• Why Do I Need Health Insurance?
• What to Look For in Healthcare
• Saving Money On Healthcare
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans
• Why Blue Cross Blue Shield?
• Health Savings Accounts
• Short Term Plans
• Dental Care
• Insurance For Students
• Insurance For Small Business

• Term Life Insurance
• Why Choose Term Life?
• What to look for in Term Life

• Finding the Right Rx Drug Plan
• Do I Need Medicare Supplement?
• Save Money on Prescription Drugs
• Medicare Part D
• Medicare Supplement
• Long Term Care

Should I Get A Illinois Medicare Supplement Plan?

Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, help cover some of the medical expenses that Medicare does not cover by itself. A Medicare Supplement plan protects you from uncovered costs, and helps keep you money where it belongs - in your savings account.

What Won't Be Covered By My Illinois Medigap Plan?

You might be surprised at some of the costs that aren't covered by Medicare. But a supplement plan can cover many of these expenses.

• Hospital stays. Without a supplement plan, you'd pay a daily fee for up to 150 days.
• Skilled nursing stays. After 20 days, you could pay up to $119 a day at a skilled nursing facility without Medigap coverage.
• Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B's has a $124 yearly deductible. And with many medical services you'll have to pay 20% of the bill as coinsurance. A Medigap plan can help cover these costs.

What Do I Need To Get A Supplement Plan?

To get a Medicare Supplement plan, you'll need to be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. But you can't get a supplement plan if you are in a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicaid.

There are 12 different types of Medicare Supplement plans all at varying costs. You'll want to find a plan that best fits you. For expert help in choosing the right one, work with our professional agents.

The More Coverage, The Better

A Medicare Supplement will provide coverage for many of the costs that your current Medicare plan doesn't cover. Out-of-pocket costs can add up - and the more coverage you get, the more money you can save if you find the right supplement plan.

As of June 1, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is offering new Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans G and N. Members and those considering Plans G and N can enroll at anytime; there are no specific enrollment periods or deadlines. The changes to the configuration of Medicare Supplement plans are the result of the "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008" (MIPPA), which took effect on June 1.

All plans sold after June 1 have an enhanced hospice benefit, which includes coverage for some outpatient prescription medications and copayments and coinsurance for inpatient respite care, which were previously the responsibility of the insured.

Besides adding Plans G and N, BCBSIL will no longer sell Plan D and E (the current 'Standard' and 'Select' options). However, these plans are guaranteed renewable for life so existing members can stay with these plans for as long as they like. BCBSIL Medicare Supplement rates will not increase as a result of the MIPPA changes, and the law does not require existing members to take any action to change their plans if they don't desire, according to Wright.