Best Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans in Illinois
Hands down, Medicare Supplement Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan in Illinois. We found that United Healthcare offers the best Plan G rates. Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan and is priced at $139.04 per month in Cook County, while Plan N costs $99.41 per month with Mutual of Omaha in Lake County.
In Illinois, more than 281,943 people have enrolled in Plan G. As the second most popular plan; Plan N has attracted over 55,357 enrollees. Historically, Plan F has held the top spot with over 402,000 enrollees in Illinois. However, since the changes implemented in 2020, Plan G has emerged as the leading Medigap plan nationwide, surpassing Plan F in popularity.
Be sure to ask about household premium discounts on both companies; the quoted rates may be discounted even more.
Let’s take a look at the premiums, plan benefits, and the additional perks that come with each plan.
Best Plan G Rates: United Healthcare
65: $122.85
70: $136.69
75: $159.75
68: $144.24
70: $154.64
75: $180.65
Medigap Plan G is a supplementary insurance policy that bridges the gaps left by Original Medicare. It covers various out-of-pocket expenses like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. While beneficiaries are responsible for the Part B deductible, Plan G covers most other Medicare costs without satisfying a deductible.
Once the Part B deductible is met, Plan G will cover excess charges beyond Medicare-approved amounts. This comprehensive plan, second only to Plan F, remains a favored choice among many Medicare beneficiaries.
UHC perks include:
- Keep your doctors
- No surprise out-of-pocket costs
- Nationwide coverage
- Multi-member discounts
- SilverSneakers Gym membership
- Original Medicare coinsurance
- Part A deductible
- Foreign travel
- Part B excess charges
- Emergency care
Best Plan N Rates: Mutual of Omaha
65: $87.98
70: $98.83
75: $118.11
68: $103.50
70: $111.67
75: $133.46
Medigap Plan N is a supplemental insurance plan that helps cover some out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare. It typically includes coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, as well as coverage for Part B coinsurance or copayments.
However, Plan N will require a copayment for certain services, such as emergency room visits ($50) or doctor’s office visits ($25). It’s essential to review the specific details of Plan N offered by different insurance providers to understand how it works and what it covers fully.
Mutual of Omaha also includes household discounts, access to the Mutually Well fitness program, fast underwriting, low monthly premiums, and high customer satisfaction rates.
- Original Medicare Part A and B coinsurance
- Part A deductible
- Emergency care
Top Medicare Supplement Companies in Illinois
Illinois’s best Medigap providers are United Healthcare and Mutual of Omaha.
United Healthcare and Mutual of Omaha are the two most popular providers in our review process because, in general, their Medigap plans are cheaper in Illinois.
However, the best Medicare Supplement company depends on the plan letter being reviewed. For example, while one carrier may offer a cheaper Plan N, another company may have a more affordable Plan G.
Company | Market Share | Plan G Cost | Plan N Cost | Cost by County | Financial Strength |
Cigna Insurance Company | 2.31% | $153.11 | $101.18 | DuPage | A |
Aetna Health Insurance Company | 6.87% | $166.77 | $112.62 | Will | A |
Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company | 12.89% | $144.88 | $99.41 | Kane | A+ |
In Illinois, ten standardized Medigap plans offer the same coverage regardless of the insurance company you choose. Furthermore, there may also be a high deductible Medigap option in some areas.
Most Medigap plans do not have networks, so you can see any provider that accepts Original Medicare.
Medigap Plan Cost in Illinois
Premiums for an Illinois Medicare Supplement plan can cost as little as $46 or as high as $191, depending on your age and the level of coverage you choose.
Medigap Plan | Monthly Cost | Cost by County | Enrollment in Illinois | ||
Plan F | $174.52 | McHenry | 51% | ||
Plan G | $124.88 | Winnebago | 36% | ||
Plan N | $89.58 | Madison | 7% | ||
High Deductible G | $46.39 | St. Clair | 1% | ||
Plan A | $102.15 | Champaign | 0.34% | ||
Which Medigap Plan Covers Foriegn Travel?
Medigap Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N provide some foreign travel emergency health care coverage. These plans typically cover 80% of emergency care costs during the first 60 days of your trip, with a $250 deductible.
It’s important to note that this coverage is intended for emergency care only, not routine medical care while abroad. Be sure to consult the specific terms of your Medigap plan and consider additional travel insurance if needed.
What Is the Medigap Birthday Rule in Illinois?
In Illinois, the Medigap Birthday Rule allows policyholders to change to a Medigap plan with equivalent or lesser benefits within 45 days after their birthday, without medical underwriting. However, if a policyholder decides to switch to a Medigap policy with greater benefits, they may be required to undergo medical underwriting.
Things to note:
- To qualify for the birthday rule, individuals must be between the ages of 65 and 75.
- You must change to a plan offered through your current insurance company entity.
This rule provides beneficiaries with the flexibility to switch their Medigap policy as their healthcare needs change over time.
Bonus tip:
- During the Open Enrollment period or in guaranteed issue situations in Illinois, tobacco rates do not apply with Medigap insurance providers, except with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. This means individuals who use tobacco products will not face higher premiums under these circumstances.
Final Verdict
We have extensive experience helping Medicare beneficiaries and understand that Illinois has no perfect Medicare Supplement plan.
To find the right Medicare Supplement insurance plan, it is crucial to know your healthcare requirements. We can assist you by presenting relevant facts and information to aid your decision-making process.
Key takeaways:
UHC and Mutual of Omaha have earned our admiration with their extensive industry experience and track record of helping individuals find coverage. Clients who choose them remain loyal to their exceptional services. United Healthcare Mutual of Omaha stands out for value, speedy enrollment, and prompt claims payment.
Article Sources: Mutual of Omaha Medigap Plans | UHC Medigap Plans | Medigap Plan Costs | Illinois Medigap Guide | IL AHIP