurance or copayment
  • Part B excess charges
  • The first three pints of blood
  • Foreign travel emergency services
  • Out-of-pocket limits

By looking at the chart below you can easily make a Medicare Supplement plans comparison.

2023 Medigap Plans Comparison Chart

There are two plan types with a high-deductible option, Plan F and Plan G. If you choose this option, this means you pay all Medicare-covered out-of-pocket costs up to the annual deductible amount before your Medigap plan pays anything.

Related: 9 Facts About High Deductible Plan G and How it Works

Insurance companies are free to choose their plans, although Illinois state laws might affect which ones they can offer. For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Insurance website at http://insurance.illinois.gov/.

Top 3 Medigap Plans Sold in Illinois

Medicare Supplement Insurance is additional coverage sold by private insurance companies. Each lettered plan is designed to cover different Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) out-of-pocket costs.

The best-selling Medicare Supplements in Illinois are Plans F, G, N. Their comprehensive coverage is what makes them the best-sellers. Enrolling in one of these three plans is how most Illinois seniors ensure they are covered and won't be strapped with excessive medical bills.

Plan F has the most complete coverage. It covers all deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. It is not available to anyone who qualified for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.

Plan G covers all deductibles, copays, and coinsurance except the Part B deductible. It has the best coverage you can get if you qualify for Medicare this year. If you're evaluating Medicare Plan G pros and cons vs. Plan F, consider that G costs less F, even when you factor in the Part B deductible Plan G does not cover.

Plan N does not cover the Part B deductible or Medicare excess charges. Plus, beneficiaries have a small copayment on some doctor visits and emergency room visits that don’t result in inpatient admission.

  • Best Medicare Supplement Plan F in Illinois
  • Best Medicare Supplement Plan G in Illinois
  • Best Medicare Supplement Plan N in Illinois

Also See: Medicare Plan F vs Plan G: Which is Better in 2023?

Looking for a different Medicare Supplement plan in your location? Ask us for free quotes on the best Medigap Plans in Illinois that interest you.

Get a Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison

Top 10 Plan F in Illinois

Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most popular Medigap plan available in Illinois. Here are the 10 best Plan F policies available in Illinois based on our reviews (click for details):

Top 10 Medigap Plan F in Illinois

CarrierPremium[3]FeeReview[4]
Thrivent$116.68$25.00☆☆☆☆☆
Americo Life$116.61None☆☆☆☆☆
MassMutual$123.75None☆☆☆☆☆
AARP$125.88None☆☆☆☆☆
Mutual of Omaha$141.58None☆☆☆☆☆
Blue Cross and Blue Shield$153.00None☆☆☆☆☆
Globe Life$161.50None☆☆☆☆☆
Reserve National$163.60$15.00☆☆☆☆☆
United American$197.00None☆☆☆☆☆
Liberty Bankers Life$111.70$25.00☆☆☆☆☆

Top 10 Plan G in Illinois

Medicare Supplement Plan G is rapidly gaining popularity with Illinois seniors. With Plan F no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries, Plan G is the new gold standard. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan G policies available in Illinois based on our reviews (click for details):

Top 10 Medigap Plan G in Illinois

CarrierPremium[3]FeeReview[4]
Thrivent$92.15$25.00☆☆☆☆☆
Americo Life$92.63None☆☆☆☆☆
MassMutual$99.04None☆☆☆☆☆
AARP$107.59None☆☆☆☆☆
Mutual of Omaha$110.76None☆☆☆☆☆
Reserve National$113.40$15.00☆☆☆☆☆
Blue Cross and Blue Shield$139.00None☆☆☆☆☆
Globe Life$145.50None☆☆☆☆☆
United American$160.00None☆☆☆☆☆
Liberty Bankers Life$88.64$25.00☆☆☆☆☆
NOTE: Medigap Plan G is identical to Plan F, with one exception. A Plan G policy does not pay your Medicare Part B annual deductible. In many cases the annual cost of Plan G makes it a better deal.

Top 10 Plan N in Illinois

Medicare Supplement Plan N is similar to Plan D, but covers Medicare Part B coinsurance costs differently. Due to its lower cost and good coverage, it's catching the attention of many Illinois seniors. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan N policies available in Illinois based on our reviews (click for details):

Top 10 Medigap Plan N in Illinois

CarrierPremium[3]FeeReview[4]
Thrivent$77.83$25.00☆☆☆☆☆
Americo Life$75.39None☆☆☆☆☆
Mutual of Omaha$80.10None☆☆☆☆☆
MassMutual$85.49None☆☆☆☆☆
AARP$91.22None☆☆☆☆☆
Reserve National$105.75$15.00☆☆☆☆☆
Blue Cross and Blue Shield$108.00None☆☆☆☆☆
Globe Life$123.50None☆☆☆☆☆
United American$139.00None☆☆☆☆☆
Liberty Bankers Life$75.72$25.00☆☆☆☆☆
NOTE: With Medigap Plan N, 100% of your Part B coinsurance is covered, except up to a $20 copayment for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits.

Cost of Supplemental Insurance in Illinois

The Medicare.gov website shows the average cost of Medicare supplemental insurance in Illinois on the plan finder page. What the tool does not show is the exact price, the rate increase history for Medigap plans, AM Best rating score, and household discounts.

Our FREE Medicare Supplement Plan Rate Quote Service gives you your exact cost on all carriers, discounts, ratings, rate increase history, and more.

The next step is to get a FREE Medigap Rate Comparison Report. It will arm you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision.

Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison

MedicareWire is a Medicare consulting agency. We are not insurance agents. Our job is to help people navigate Medicare without marketing interference.

Our free report will show you rates from all carriers without a sales pitch. No Calls. No Email Spam. No Kidding!

If you would prefer to speak with an agent, our preferred, nationwide agency is HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Give them a call at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).

How to Choose the Best Medicare Supplement For You

The cost of healthcare in Illinois continues to rise and everyone's needs are different. Age, sex, zip code, use of medical services, providers, emergency care, supplies, and durable medical equipment all play a part in what you need to consider.

Let's explore how to find the best coverage for you.

When "Best" Means "Most Coverage Available"

If you are signing up for Medicare with chronic health issues, or if you have done a good job saving for your retirement, most experts agree that Plan G is the best option in Illinois. It offers the most coverage you can buy if you're getting your Medicare benefits in 2023.

When "Best" Means "Good Coverage and Monthly Savings"

If you are signing up for Medicare in excellent health, or if you need good coverage but can't handle the cost of Plan G, Plan N is a good option. Plan N offers comprehensive inpatient coverage for hospital stays, while also covering most medical care expenses.

When "Best" Means "Lowest Cost Coverage"

Not everyone in Illinois can afford or needs the comprehensive coverage provided by Plans F, G, and N. When the amount of your monthly premium is a concern, ask your insurance agent to give you advice about Plan K and High Deductible Plan G (HDG). These are the two lowest-cost plans available.

Medicare Supplement Eligibility Requirements

You can apply for a Medicare Supplement plan in Illinois during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Your OEP is a six-month period of time that starts when you initially sign up for Medicare Part B at age 65.

During your OEP, federal law gives you guaranteed issue rights. This Medigap protection allows you to get the Medicare Supplement plan of your choice, regardless of any chronic health conditions you might have.

It is more difficult to get Medicare supplemental insurance after your Medigap open enrollment period is finished. It's one of the disadvantages of Medigap plans.

An insurance company may ask you questions about your health and charge you higher premiums. They might also reject your application because of your past health. A six-month waiting period may be offered by the carrier before coverage starts.

NOTE: If You take early retirement, Medicare eligibility does not change. Unless you have Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, the Medicare eligibility age is 65.

Illinois Enrollment Process for Medicare Supplements

Illinois Medigap plan enrollees require the assistance of a licensed insurance agent. Before you can apply, you need to be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. You can do this through the Social Security Administration website, or by calling them directly at 800-772-1213.

If you don't have an insurance agent, we recommend HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Call them at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711). They work with all major Illinois plans. There's no obligation.

Another option is your local SHIP. The State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide free, one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries. Illinois's SHIP is available by phone (1-800-252-8966; TTY: 1-888-206-1327) or through their website.

Adding a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan

In the past, Medicare Supplements sold in Illinois were allowed to add extra benefits, including prescription drug coverage. This is no longer the case.

The only way to get coverage on prescriptions with a Medigap policy now is to get a Illinois Medicare Part D plan. In most areas of Illinois, basic prescription drug plans start at less than $20 per month.

Illinois Medicare Supplements vs. Medicare Advantage

It's natural to compare the best Medigap insurance with other health insurance plans, like Medicare Advantage. On the surface, Medicare Advantage plans appear to cost less. And, in some cases, they do save money. However, the out-of-pocket expenses in most Illinois Medicare Advantage plans are as much or more than Original Medicare.

Original Medicare does not have an out-of-pocket maximum. However, all health insurance companies offering Medicare Advantage plans are required to set an annual out-of-pocket limit, up to the annual limit set by CMS. A Medigap plan's coverage creates an out-of-pocket limit for Original Medicare.

Can I Get a Policy If I'm On Medicaid in Illinois?

It is not legal for a health insurance company or insurance agents licensed in Illinois to sell individuals a Medigap policy if you have Medicaid benefits.

If you can't afford a Medigap plan or the co-insurance costs in Medicare Advantage policies, there is a third option. Many areas of Illinois have access to dual-eligible Medicare Special Needs Plans (D-SNP). If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, a Illinois Special Needs Plan plan might be your best option.

What About Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefits?

We all need routine dental care and dental restoration work as we age, but it's not covered by Original Medicare or a Medigap plan. For coverage, you'll need a stand-alone Illinois dental insurance policy.

Next Steps

The next step is to get a FREE Medigap Rate Comparison Report. It will arm you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision.

Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison

MedicareWire is a Medicare consulting agency. We are not insurance agents. Our job is to help people navigate Medicare without marketing interference.

Our free report will show you rates from all carriers without a sales pitch. No Calls. No Email Spam. No Kidding!

If you would prefer to speak with an agent, our preferred, nationwide agency is HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Give them a call at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much is Plan G in Illinois?

It all depends. Your age, gender, {state_code} zip code, and tobacco use all need to be factored in. You can take advantage of our Free Plan G Quote Service to find the lowest prices and discounts in your area.

Who's got the best Medicare Supplement in Illinois?

You have many options in Illinois. Here are some of the best:

  1. Thrivent
  2. Americo Life
  3. MassMutual
  4. AARP
  5. Mutual of Omaha
See the complete list here.

Citations & References

medicare.gov
  • Costs of Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 2, 2023
  • What's Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 2, 2023
  • Find a Medigap policy that works for you, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 3, 2023
  • How to compare Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 3, 2023
  • How Original Medicare works, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 3, 2023
  • Your Medicare coverage choices, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 5, 2023
ssa.gov
  • The United States Social Security Administration https://www.ssa.gov/
  • Medicare Benefits | SSA https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/

The Medicare insurance plans and Medicare Supplement companies on this page originate from CMS Data Files. Content is maintained by David Bynon, and was last updated on February 6, 2023.

Footer

About MedicareWire

  • About
  • Contact
  • Code of Conduct
  • MCMG Compliance
  • Privacy
  • California Consumer Privacy
  • Disclosure
  • Personally Identifiable Health Information

[1] Licensed Sales Agent

Licensed sales agent (“advisor”) services are provided by HealthCompare Insurance Services, Inc., MedicareWire’s trusted partner. Online enrollment services are provided by MedicareEnrollment.com, a HealthCompare affiliate. Read our full sales agent disclosure.

[2] Trademark Notice

MedicareWire uses legal U.S. trademarks to identify and describe Medicare and other insurance products for shoppers. See our full trademark use disclosure.

Medicare Plan Directories

  • Medicare Advantage
  • Special Needs Plans
  • Medigap Plans
  • Medicare Part D
  • Senior Dental Plans

Copyright © 2023 MedicareWire.com - All Rights Reserved
101 W Goodwin St #2487, Prescott, AZ 86302

MedicareWire.com is a non-government website and is not endorsed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or any other government agency. For official government information, please visit Medicare.gov (1-800-MEDICARE). By using MedicareWire.com you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Get a FREE Medigap Rate Analysis... and Save!


We'll save you money with a FREE Medicare Supplement insurance rate analysis!

The only way to know if you are getting the best deal on your Medicare Supplement insurance is to see all rates from all insurance carriers. That's what we'll send you when you fill out the form below. We won't spam you, call you, or sell your information. That's a promise!

Complete this form and we'll email your free report in 1 business day or less.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Get a FREE Medigap Rate Analysis... and Save!


We'll save you money with a FREE Medicare Supplement insurance rate analysis!

The only way to know if you are getting the best deal on your Medicare Supplement insurance is to see all rates from all insurance carriers. That's what we'll send you when you fill out the form below. We won't spam you, call you, or sell your information. That's a promise!

Complete this form and we'll email your free report in 1 business day or less.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.