Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Questions

1. What are the highlights of the 2026 retiree medical and drug benefits for Medicare-eligible retirees?

Effective January 1, 2026, City of Chicago benefit-eligible retirees who are Medicare-eligible are offered two ways to get your Medicare coverage for 2026*:

Option 1: Choose your medical and drug plans separately.

There are two medical plans (MA Plan 1 and MA Plan 2) and two prescription drug plans (PDP 1 and PDP 2). You can choose the two plans that work best for you. For example:

• MA Plan 1 with PDP 1
• MA Plan 2 with PDP 2
• Or you can mix them (example: MA Plan 2 with PDP 1)

Option 2: Choose one plan that includes both medical and drug coverage together.

MAPD Plan 3 gives you both medical and prescription drug coverage in one plan.

You can compare these plans and view additional information about each plan’s copay amounts and prescription drug benefits on the Plan Comparison Chart.

*Not a complete description of benefits. Refer to plan documents for benefit details.

 

2. What are key dates for enrollment?

Tuesday, November 11: Enrollment opens
Saturday, November 29: Enrollment closes
December: New member ID cards will be issued prior to January 1, 2026
Monday, January 1, 2026: New medical and prescription drug benefits take effect

 

3. What do I need to do to enroll?

If you’d like to keep your current benefits and coverage, you don’t need to do anything. You will be automatically enrolled in the corresponding Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage℠ plan starting on January 1, 2026.

If you’d like to choose a different plan, you can switch to one of the other available Blue Cross Medicare Advantage℠ options by November 29, 2025, by calling 1-877-842-7564 TTY 711. A dedicated Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Customer Service Representative for City of Chicago retirees can answer your questions and help you enroll in the plan that works best for you.

You can also request an enrollment kit that includes information about the plan benefits by calling the Enrollment Helpline.

 

4. Will I receive a new Blue Cross Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois member ID card if I select a new plan?

All City of Chicago retiree members will receive new Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois member ID cards for the 2026 plan year.

• If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan and a separate Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) then you will receive two ID cards – one for your MA plan and one for your PDP.
• If you enroll in the MAPD plan, then you will receive one ID card that covers both medical and prescription drug benefits.

 

5. Whom should I call for questions and assistance?

Prior to enrollment, please call the Enrollment Helpline at 1-877-842-7564 TTY 711 for questions and assistance. The Enrollment Advisors can answer your questions or resolve your issues.

 

6. What is a Medicare Advantage plan? How is it different from my traditional coverage?

Medicare Advantage plans are government-authorized plans offered by private health insurance companies like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) that combine the benefits offered by Medicare Parts A and B.

Also known as “Medicare Part C” plans, they may include some medical benefits not traditionally covered by Medicare Parts A and B, such as prescription drug coverage, dental benefits, vision benefits and hearing benefits. Additional ‘extras’ include enrollment in the SilverSneakers^® fitness program and wellness incentive programs that reward you for performing certain tests and screenings.

Even though Medicare Advantage plans combine Medicare Parts A, B and Part D prescription drug coverage, you must continue to pay your Part B premium to the federal government. Also, the monthly premiums for Medicare Advantage plans are lower than those for the traditional plans.

 

7. Are there any pharmacies where BCBSIL has a discount?

Yes, all participating pharmacies offer members the BCBSIL contracted rates. You can minimize your coinsurance or copay by shopping for the best price at any of our participating pharmacies. Or you may save by using one of our mail order pharmacies, Walgreens Mail Service, Express Scripts^® Pharmacy, or Amazon Pharmacy.

You can contact our mail order pharmacies as follows:

• Walgreens Mail Service – Visit WalgreensMailService.com or call 1-877-277-7895 (TTY 711).
• Express Scripts^® Pharmacy – Visit express-scripts.com/rx or call 1-833-599-0729 (TTY 711).
• Amazon Pharmacy – Visit pharmacy.amazon.com or call 1-855-393-4279 (TTY 711).

Prime Therapeutics LLC provides pharmacy benefit management services for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, as well as several independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, has an ownership interest in Prime Therapeutics LLC.

Walgreens Mail Service is contracted to provide mail pharmacy services to members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.

Express Scripts^® Pharmacy is a pharmacy that is contracted to provide mail pharmacy services to members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. Express Scripts^® Pharmacy is a trademark of Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.

Amazon Pharmacy is contracted to provide pharmacy home delivery services to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.

 

8. Do I still have to pay Medicare premiums if I enroll in one of the City of Chicago retiree medical plans?

Yes. To participate in one of the City of Chicago retiree medical plans, you will continue to pay Part B premiums.

 

If you have questions not covered here, please call the Enrollment Helpline at 1-877-842-7564 TTY 711.

We are open October 1 – March 31: Daily, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time; and April 1 – September 30: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time.  Alternate technologies (for example, voicemail) will be used on weekends and holidays.