Medicare AEP 2027 in Illinois — what to know.
Oct 15 - Dec 7, 2026. The Annual Enrollment Period is your once-a-year chance to switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch Part D drug plans, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Plans you choose during AEP take effect January 1, 2027.
Why this AEP matters in Illinois
Illinois has roughly 2.2M Medicare beneficiaries, of whom about 47% are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. AEP is when their plans can change — and when you can change yours.
2027 plan changes in Illinois
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois remains the largest MA carrier statewide. Humana and UnitedHealthcare have strong presence in Cook County. Northwestern Medicine and Rush University Medical Center maintain broad MA network participation — important for North Side and downtown Chicago residents.
Your AEP 2027 checklist for Illinois
Your current plan mailed an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in late September. It lists every benefit, copay, network, and drug change for 2027. Don't recycle it — read it.
Networks change every year. Confirm your primary care doctor and any specialists are still in-network for 2027 — directly with the plan, not just on the website.
Formularies (covered drug lists) change annually. A drug that was Tier 2 in 2026 may move to Tier 4 in 2027 — tripling your copay. Run your meds through the plan's 2027 formulary.
Don't just renew. Compare your current plan against at least 2 alternatives — including Original Medicare + Medigap if you've never considered it. Best plan in 2026 is rarely best in 2027.
The Part D out-of-pocket cap stays at $2,000 in 2027. If you take expensive drugs, that cap dramatically changes the math — many people who couldn't afford Eliquis or Jardiance in past years now can.
After Dec 7 you generally can't change your Medicare Advantage plan until next AEP — except for the limited Open Enrollment window (Jan 1 - Mar 31) which only allows one change.
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Illinois
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Humana, UnitedHealthcare/AARP, Aetna, Cigna, WellCare.
Many Chicago-area retirees winter in Arizona or Florida. National PPO MA plans or Medigap policies travel better than HMOs.
Illinois metros we serve
We're licensed in all 50 states. Top IL markets:
- Chicago
- Aurora
- Joliet
- Naperville
- Rockford
- Springfield
- Elgin
- Peoria
- Champaign
- Waukegan
Illinois has one of the lower MA penetration rates (47%) — meaning more than half of Illinois Medicare beneficiaries stay with Original Medicare + Medigap. That's often the right call given Illinois's strong hospital networks.
Free 14-minute Illinois plan comparison.
A licensed IL advisor compares your current plan against every IL alternative — including Original Medicare with Medigap. No cost. No pressure. No commission to you.
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