I am a resident of Illinois and I am over 65. How do I enroll in Medicare?
Social Security Office Locator, just type in your zip code and find the office nearest you.
What does Original Medicare pay for?
The Medicare Rights Center has created a chart that outlines all of your out of pocket costs under Original Medicare. These are your costs if you only have Original Medicare and if you have not purchased a Medicare plus Choice plan or a Medigap.
The Medicare Coverage Database tool will tell you if Medicare will cover particular health services. Simply choose your state, then choose the health service you are researching.
I can't afford to pay all of those out of pocket costs. What are my options for getting additional coverage?
Medicare Personal Plan Finder tool. This tool will provide you with a list of Medicare health plan choices in the geographic area you specify, along with benefit descriptions and other information to help you choose the plan that’s best for you. Just complete the required information in the steps below and click the "Find a Plan" button that will appear when you are done.
If you join an HMO or a PPO, you must see the doctors who are in their networks and go to the hospitals and other facilities in their networks.
I want to have the freedom to see my own doctors. Is there another kind of supplemental coverage?
Yes, Medigap plans allow you to see any doctor who has NOT opted out of the Original Medicare program.
There are 10 federally standardized Medigap insurance plans, plans A-J. This chart shows the standardized benefits you get with each "letter" plan.
Medicare Supplement - Premium Comparison Guide for 2005, Illinois Division of Insurance
The following guides are in PDF format. Click on the link below or on the appropriate map region to the right to download the version for your area.
I don't want to be confined to the networks of the Medicare + Choice plans and I can't afford the monthly premium for the Medigap. Are there other options for assistance with my prescription drug costs?
Illinois Pharmaceutical Programs for Seniors (pdf)
This site provides a clearly designed chart that lists: Program Name, Prescriptions Covered, Income Guidelines, Benefits, and Contact Information.
SeniorCare Illinois helps low-income seniors pay for most prescription drugs and many over-the-counter drugs if prescribed by their doctor. There is no enrollment fee but enrollees must reapply every year. SeniorCare is available to Illinois seniors age 65 years or older, unmarried with income of no more than $18,620 a year, or married with income of no more than $24,980 a year for both spouses. SeniorCare pays up to $1,750 per person per year with either no co-payment or a low co-payment depending upon your income. After the $1,750 threshold is reached, you pay 20% of the cost of each prescription plus any applicable co-payments.
Illinois Rx Buying Club
Individuals who are eligible for the new Rx Buying Club can find out if the program makes economic sense for them by asking their retail pharmacist to look up their potential savings based on the drugs that are prescribed to them. Enrollment information and a list of participating retail pharmacies are available by calling toll-free 1-866-215-3462.
The Circuit Breaker Pharmaceutical Assistance Program is a program administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue. It provides prescription drug coverage for specific diseases. For either Illinois SeniorCare or Circuit Breaker Pharmaceutical Assistance, you need to fill out only one form. Seniors must re-apply every year. The State will determine if a person qualifies for either program. 1-800-356-6302.
Isn't the Medicare Reform Bill going to help me pay for my prescription drugs?
Click here for news regarding prescription drug benefits for seniors.
Starting in 2004, Medicare-approved drug discount cards will be available for immediate savings on prescription drugs. Medicare will contract with private companies to offer new, voluntary drug discount cards. A Medicare-approved drug discount card offers a discount off the full retail price of prescriptions. Savings are estimated to be 10-25% on many drugs. These voluntary cards are being offered until December 31, 2005, when this program ends and the new comprehensive prescription drug benefit begins. Please access this site to find out if you qualify for the card or for the $600 credit.
The Medicare Rights Center answers all of your questions about the new Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Cards.
The Medicare Rights Center compares all of your prescription drug options for you. Check out this chart to find out which one is the best deal for you.
This chart created by the Medicare Rights Center offers information provided by the companies in December 2001. Before joining, call for updated information and carefully review all enrollment materials.
What will my prescription drug costs be after 2006?
The New Medicare Drug Benefit: How Much Will You Pay? Families USA estimates what you'll pay for prescription drugs under the new benefit.
Assistance for Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries
Illinois Medicare Cost Sharing Program
Many Illinois residents with Medicare can save up to $938.40 each year by participating in Medicare cost sharing programs. These programs may pay for Medicare premiums. Some participants get a larger Social Security check. Many people use the extra money to help pay for living expenses or prescription drugs.
Are there other resources for access to health care resources for Seniors?
Illinois Services for the Aging
The Egyptian Area Agency on Aging awards federal and state funds to service provider agencies which provide a variety of services for senior adults which are designed to foster their independence.
Free and Sliding Scale Dental Clinics
This site from the Chicago Dental Society gives information on free and sliding scale dental clinics located in Chicago, and Lake, DuPage and suburban Cook counties. They also list information for dental clinics that specialize in the treatment of patients with HIV or AIDS, for disabled, homebound and elderly patients.
Illinois Senior HelpLine
The Senior HelpLine provides information on programs and services and links persons 60 years of age and older and their caregivers to local services. Professional staff briefly assess needs, send literature and write referrals for a range of services such as case management, the Long Term Care Ombudsman program, legal services, transportation, employment and nutrition services.