| – | + | Enlarge Text |
It isn't a good idea to wait until the last minute to begin looking for Medicare health plans. Before you become eligible (before you turn 65 years old), you should begin the process of deciding which options would best suit your lifestyle. You can either do your own research online, or you can ask a health insurance professional about Medicare guidelines and benefits. Once you are covered under a Medicare program, you can qualify to receive Medicare gap coverage. You will be receiving basic coverage from your Medicare policy, but with gap coverage, you will have benefits for the health care expenses not covered by your Medicare policy. Having gap coverage will also make your Medicare deductible lower.
Find an Illinois Medicare plan that fits your lifestyle. Request a quote today >>
Another addition you can receive with your Medicare policy is the Part D plan*. You can receive this option through private state carriers. This option will give you coverage for prescription drugs. Medicare Part D is used for getting discounts for the medications you need. There are all types of Medicare plans available, so finding the one that's perfect for you only takes time to accomplish. Keep in mind that if you aren't eligible for Medicare, but your spouse is, you could end up getting coverage from his/her plan.
Illinois is also home to some of the top Medicare-provided home health care providers in the United States. Western Illinois Home Health Care was named to the 2007 HomeCare Elite, a compilation of the most successful Medicare-certified home health care providers in the United States. The annual review identifies the top 25 percent of agencies, ranked by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, quality improvement and financial performance.
Illinois also instituted a program called Illinois Cares Rx, which was created to make sure that no senior or disabled person would be left behind by federal Medicare Part D programs.Get started with a quote for prescription drug plans in Illinois today >>
AARP
Advantra
Aetna
Essence
Evercare
Fresenius Medical Care Health Plan
Gold Advantage
Health Alliance Medicare
HealthSpring
Medical Associates Health Plan
Mercy MedicareADVANTAGE
Humana
SecureHorizons
Unicare
Sterling Options
Team Care Advantage
HealthMarkets Care Assured
Today’s Options
WellCare
Find an affordable Illinois Medicare Advantage plan today >>
* You may be able to get extra help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for getting extra help, call:
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY/TDD users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week;
The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY/TDD users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or Your State Medicaid Office
Dental or vision options can be added to your
coverage.
Living longer means paying more for health care.
A woman who retires at 65 can expect to maintain her health until the age of 84, on average.2
Men who expect high health costs after they turn 65 end up retiring – on average – 13 months later than those who don't.3