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Department on Aging Offers Free
Help to Make Medicare Open Enrollment Decisions
[October 15, 2025]
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The
Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is encouraging everyone with
Medicare to check if their plan still meets their needs and budget
during this year’s Open Enrollment Period, which began on Oct. 15
and runs through Dec. 7, 2025. Individuals can get free help
comparing health and drug plan options by contacting the state’s
Senior Health
Insurance Program (SHIP).
“Your health needs can change from year to year, and so do Medicare
plan costs and coverage,” said SHIP Director Sandy Leith. “Now’s the
time to review your current Medicare coverage to make sure it still
meets your needs. To help you make an informed decision, the Senior
Health Insurance Program uses trained volunteers to offer trusted,
unbiased Medicare counseling to Medicare-eligible individuals, their
families, and caregivers.”
SHIP counselors are available in person and online throughout the
year, but they are especially helpful during Open Enrollment from
Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, when people with Medicare can join or switch
health and prescription drug plans for the coming year. For those
who switch plans, coverage starts on Jan. 1, 2026.
SHIP counselors are cautioning beneficiaries to check their Medicare
drug coverage, as there are fewer plans to choose from for 2026 and
some premiums have doubled in cost. There are also four drug plans
with $0 premiums.
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“The right plan
for you is the plan that will cover ALL of your current
prescription medications,” said SHIP Director Sandy Leith.
“Everyone currently on Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage
plan will have received a letter from their current plan
detailing changes for 2026. Please read your letters to make
sure your plan will still be offering Medicare for 2026. In some
instances, you may have to change plans due to a non-renewal.
When in doubt, call Medicare to double check.”
To get help understanding your
Medicare options and how you can save money on costs, call or visit
a
SHIP site near you. You can also compare 2026 coverage options
and shop for plans using
Medicare's Plan Finder or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE to talk with
a customer support representative. TTY users should call
877-486-2048. The Medicare Support Hotline is available 24/7, except
for some federal holidays.
About IDoA: IDoA serves and advocates for older Illinoisans
and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally
appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage
independence, dignity, and quality of life. For information about
the Department’s programs and services for older adults and persons
with disabilities, visit
https://ilaging.illinois.gov/ or contact the Senior HelpLine
toll-free at 1-800-252-8966, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m.
and 5 p.m. |
