➤ How many Medicare Advantage plans are in Illinois for 2027?
CMS’s 2027 landscape data shows 136 Medicare Advantage plans in Illinois, down from 157 in 2026. The number available to you depends on your county.
➤ What is the average Medicare Advantage premium in Illinois for 2027?
The average monthly Medicare Advantage premium in Illinois is $7.11 for 2027, down from $8.49 in 2026. Many plans have a $0 premium, and you still pay your Part B premium.
➤ Is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois dropping Medicare Advantage?
Largely, yes. HCSC, which owns Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and HealthSpring, is cutting its Illinois Medicare Advantage footprint from 100 counties to 7 for 2027. Check your Annual Notice of Change or non-renewal letter to see whether your plan continues.
➤ What happens if my Illinois Medicare Advantage plan is ending?
Your coverage continues through December 31, 2026. You get a Special Enrollment Period to choose a new Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. If you don’t choose, you’ll generally go back to Original Medicare on January 1, 2027.
➤ Which companies offer Medicare Advantage in Illinois?
Carriers selling Illinois Medicare Advantage plans for 2027 include Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Devoted Health, Zing Health, Essence Healthcare and Wellcare. HealthSpring and Blue Cross Illinois are much smaller for 2027.
➤ What is the best Medicare Advantage plan in Illinois?
The best plan depends on your county, doctors and prescriptions. Star ratings help: Devoted’s Illinois contracts earned 4.5 and 4 stars for 2027, and Humana says 95% of its members are in 4+ star plans. Compare plans in your ZIP code before you decide.
➤ Are there $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans in Illinois?
Yes, in many counties, especially around Chicago. A $0 premium plan still has copays, deductibles and an out-of-pocket maximum, so compare total costs, not just the premium.
➤ Are Medicare Advantage plans different in Chicago and downstate Illinois?
Yes. Most plan choices and carriers are in the Chicago area, including Chicago-focused plans like Zing Health and Essence Healthcare. Many downstate counties have fewer options, so always compare plans by ZIP code.
➤ Where can I get free Medicare help in Illinois?
Illinois’s Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. You can also compare plans by ZIP code online or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
➤ When can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan in Illinois for 2027?
Annual Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026, with coverage starting January 1, 2027. If your plan is ending, you also get a Special Enrollment Period, and Medicare Advantage members can make one change from January 1 to March 31, 2027.
