Medicare Supplement Plan G in Illinois — 2026 Rates & Guide
This guide covers Medicare Supplement Plan G in Illinois — average 2026 premiums by age, Illinois's rating rules, top insurers, and how to enroll with the best protection available in your state.
Plan G Coverage Overview
Medicare Supplement Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare beneficiaries. It covers all Original Medicare cost-sharing except the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). After you pay that deductible once per year, Plan G pays 100% of all Medicare-approved costs for the remainder of the year.
Plan G benefits are federally standardized — every insurer selling Plan G in Illinois must provide identical coverage. The only variable between insurers is the monthly premium and their premium increase history over time.
What Plan G Covers
- Part A coinsurance & hospital costs (up to 365 days after Medicare): ✓ Fully covered
- Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2026): ✓ Fully covered
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment: ✓ Fully covered
- Part B coinsurance or copayment (20% of outpatient costs): ✓ Fully covered
- Part B deductible ($257 in 2026): ✗ Not covered — you pay this cost — The only cost you pay — $257 in 2026
- Part B excess charges (above Medicare-approved amount): ✓ Fully covered
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance: ✓ Fully covered
- Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits): ✓ Fully covered — Up to plan limits after $250 deductible; 80% covered up to $50,000 lifetime
Source: CMS standardized Medigap benefit chart. CMS Publication 02110.
Plan G Premiums in Illinois (2026)
Premiums for Plan G in Illinois vary by insurer, age, gender, and tobacco use. The estimates below are for a non-smoking female. Men typically pay 5–10% more. Tobacco users may pay significantly more. These are representative starting ranges — always get current quotes directly from insurers or through Medicare.gov.
| Age | Estimated Monthly Premium | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Age 65 (new enrollee) | ~$140/mo | ~$1680/yr |
| Age 70 | ~$175/mo | ~$2100/yr |
| Age 75 | ~$217/mo | ~$2604/yr |
| Age 80 | ~$266/mo | ~$3192/yr |
* Age 70–80 estimates use typical attained-age premium progression factors. Verify current rates at Medicare.gov.
How Illinois Rates Medigap Premiums: Attained-Age Rating
Like most states, Illinois allows insurers to use attained-age rating for Medigap premiums. This means your premium is based on your current age and will increase automatically each year as you get older, in addition to any general rate increases.
In attained-age states, the premium you pay at age 65 may look very affordable — but premiums typically double or triple by your 80s. When comparing quotes, always ask the insurer for projected premium schedules at ages 70, 75, and 80, not just your age-65 rate.
Strategy tip: In attained-age states like Illinois, consider whether the insurer has a history of stable rate increases. Some insurers have better track records than others. A free SHIP counselor can help you compare insurer histories.
Top Plan G Insurers in Illinois
The following insurance companies are among the leading sellers of Medicare Supplement Plan G in Illinois: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, UnitedHealthcare, Humana.
Because Plan G benefits are standardized, there's no meaningful difference in what these companies cover. Your decision should be based on:
- Current premium — get quotes from all of them
- Premium increase history — ask for data from the past 3–5 years
- Financial strength rating — look for A.M. Best ratings of A- or better
- Customer service reviews — complaints per 1,000 policyholders (available from NAIC)
How to Enroll in Plan G in Illinois
- Confirm you're eligible: You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Most people first become eligible at age 65.
- Enroll during your Open Enrollment Period: Your 6-month Medigap OEP starts the month you're both age 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurers in Illinois cannot deny you Plan G or charge more based on health conditions.
- Compare quotes: Use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder or contact a licensed insurance broker who works with multiple companies in Illinois.
- Review premium increase history: Ask each insurer how much they've raised Plan G rates in Illinois over the past 3–5 years before enrolling.
- Pair with a Part D drug plan: Plan G does not cover prescription drugs. You'll need a separate Medicare Part D plan.
Illinois Department of Insurance
The Illinois Department of Insurance regulates insurance companies operating in Illinois, handles consumer complaints, and can provide a list of licensed insurers selling Plan G in your area.
- Website: https://insurance.illinois.gov
- Phone: 1-217-782-4515
If you have a complaint about a Medigap insurer operating in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Insurance is your primary resource for resolution.
Plan G vs Plan N in Illinois
If you're comparing Plan G and Plan N in Illinois, here are the key numbers:
| Plan | Avg. Premium (Age 65) | Doctor Visit Copay | ER Copay | Excess Charges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | ~$140/mo | $0 | $0 | ✓ Covered |
| Plan N | ~$112/mo | Up to $20 | Up to $50 | ✗ Not covered |
The premium difference in Illinois is approximately $28/month at age 65. If you rarely visit the doctor and primarily see Medicare-assignment providers, Plan N may be the better value. If you have frequent medical visits or want complete cost predictability, Plan G is worth the extra premium.
Full Plan G vs Plan N comparison →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Medicare Supplement Plan G cost in Illinois?
Average Plan G premiums in Illinois for a 65-year-old non-smoking female range from approximately $110 to $230 per month in 2026, with a typical starting rate around $140/month. Premiums vary by insurer, your exact age, gender, and tobacco use. Always get multiple quotes before enrolling.
What is attained-age rating in Illinois?
Attained-age rating means your premium is based on your current age and will increase as you get older. In Illinois, this is the most common rating method. Starting premiums at age 65 may be lower, but expect increases each year as you age.
What are my Plan G enrollment rights in Illinois?
In Illinois, Standard federal protections apply. The most important enrollment window is your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you are both age 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more due to pre-existing conditions.
Who are the top Plan G insurers in Illinois?
Major insurers offering Plan G in Illinois include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, UnitedHealthcare, Humana. Because Plan G benefits are federally standardized, the main differences between insurers are the monthly premium and their premium increase history. Always compare quotes from at least 3–4 companies.
Does Illinois have any special Medigap protections?
Illinois follows federal standard protections. Standard federal protections apply. Some states provide additional protections; contact the Illinois Department of Insurance to confirm current rules.
This site provides general information about Medicare Supplement insurance and medical alert devices. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or any government agency. This is not medical or insurance advice. Always consult a licensed insurance professional for personalized guidance.
Medicare rules, premiums, and plan availability change annually. Always verify current information with Medicare.gov, your State Insurance Department, or a licensed insurance advisor. For free, unbiased help, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at shiphelp.org.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap). medicare.gov. Retrieved June 2026.
- CMS. Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare. Publication 02110. cms.gov. Retrieved June 2026.
- Illinois Department of Insurance. https://insurance.illinois.gov. Retrieved June 2026.