Medicare Advantage Plans in Illinois (2026 Guide)

Medicare Advantage plans in Illinois for 2026 offer a wide range of coverage options that vary by county, provider network, and plan type. Plans may include additional benefits beyond Original Medicare, such as prescription drug coverage and/or dental, vision, and hearing coverage. Comparing plans available in your specific Illinois ZIP code can help you find coverage that fits your healthcare needs and budget.

What is a Medicare Advantage Plan in Illinois?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans in Illinois are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and provide an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. These plans include Medicare Part A and Part B benefits and may include additional coverage such as prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing. There are two primary Medicare Advantage plan types through which you can access care and providers:

• HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) Plans: HMO plans typically require you to use in-network providers and select a primary care physician (PCP). Referrals are usually needed to see specialists, and out-of-network care is generally not covered except in emergencies. These plans often have lower monthly costs.

• PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) Plans: PPO plans offer greater flexibility, allowing you to see both in-network and out-of-network providers without referrals. While costs are typically lower when staying in-network, PPO plans are better suited for beneficiaries who want more provider choice and fewer restrictions.

Popular Medicare Advantage Carriers in Illinois

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rates Medicare Advantage plans on a five-star scale based on quality measures such as customer service, preventive care, chronic condition management, and member experience. However, ratings can vary significantly by carrier, county, and individual plan design, so reviewing local availability is essential when comparing options. 

Source: CMS Part C and D Performance Data  

*CMS Star Ratings are updated annually and vary by specific contract/plan within the state. A five-star rating represents excellent performance. 

Plan Availability by Top Illinois Counties

Medicare Advantage plan availability in Illinois is highly localized, meaning your coverage options, costs, and extra benefits can vary significantly by county or even ZIP code. Insurance carriers design plan networks and benefits based on regional provider access, so two beneficiaries in different parts of the state may see very different plan options.

Some of the most populated Illinois counties include:

• Cook County (Chicago and surrounding suburbs)

• DuPage County (Wheaton, Naperville)

• Lake County (Waukegan, North Chicago)

• Will County (Joliet and southwest suburbs)

• Kane County (Aurora, Elgin area)

Residents in these counties typically have access to a wide range of Medicare Advantage carriers and plan types, including HMOs and PPOs. However, the specific benefits available—such as dental, vision, hearing, over-the-counter allowances, and fitness programs—can vary by county and by individual plan.

Because Medicare Advantage plans are built around local provider networks, it’s important to compare options based on your Illinois county or ZIP code to understand which doctors, hospitals, and benefits are available to you before enrolling.

Disclaimer: Medicare Advantage plan availability, premiums, and provider networks in Illinois vary by county and ZIP code. County-level descriptions are based on general Medicare market trends, population distribution, and typical rural vs. urban plan availability patterns. Actual plan options and benefits are determined by each insurance carrier and may change annually.  

Compare Medicare Supplement Plans in Illinois

Medicare Advantage is not the only way to get Medicare coverage in Illinois. If you prefer the flexibility of Original Medicare and want help covering out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan may be a better fit.

Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare and allow you to see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, without network restrictions. These plans do not include prescription drug coverage, so you may need a separate Medicare Part D plan depending on your needs. Note that you cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap plan at the same time—you must choose one or the other. 

Why choose SelectQuote for Illinois Medicare coverage?

Choosing the right Medicare coverage in Illinois can be complex, especially with plan differences that vary by county, carrier, and ZIP code. SelectQuote simplifies the process by helping you compare plans from multiple nationally recognized insurance carriers in minutes.

With more than 40 years of experience, SelectQuote has helped millions of Americans evaluate their insurance options. Licensed agents can help you compare a wide range of Medicare plans, explain benefits and costs, and identify coverage options available in your Illinois area.

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• Trustpilot Rating: Rated Excellent with thousands of verified customer reviews from Medicare shoppers evaluating plan options and agent support

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• Customer Reviews: Thousands of Illinois and nationwide Medicare beneficiaries share feedback on their experience comparing plans, understanding coverage options, and enrolling with guidance from licensed agents

Because Medicare Advantage availability varies across Illinois, reviewing plans based on your county or ZIP code can help ensure you find coverage that fits your healthcare needs and budget.