 During open enrollment, eligible adults can adjust
Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug coverage, move from
original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan - or vice versa -
switch between Medicare Advantage plans, join a Medicare
Prescription Drug Plan, or switch or drop existing drug plans
without penalty; all of which can be overwhelming and confusing.
There are 2,232,296 beneficiaries in Illinois enrolled in Medicare,
and the average monthly Medicare Advantage premium changed from
$20.17 in 2019 to $18.49 in 2020. With over 300 SHIP offices across
Illinois, the agency stands ready to refer clients to their closest
site, which can schedule an appointment to assist with open
enrollment.
“There are 126 Medicare Advantage plans available, and 28
stand-alone Part D Prescription drug plans. Don’t assume your
current coverage is still your best choice. You may find better
coverage, extra benefits or lower costs,” said Paula Basta, Director
of IDoA. “I encourage seniors to make an appointment at their
earliest convenience. Our SHIP counselors are ready to help you make
sense of the complicated Medicare system and to make the best
choices for your healthcare as we prioritize planning for tomorrow.”
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 New this year is the use of
the MyMedicare.gov system to help seniors and people with
disabilities make the best choices for their individual situation.
Our SHIP counselors are ready to take your call and assist you.
Contact SHIP, by calling 1-800-252-8966, weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 5:00
p.m. For more information about SHIP, including a list of SHIP
locations, visit the website at:
http://www.illinois.gov/aging/ship/ Pages/default.aspx.
To compare 2020 drug and health plans on your own and to find out
more about Medicare options, visit the federal Medicare website at:
www.medicare.gov.
Medicare customer service representatives are available 24/7 at:
1-800-633-4227.
SHIP is not affiliated with any insurance company, and counselors do
not sell or solicit any type of insurance. SHIP counselors in the
field help seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare
understand the options available to them. They also educate and
answer questions about Medicare plans and options.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |
