State offers Medicare plan support

Oct. 17—Medicare patients are being encouraged to get help from the state when picking their plan during this year's open enrollment period — especially because premiums for some Medicare drug coverage are expected to double in cost.

"Your health needs can change from year to year, and so do Medicare plan costs and coverage," said Sandy Leith, Illinois' Senior Health Insurance Program director. "Now's the time to review your current Medicare coverage to make sure it still meets your needs."

The open enrollment period for Medicare goes through Dec. 7. During enrollment, people with Medicare can join or switch health and prescription drug plans for the next year. If they switch, the new coverage starts Jan. 1.

"Everyone currently on Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan will have received a letter from their current plan detailing changes for 2026," Leith said. "Please read your letters to make sure your plan will still be offering Medicare for 2026. In some instances, you may have to change plans due to a non-renewal. When in doubt, call Medicare to double check."

To get help from the program's counselors, people can use online or in-person resources with the Senior Health Insurance Program. There are multiple in-person locations:

* Brown County: 109 N. Capitol St., Mount Sterling, 217-773-3241

* Cass, Greene, Morgan, Scott counties, 800 W. State St., Jacksonville, 217-479-4619

* Macoupin County — 223 S. Macoupin St., Gillespie — 217-839-4431

* Pike County, 400 W. Jefferson St., Pittsfield, 217-285-6150

* Schuyler County, 840 W. Wilson St., Rushville, 217-322-2685

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