A new Illinois law that went into effect in June gives people on Medicare who are under the age of 65 the same rights to purchase a Medigap plan as those 65 and older. A special one-time, six-month open enrollment period for current Medicare participants ends Nov. 30. Disabled people living with HIV/AIDS are among those able to purchase a plan.
Medigap, also called Medicare Supplement Insurance, is health insurance sold by private companies that fills the gaps in Medicare, such as the 20 percent copay for doctors’ visits and the $1,068 deductible for hospitalization.
Individuals are encouraged to call the non-profit agency AgeOptions at 708-383-0258, 800-699-9043, or 708-524-1653 (TTY) ; or the Senior Health Insurance Program at 800-548-9043.