Medicare AEP 2026 in Illinois: What's Changing and What to Do
The 2026 Annual Election Period runs Oct 15 – Dec 7. Here's what's changing for Illinois Medicare beneficiaries and how to use AEP wisely.
Key Takeaways
- 1AEP runs October 15 – December 7 every year — changes take effect January 1.
- 2Illinois Medicare Advantage networks are shifting in 2026; Lutheran General and Northwestern remain in most major plans.
- 3Part D drug formularies and tiers commonly change — re-shop every year.
- 4We re-shop every Sentinel client's plan during AEP at no charge.
What is AEP?
The Annual Election Period (AEP) is the one window each year when any Medicare beneficiary can switch Medicare Advantage plans, change Part D drug plans, or move between Original Medicare and Advantage — without underwriting.
AEP runs October 15 through December 7. Changes you make take effect January 1 of the following year.
Why Illinois beneficiaries should re-shop every year
Carriers re-file plans annually. Premiums, copays, drug tiers, and provider networks all change. A plan that was a perfect fit in 2025 may have lost your specialist or moved your prescription to a higher tier for 2026.
In the Northwest Suburbs, the biggest network shifts to watch are Advocate (Lutheran General), AMITA / Ascension (Holy Family, Resurrection), and NorthShore — Endeavor Health. Each carrier negotiates separately every year.
What we look at during your AEP review
Your current medications, checked against next year's formulary tiers.
Your current physicians and specialists, verified against each candidate plan's 2026 network.
Your total expected cost (premium + copays + Part D + max out-of-pocket), not just the headline premium.
Frequently Asked
Do I have to do anything during AEP?+
No — if you do nothing, your current plan auto-renews. But because plans change, doing nothing often means a worse plan or higher costs in January.
Will my Lutheran General doctors still be in network?+
Most major Illinois Advantage plans keep Advocate / Lutheran General in network, but always verify your specific physicians for the new plan year.
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