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Medicare’s annual enrollment period begins Oct. 15

CHICAGO — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is once again offering Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in 100 of Illinois’ 102 counties* for the upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period begins October 15 and continues through December 7. This is the one time each year when most Medicare beneficiaries can select or switch their plans. Selected plans are effective January 1, 2026.

MA plans are popular because they offer benefits beyond “original” Medicare, including routine vision, hearing, and some dental coverage. Other benefits available in some plans include the following:

• Allowance for over-the-counter health-related products.
• Senior-oriented fitness programs through SilverSneakers® Fitness Program.

Some BCBSIL MA plans are available for $0 premium; others give customers money back in their Social Security check. Benefits and premiums vary by plan and geography.

BCBSIL’s MA plans include a wide network of providers throughout the state, including  about 19,000 primary care providers, 62,000 specialists, and 1,900 hospitals and other health care facilities.

In addition to MA, BCBSIL offers Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, Medicare Supplement Plus plans and standalone Blue Cross MedicareRx (PDP)℠ prescription drug plans (PDP) statewide. Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans fill coverage gaps with Original Medicare, and are generally sold with a PDP to cover prescription drugs. Medicare Supplement Plus Plans may include dental and vision coverage as well as access to SilverSneakers®.

“We offer Medicare customers a wide variety of choices to fit their every budget, lifestyle, and health need, all delivered by a brand that they’ve come to know and trust for nearly 90 years” said Brian Snell, BCBSIL president.

For more information, visit www.bcbsil.com/medicare/shop-plans. Additionally, get your Medicare questions answered by joining us for an educational session. Browse opportunities at BCBSIL events.

For questions about enrolling, call us at 1-877-213-1821 (TTY 711) between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., local time, 7 days a week.

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is the largest health insurer in Illinois, serving 9 million members and operating in all 102 Illinois counties. BCBSIL is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

HMO, HMO-POS and PPO plans provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC). HMO plan provided by Illinois Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Company (ILBCBSIC). HCSC and ILBCBSIC are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. HCSC and ILBCBSIC are Medicare Advantage organizations with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in HCSC's and ILBCBSIC’s plans depends on contract renewal.

"Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or Federal Medicare Program."

Prescription drug plans provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, which refers to Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC), an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. A Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in HCSC's plans depends on contract renewal.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans are offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

The best time to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy is around the time you turn 65. You have guaranteed acceptance on the first day of the month in which you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. If you are under age 65, have Medicare Part A and are enrolled in Medicare Part B, your acceptance is guaranteed within six months of your Part B effective date or another qualifying event. In any scenario, you must have Medicare Part B to be eligible for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy.

*Does not include Champaign and Massac counties.

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