November 22, 2011
Illinois Medicare
Medicare in Illinois
As the number of individuals 65 and over increases nationwide, the senior population in the state of Illinois is no exception to this growth. In Illinois alone, the population of individuals age 60 and older is expected to increase to over 3.6 million by the year 2030, which equals one Illinoisan 60 or older out of every five individuals. Many of these seniors take advantage of their eligibility in Medicare, a national health insurance program for those aged 65 and over or those who meet other special criteria.
Medicare Advantage
Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan is one way Medicare eligible individuals in Illinois can choose to receive their Medicare Part A and Part B benefits; through a Medicare Advantage plan, these benefits, as well as additional benefits such as routine dental or routine vision benefits, are delivered to the Medicare beneficiary through a private insurance company.
A total of 26 Medicare Advantage contracts were in place in 2011 with various plan options specific to counties within Illinois. All Illinoisans enrolled in Medicare in 2012 have access to Medicare Advantage plans with $0 premiums as well as a maximum out-of-pocket cost limit less than or equal to $3,400.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Some Illinois Medicare beneficiaries opt for PDPs instead of Medicare Advantage plans to get coverage on medication costs not covered by original Medicare alone.
In 2012, there will be 33 Medicare prescription drug plans available to Illinois residents. The lowest monthly premium in 2012 will be $15.10 while the highest monthly premium is $115.20. 24 of these 2012 plans will have no coverage in the Medicare drug benefit gap while 10 of the plans are low-income subsidy eligible. Of the plans available, 45% have a $0 deductible.
Our Medicare Plan Comparison Tool includes PDPs and Medicare Advantage plans in Illinois so you can compare costs for these plans to your pattern of prescription drug usage and individual medical needs.
