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Chicago Medicare Supplements

Senior couple reviewing Medicare supplement options with advisor
2026 Medicare Enrollment

Chicago Medicare Supplements

No Networks. No Referrals. Just pure access to Northwestern, Rush, and every Medicare doctor in the USA.

The Hospital Warning

Critical Chicago Insight

Beware "Zero Premium" Ads: Many Medicare Advantage plans are HMOs that often exclude top-tier hospitals like Northwestern Medicine or Rush.

With a Medigap Supplement, you are covered at any hospital that accepts Medicare—nationwide. No networks. No surprises. MC Chicago Insurance helps you understand the real cost of "free."

Senior Essentials for 2026

  • Plan G (The "Peace of Mind" Standard)
  • Plan N (The "Value" Alternative)
  • Part D (Rx) $2,000 Cap (New for 2026!)
  • The "Trial Right" (Try Advantage for 1 year)
  • Illinois "Birthday Rule" (Limitations apply)
  • Snowbird Coverage (Travels with you)
Get Your Free Medicare Review

Top 3 Paths for 2026

Plan G (The Gold Standard)

Most Popular: You pay the Part B deductible ($257/year in 2025), and then coverage is 100%. No copays, no coinsurance, no surprise bills. Just predictable, premium coverage for peace of mind.

Plan N (The Smart Saver)

Rising Star: Similar to Plan G, but with lower monthly premiums. You agree to small copays ($20 per office visit, $50 ER) in exchange for saving ~$400/year. Great for healthy, active seniors.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

The Warning: These "$0 premium" plans look cheap, but they lock you into a network. Fact: In 2026, many hospitals are dropping Advantage contracts due to denial issues. Know the risks before you sign.

The "One-Time" Window

Senior reviewing Medicare enrollment paperwork

The Medical Underwriting Trap

When you turn 65, you have a 6-month window to buy any Supplement plan with No Health Questions. Once this window closes, you can be denied for pre-existing conditions (Diabetes, Heart Issues, Cancer history) forever. Do not delay.

6-Month Window
Starts the month you turn 65 AND enroll in Part B.
Guaranteed Issue
No health questions during this period—even with conditions.
After Window Closes
Insurers CAN deny you or charge more for health issues.
Free Consultation
Call us 3 months before turning 65 to plan ahead.

Prescription Drugs (Part D)

The $2,000 Cap (Good News!)

New for 2025: The Inflation Reduction Act has capped out-of-pocket prescription costs at $2,000 per year. If you have expensive medications (Eliquis, Insulin, specialty drugs), your costs will stop automatically once you hit this limit. This is a game-changer for seniors with chronic conditions.

Part D Highlights for 2026

  • $2,000 Annual Cap: No more "donut hole" catastrophic costs.
  • $35 Insulin Cap: Monthly insulin costs capped regardless of plan.
  • Free Vaccines: All Part D vaccines now $0 copay.
  • Formulary Check: We verify your specific drugs are covered.

Supplement + Part D = Complete Coverage

Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Covers hospital stays and doctor visits. Does NOT cover prescriptions.

The Complete Package: Original Medicare + Medigap Supplement (Plan G or N) + Part D Drug Plan = No networks, no referrals, predictable costs, and prescription coverage. This is what we recommend for most Chicago seniors.

Illinois-Specific Rules

Illinois Medicare Rules

  • Household Discounts (7-12%)
  • Tobacco Rates (Higher premiums)
  • Guaranteed Issue Rights
  • Blue Cross vs. UnitedHealthcare

How We Help Illinois Seniors

Carrier Comparison: We compare rates from Blue Cross, Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and others to find your best price.

Local Knowledge: We know which carriers have the best rate increases over time and which to avoid. Don't just buy the cheapest—buy the most stable.

The "Trial Right"

Try Medicare Advantage Risk-Free

Nervous about Medicare Advantage? You have a federal "Trial Right." You can try an Advantage plan for 12 months. If you hate the network restrictions, prior authorizations, or claim denials, you can switch back to a Medigap Supplement with no health questions. It's a risk-free test drive—but you must act within 12 months.

12-Month Window No Health Questions Guaranteed Issue

Trial Right Requirements

  • First time enrolling in Medicare Advantage
  • Must switch within first 12 months
  • Can return to any Medigap plan (A, B, C, F, G, etc.)
  • Works even with pre-existing conditions

Medicare Enrollment Periods

Initial Enrollment

The 7-month window around your 65th birthday. 3 months before, your birthday month, and 3 months after.

Annual Enrollment

Oct 15 – Dec 7 each year. Change Part D drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans.

Special Enrollment

Lost employer coverage? Moving? You may qualify to enroll outside standard windows.

Common Questions

Never. With a Medigap Supplement like Plan G, if a doctor accepts Medicare, they accept you. No referrals, no prior authorizations, no network restrictions. You can see any specialist at Northwestern, Rush, Mayo Clinic, or any Medicare-accepting provider in the entire country without asking permission.

Original Medicare does NOT cover routine dental, vision, or hearing. This is a major gap that surprises many seniors. We offer standalone Dental, Vision, and Hearing plans that can be added to your Medigap coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits, but with network restrictions.

Plan G covers everything except the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2025). After that, you pay $0 for covered services. Plan N has lower monthly premiums but adds small copays: up to $20 for doctor visits and up to $50 for ER visits that don't result in admission. For healthy seniors who rarely visit doctors, Plan N can save ~$400/year.

No! This is critical. Unless you are in your initial 6-month enrollment window or qualify for a "Guaranteed Issue" right (like using the Trial Right after leaving Medicare Advantage), you must pass medical underwriting to switch Medigap plans. Insurers can deny you or charge higher rates based on health conditions. This is why choosing the right plan initially is so important.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurers as an alternative to Original Medicare. They often advertise $0 premiums and extra benefits like dental. However, they operate like HMOs with network restrictions, prior authorizations, and claim denials. Many Chicago hospitals (including Northwestern and Rush) have limited or no contracts with certain Advantage plans. In 2026, hospital systems are increasingly dropping Advantage contracts due to payment disputes.

Start by gathering their current medications list, their preferred doctors/hospitals, and their budget. Then call us for a free consultation. We'll compare Medigap plans from multiple carriers, verify their doctors accept Medicare, check drug formularies for their medications, and explain all options in plain English. You can join the call with your parent.

Yes! This is a huge advantage for snowbirds and travelers. Medigap Supplements work anywhere in the USA that accepts Medicare. If you winter in Florida or Arizona, your Plan G works identically there. Medicare Advantage plans, by contrast, often have limited or no coverage outside their service area except for emergencies.

Illinois allows Medigap policyholders (ages 65-75) a 30-day window around their birthday to switch to a different plan without health questions. However, unlike some states, Illinois limits this to switching within the SAME insurance company. You cannot use the Birthday Rule to switch from Blue Cross to Mutual of Omaha without underwriting.

Plan G rates in the Chicago area typically range from $120-$250/month depending on your age, gender, tobacco use, and the insurance carrier. Rates vary significantly between companies for the identical coverage. We compare rates from 8+ carriers to find your best price. Household discounts of 7-12% are often available when spouses both enroll.

No! Start planning 3-6 months before your 65th birthday. Medicare enrollment windows are strict, and mistakes can result in lifetime penalties or coverage gaps. If you're still working with employer coverage, the rules are different. Call us early so we can map out your timeline and avoid costly errors.

Your Medicare. Your Doctors. Your Choice.

Don't let "1-800" scammers or confusing TV ads make this decision for you. We're local Chicago brokers who compare every option to protect your access to Northwestern, Rush, and the doctors you trust.

(224) 616-9430 Free Medicare Review

Serving Chicago Seniors from 3945 W Devon Avenue