Medicare Advantage Plans in Chicago, IL

With more than five million residents, Cook County is among the most populous counties in the U.S. Being such a populated area means Cook County has a large Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan market.

More than 240,000 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries call Cook County home, which accounts for 28% of all Medicare beneficiaries across the county. In fact, nearly 40% of all Medicare Advantage members in the state of Illinois can be found right here in Cook County.¹

Learn more about Medicare Advantage in Illinois.

2020 Medicare Advantage plans in Cook County

While the number of Medicare Advantage plans available in any particular county can change slightly from one year to the next, the table above shows the number of plans available in Cook County, Illinois, in 2019.

With 24 unique plans available, Cook County residents enjoy plenty of selection.

Some Cook County are able to take advantage of low-cost coverage, with 11 plans that feature $0 premiums in 2019 and an average weighted premium of just $7 per month.

There were 4 available plans rated four stars or higher based on Medicare Star Ratings.² Plans rated four stars or higher are considered top-rated Medicare plans.

Premiums, deductibles and other costs may vary. The numbers reported in the table above are taken from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). A licensed insurance agent will be able to help you review and compare costs for specific plans available in Cook County or wherever you may live.

List of Medicare Advantage plans in Chicago and Cook County

Medicare Advantage plans can come in several different forms.

Nearly all Medicare Advantage enrollees in Illinois belonged to an HMO plan in 2019.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans utilize a network of participating doctors and other health care providers. Care is typically not covered by the plan when received outside of the network. 

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans are also available in Illinois. These plans offer some more flexibility when choosing a doctor and allow for some coverage outside of the plan’s intended network. 

Other plans available in Illinois included Medicare Cost Plans, Medical Savings Accounts and Private Fee-For-Service plans.

In the state of Illinois, the breakdown of plan types in 2019 was as follows:

How to Sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Cook County

There are different Medicare enrollment periods in the year during which you may able to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan in Chicago and Cook County, depending on your eligibility. 

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

When you first become eligible for Medicare, you will typically be granted an Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This period begins three months before you turn 65 years old, includes the month of your birthday and continues for an additional three months. 

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP, also called the Medicare Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage plans) takes place from October 15 to December 7 each year. This period is open to all eligible Medicare beneficiaries who wish to add, drop or change Medicare plans.  

Special Enrollment Period

If you experience a qualifying circumstance, you may be granted a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) at any time throughout the year to allow you to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Such circumstances may include situations like moving outside of your plan’s service area or losing your Medicare Advantage plan coverage through no fault of your own. A licensed insurance agent can help you determine if you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period and what actions you may be able to take during that time. 

Find a Medicare Advantage plan where you live

Medicare Advantage plans can come in a variety of types and can include different benefits, networks, costs and more.

Connect with a licensed insurance agent today for help determining your eligibility and finding the best Medicare Advantage plan for you in Cook County. 

Or call 1-800-557-6059 1-800-557-6059 TTY Users: 711 24/7 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.

¹ MedicareAdvantage.com's internal analysis of CMS Medicare Advantage landscape source files, accessed May 2019. Data retrieved from www.cms.gov/Medicare/Prescription-Drug-Coverage/PrescriptionDrugCovGenIn.

² Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system.