Ultimate Guide to Medicare in Chicago, Illinois

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Medicare in Chicago!

The Windy City has no shortage of top-tier hospitals and doctors, but you could miss out on some of the best ones if you don’t have the right insurance. 

Are you looking for Medicare benefits in Chicago?

Medicare Plan Finder can be your number one source for any of the following two scenarios you may be looking for.

1. Speak to an agent now: Call us directly at 800-691-0473 and speak to one of our licensed agents.
2. Learn about Medicare in Chicago, IL: Continue reading our full guide below.

If you’re eligible for Medicare in Illinois (or if you think you might be eligible but aren’t sure) and you live in the greater Chicago area, this is the guide for you. We’ll go over everything you need to know about Medicare in Chicago, from what types of plans are available to which doctors accept them!

Click below to learn more about Chicago Medicare:

• About Chicago Medicare
• Medicare Part D Plans in Illinois
• Medicare Advantage Chicago
• Medicare Supplements in Illinois
• Hospitals and Doctors in Chicago Who Accept Medicare
• Medicare Offices in Chicago to Apply for Benefits
• Other Resources in Chicago for Seniors and Families
• Chicago Senior Centers

About Chicago Medicare

Medicare Plan Finder has licensed Medicare agents in the Chicago area ready to help you and your loved ones navigate the confusing world of Medicare. If at any time while reading this guide you think you’re ready to speak with an agent, just click here or call 844-431-1832.

Since Medicare is a federal program, the basics are the same in every state. Whether you live in Chicago or in more rural parts of Illinois, Medicare is the same. However, private plans, resources, and doctor networks can be different depending on where you live. 

We’ll start by going over the basics of Original Medicare, meaning the federal program available in all 50 states and U.S. territories. 

Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. Part A includes inpatient hospital, hospice, skilled nursing facility, and home health coverage. Part B includes outpatient care, preventative services (like your annual wellness visit), outpatient mental health, lab tests/X-rays, emergency transportation, and durable medical equipment. 

Your costs for Medicare Part A and Part B in Chicago will depend on what savings you qualify for. Premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments may apply.

If you were employed and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (about ten years), or if you get retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you may have premium-free Part A (premium-free does not necessarily excuse you from other costs). If you only worked for between 30 and 39 quarters, your Part A premium will be $240/month in 2019. If you worked for less than 30 quarters, your Part A premium will be $437/month in 2019.

The standard Part B premium in 2019 is $135.50. Qualifying for premium-free Part A in Chicago does not mean that you will qualify for premium-free Part B. If you have a high income, your Part B costs may be higher than $135.50.

Medicare Part D Plans in Illinois

Next, let’s skip ahead a bit to talk about Part D. Part D refers to private prescription drug plans. Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs, so Part D can be a valuable add-on. You may also hear Part D called “PDPs,” or “Prescription Drug Plans.”

Before you select a Part D plan, make a list of all the prescriptions you need coverage for to make sure that the plan you choose can cover them. Each plan will come with a ‘formulary,” a list of covered drugs. 

Medicare Part D plans generally only cover prescription drugs, nothing else. Plans can vary greatly in cost based on the types of drugs that are covered and how much coverage you have. If you’re looking for an additional plan that includes more benefits other than just prescription drugs, Part C (Medicare Advantage) may be best for you.

Medicare Advantage Chicago

Now that you’ve heard about Parts A, B, and D, let’s fill in the blanks with Part C. While Part D only covers prescription drugs, Part C plans are able to cover a wide variety of health benefits. Like Part D, Medicare Advantage plans are private. If you have Medicare Advantage (or Part D, for that matter), you’ll still have to pay your Original Medicare bills. These private plans would be additions to your current coverage. 

Medicare Advantage plans can include benefits like prescription drugs, dental, vision, meal delivery, non-emergency medical transportation, physical fitness, and more. 

Not all Medicare Advantage plans include a prescription benefit, but you can’t have both Part D and Part C at the same time.

Medicare Supplements in Illinois

Medicare Supplements, often nicknamed “Medigap,” are a different type of private Medicare plan. Medigap plans don’t typically include health benefits. Instead, they offer additional financial coverage. By paying a Medigap premium every month, you could save on your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

Hospitals and Doctors in Chicago Who Accept Medicare

Hospitals, doctors, and specialists of any kind can choose whether or not they want to accept Medicare (and they can change their decision at any time). Using Medicare.gov’s provider search tool, we were able to deduce that there are over 50 hospitals ALONE accepting Medicare in the Chicago metro area. That’s just hospitals! 

Since we don’t really have the room to list out every single Medicare provider in Chicago, we’ll name a few providers who have good reviews.

This information is subject to change and is up-to-date as of September 2019. To view all available in your area, visit Medicare.gov’s provider search tool.

Chicago Medicare Hospitals

We used Medicare.gov’s provider search tool to locate these hospitals in the Chicago area that accept Medicare (the real list is actually much longer – use the search tool to find the hospital closest to you).

1. Adventist Hinsdale Hospital (120 North Oak St., Hinsdale, IL 60521)
   • Rated 5 stars on Medicare.gov
   • 20 miles west of Chicago
   • Contact at (630) 856-9000
2. Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center (2233 W Division St., Chicago, IL 60622)
   • Rated 5 stars on Medicare.gov
   • 4 miles from Chicago
   • Contact at (312) 770-2000
3. Advocate Lutheran General Hospital (1775 Dempster St., Park Ridge, IL 60068)
   • Rated 5 stars on Medicare.gov
   • 20 miles northwest of Chicago
   • Contact at (847) 723-2210
4. Northwestern Memorial Hospital (251 E Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611)
   • Was rated as the 13th best hospital in the whole country in 2018
   • Located in Chicago
   • Contact at (312) 926-2000
5. Rush University Medical Center (1653 West Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60612)
   • Was rated as the #2 hospital in Illinois in 2018
   • Located less than three miles outside of Chicago, near Greektown and the University of Illinois
   • Contact at (312) 942-5000

Chicago Medicare Doctors

We used ZocDoc’s Chicago doctor search tool to find some of the most highly-rated doctors in Chicago that accept Medicare. Be sure to ask about Medicare when you set your appointment to make sure that this information is still true. 

1. Dr. Gregory Clarke, MD (333 N Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601)
   • Contact at (312) 236-3175
2. Dr. Emily Lindner, MD (1136 W Diversey Parkway, Unit Storefront, Chicago, IL 60614)
   • Contact at (312) 953-1636
3. Dr. Eugene Lee, MD (3134 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657)
   • Contact at (312) 766-4949
4. Dr. Nerseen Hermes, MD (7000 W North Ave Suite 2B, Elmwood Park, IL 60707)
   • Contact at (773) 303-7505
5. Dr. Dipeshkumar Shah, MD (666 Dundee Rd #802, Northbrook, IL 60062)
   • Contact at (847) 498-1515

Symphony – Chicago Nursing Homes

The Symphony Post-Acute network has long-term care facilities all over the united states that include high-quality dining and healthcare services, 18 of which are in the greater Chicago area.

1. California Gardens
2. Sycamore Village
3. Symphony Residences of Lincoln Park
4. Symphony at 87th Street
5. Symphony at Aria
6. Symphony at Midway
7. Symphony at the Tillers
8. Symphony of Bronzeville
9. Symphony of Buffalo Grove
10. Symphony of Chicago West
11. Symphony of Crestwood
12. Symphony of Evanston
13. Symphony of Hanover Park
14. Symphony of Joliet
15. Symphony of Lincoln Park
16. Symphony of Morgan Park
17. Symphony of Orchard Valley
18. Symphony of South Shore

You can use this website to search for other nursing homes in the Chicago area.

Chicago Area Caregiver Agencies for In-Home Care

Sometimes doctor visits and hospitals don’t cut it, and you or your loved one requires long-term care. However, making the decision to move into a nursing home is taxing. Instead, Medicare may cover in-home care for you or your loved one. The following are caregiver agencies that can connect you with in-home caregivers in the Chicago area:

1. Assisting Hands Home Care
2. ActiveCare Home Care
3. Abcor Home Health, Inc.
4. Home Instead Senior Care
5. Chicago European Caregivers

Chicago Senior Transportation

With certain Medicare Advantage plans, you may be eligible for transportation benefits. You can also check out these providers in the Chicago area:

1. TAP (Taxi Access Program): TAP is a City of Chicago service that provides reduced-rate taxi rides for disabled Chicago residents
2. Right at Home Transport Powered by Lyft: Offers rides to medical appointments or errands
3. Home Instead: This agency offers home care services as well as transportation for seniors
4. Care.com: Instead of calling a taxi, you can hire a driver from Care.com!

Who is Oak Street Health in Chicago?

Oak Street Health is a health system specifically for adults on Medicare. It got its start in Chicago in 2013 but has already spread as far as Rhode Island and North Carolina! There are 16 Oak Street Health centers in Chicago, and each one is focused on wellcare. Their website states that they “often [spend] twice as long or longer with [their] patients and [know] them as individuals.” 

You can find Oak Street Health in Chicago at: 

• Ashburn
• Avalon Park
• Bellwood
• Berwyn
• Blue Island
• Brighton Park
• Bronzeville
• Chicago Ave
• Edgewater
• Elgin
• Englewood
• Hermosa
• Lincoln Crossing
• Little Village
• Madison St.
• Portrage Park

Presence Medical Group, Chicago, IL

Presence Medigal Group in Chicago is part of the larger AMITA Health Medical Group. With locations all throughout the greater Chicago area (see map for reference), AMITA offers flexible hours and a variety of primary care physicans for you to choose from. Just remember to call ahead and confirm that the practice and doctor you select will accept your insurance.

You can use the AMITA website to search for a Prescense Medigal Group or other AMITA provider near you.

Medicare Offices in Chicago to Apply for Benefits

There are a few ways to apply for Medicare in Chicago. You can enroll for Original Medicare online at SocialSecurity.gov, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or you can visit your local office.*

• Chicago Social Security Office 60630 (4849 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630)
• Chicago Social Security Office 60623 (2416 S Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60623)
• Chicago Social Security Office 60652 (8658 S Sacramento Ave, Chicago, IL 60652)
• Chicago Social Security Office 60647 (3260 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647)
• Chicago Social Security Office 60628 (9715 S Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60628)
• Chicago Social Security Office 60637 (6338 S Cottage Grove A, Chicago, IL 60637)
• Chicago Social Security Office 60625 (2127 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625)
• Chicago Social Security Office 60609 (4631 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60609)
• Chicago Social Security Office 60607 (1233 West Adams, Chicago, IL 60607)
• Chicago Social Security Office 60604 (77 West Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604)
• Chicago Social Security Office 60639 (5130 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639)

*If you worked for the railroad, enroll in Medicare by calling the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.

Other Resources in Chicago for Seniors and Families

• Adult Protective Services – This is who you want to call if you or a loved one is experiencing any form of neglect, abuse, or exploitation.
• Area Agency on Aging – AAA’s promote and fight for elder rights. Their mission is to help seniors and disabled people “live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible.” If you’re passionate about elder rights, contact your local AAA for information about becoming a member.
• Caregiver Resource Centers – Being a primary caregiver for an older adult is no easy task, especially if that older adult is a family member and emotions are involved. Illinois Caregiver Resource Centers can help you find adult day services for when you can’t be there, provide meal delivery, home modification, transportation, housekeeping, and more, and even provide financial guidance, legal services, and caregiver training.
• Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly (CLESE) – Thousands of Illinois Medicare beneficiaries speak a language other than English. It can be especially difficult for the elderly to find proper health care when English is not their first language. The CLESE works to increase and improve the rights granted to non-native English speakers and prevent abuse. CLESE also brought the Refugee Urban Farming Project to Chicago “to promote health and economic independence for newly arrived refugees.”
• Foster Grandparent Program – Through the Illinois Foster Grandparent Program, older adults can volunteer to assist troubled teens, disabled or premature children, and other youths who need love, comfort, and support from an outside source. Not only would you be helping kids, but you’d also be making friends and giving yourself a wonderful way to spend your days.
• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Groups – If you are a grandparent providing primary care to a grandchild, a local support group may be able to help provide you with the resources you need to succeed as a parent again.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – If you or a loved one has experienced neglect, abuse, or fraud involving long-term care, you’ll want to contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in your area.
• Nutrition Project Centers – Illinois nutrition project centers provide congregate meals on weekdays at local senior centers, churches, and other community buildings. Some older adults may be eligible for home-delivered meals through this program.
• OWL (Older Women’s League) – OWL exists to help older women grow, make important life decisions, and have access to financial assistance, quality health care, and legal support.
• RSVP Senior Corps – Looking for more volunteer opportunities? From the same group that sponsors the Foster Grandparents program, RSVP finds and supports volunteer opportunities for those 55 and older. Those who are more physically active may enjoy home renovation and construction projects and helping natural disaster victims, while others may enjoy tutoring disadvantaged kids or organizing neighborhood watch programs.
• Senior Companion Programs – The Senior Companion Program can set you up with help with anything from meal preparation to grocery shopping.
• Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program – Hand in hand with the Nutrition Project is the Illinois Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Eligible seniors can receive a check which can be redeemed for fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets from July 1 through October 31.

Chicago Senior Centers

We searched the internet to find some senior centers in the Chicago area offering a variety of services. There may be a different one near you! 

1. Northbrook Senior Center (3323 Walters Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062)
   • Membership costs $30 per year for Northbrook Park residents and $45 for non-residents
   • Offers day trips, a co-ed choir, current events discussions, a walking club, sewing, special events, an art studio, drop-in table games, and even some health services
   • Contact at (847) 291-2995
2. The East Wing Glenview Senior Center (2400 Chestnut Avenue, Glenview, IL 60026)
   • Membership costs $30 per year for Glenview Park district residents, $40 for nonresidents. Discounts may apply for couples
   • Offers exercise classes, blood pressure testing, computer labs, driving classes, etc.
   • Contact at (847) 724-4793
3. Northshore Senior Center (161 Northfield Road, Northfield, IL 60093)
   • Membership costs $80/year for individuals or $150 for couples
   • Offers day trips, fitness, sports, leisure, art, theater, etc. 
   • Contact at (847) 784-6000
4. Maine Township Mainstreamers (1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068)
   • Membership is free for Maine Township residents
   • Offers monthly luncheons, day trips, educational opportunities, and more
   • Contact at (847) 297-2510
5. Kedzie Day Care Center (5320 N. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625)
   • Started as a Korean senior center in 1993. Now serves U.S. residents over the age of 60 with medical conditions like diabetes, dementia, depression, etc. Fees vary
   • Seniors are invited to be dropped off and picked up, spending a total of 6 hours at the center, receiving meals, exercise, and various activities
   • Contact at (773) 478-1245