Company vs company · Montgomery County, IL · 2027 plan year
UnitedHealthcare vs Essence Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare.gov compares Medicare Advantage plans with each other. This page also shows Original Medicare, so you can see the full trade-off: premiums, copays, the yearly limit, extra benefits, and the rules about doctors and approvals.
Pinnie Direct is a free text line. Pinnie does not sell plans.
In most states, including Illinois, you cannot count on getting Medigap later
You can buy any Medigap plan with no health questions in the 6 months that start when you are 65 or older and have Part B. After that, a Medigap company in Illinois can ask about your health. It can say no, or it can charge you more. So if you join a Medicare Advantage plan now, you may not be able to get Medigap later. Illinois’s birthday rule helps only people who already have Medigap, not people who leave Medicare Advantage.
One exception is the trial right. If you joined Medicare Advantage when you first got Medicare at 65, or you left a Medigap plan to try Medicare Advantage for the first time, you can switch back within 12 months. Then you can buy a Medigap plan with no health questions.
Read about Medigap rights on Medicare.govYour yearly cost, side by side
Move the controls to match your year. Totals include premiums, the Part B premium, copays, and drug costs.
Want to check your exact drugs? Medicare.gov lets you enter each drug and shows what each plan charges for it. Enter your drugs on Medicare.gov
We have no Medigap Plan G price for a 65-year-old woman in Montgomery County. Enter the monthly price from your quote, or check Medigap prices for ZIP 62075 on Medicare.gov.
Original Medicare
We have no Medigap Plan G price for a 65-year-old woman here, so we cannot show this total yet. Enter your quote above to see it. Check Medigap prices on Medicare.gov
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from UnitedHealthcare
$5,845 a year
- Premiums
- $2,514
- Medical costs
- $1,345
- Drugs
- $1,986
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $6,964.
Essence Advantage (HMO)
HMO from Essence Healthcare
$4,149 a year
- Premiums
- $2,514
- Medical costs
- $1,095
- Drugs
- $540
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $5,914.
With these settings, Essence Advantage (HMO) costs about $1,696 less a year than AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS).
These are estimates, not quotes. Check every number with Medicare (Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE) and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Drug costs use typical prices for generic and brand-name drugs. Original Medicare amounts are 2027 projections from the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report. CMS sets the final amounts in November.
Text us about this comparisonWhat you pay each time you get care
In-network costs for one visit or one stay. The Original Medicare amounts follow your Medigap choice above: Plan G.
Primary doctor visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS)
$0
AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC ST-4 (HMO-POS)
$0
Essence Advantage Select (HMO)
$0 copay
Essence Advantage (HMO)
$0 copay
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC ST-4 (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
Prior authorizationEssence Advantage Select (HMO)
$0-$30
Prior authorizationEssence Advantage (HMO)
$30
Prior authorization
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC ST-4 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationEssence Advantage Select (HMO)
$0 copay
Prior authorizationEssence Advantage (HMO)
$0 copay
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS)
$0-$320
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC ST-4 (HMO-POS)
$0-$320
Prior authorizationEssence Advantage Select (HMO)
$0-$200
Prior authorizationEssence Advantage (HMO)
$0-$200
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS)
$150
AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC ST-4 (HMO-POS)
$150
Essence Advantage Select (HMO)
$150
Essence Advantage (HMO)
$150
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS)
$0-$65
AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC ST-4 (HMO-POS)
$0-$65
Essence Advantage Select (HMO)
$35
Essence Advantage (HMO)
$40
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS)
$0-$325
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC ST-4 (HMO-POS)
$0-$295
Prior authorizationEssence Advantage Select (HMO)
$175
Prior authorizationEssence Advantage (HMO)
$175
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS)
$370
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC ST-4 (HMO-POS)
$160
Prior authorizationEssence Advantage Select (HMO)
$220
Prior authorizationEssence Advantage (HMO)
$220
Prior authorization
Hospital stay, 5 days
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS)
$2,125
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC ST-4 (HMO-POS)
$1,975
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationEssence Advantage Select (HMO)
$1,500
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationEssence Advantage (HMO)
$1,625
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G | AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC ST-4 (HMO-POS) | Essence Advantage Select (HMO) | Essence Advantage (HMO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G at the price of your quote + drug plan $22.30 | $0 + Part B $209.50 | $19 + Part B $209.50 | $0 + Part B $209.50 | $0 + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | You pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest. | $4,450 in network | $4,450 in network | $4,450 in network | $3,400 in network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Primary doctor visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay |
| Specialist visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$50 copayPrior authorization | $0-$50 copayPrior authorization | $0-$30 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization |
| Lab tests | $0, most Medicare-covered tests | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| MRI or CT scan | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$320 copayPrior authorization | $0-$320 copayPrior authorization | $0-$200 copayPrior authorization | $0-$200 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $30 copayPrior authorization | $5 copayPrior authorization | $20 copayPrior authorization | $20 copayPrior authorization |
| Emergency room | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $150 copay | $150 copay | $150 copay | $150 copay |
| Urgent care | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$65 copay | $0-$65 copay | $35 copay | $40 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$425 copayPrior authorization | $0-$395 copayPrior authorization | $325 copayPrior authorization | $300 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$325 copayPrior authorization | $0-$295 copayPrior authorization | $175 copayPrior authorization | $175 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $370 copayPrior authorization | $160 copayPrior authorization | $220 copayPrior authorization | $220 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $425 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90Prior authorization | $395 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90Prior authorization | $300 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90Prior authorization | $325 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90Prior authorization |
| Skilled nursing facility | $0, Plan G pays days 21-100 | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $220 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $125 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization |
| Mental health visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$25 copayPrior authorization | $0-$25 copayPrior authorization | $15 copay | $15 copay |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $50 copayPrior authorization | $45 copayPrior authorization | $35 copay | $30 copay |
| Home health care | $0, Medicare-covered home health | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copay | $0 copay |
| Medical equipment | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Part B drugs | $0 after the $292 Part B deductible | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Drug deductible (Part D) | $687 with Humana Value Rx Plan (PDP) | $685 | $685 | $450 | $0 |
| Drug tiers (one month, retail) | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 20% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 32% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 22% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 27% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 22% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 27% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $3 copayPreferred Brand: $45 copayNon-Preferred Drug: $75 copaySpecialty Tier: 28% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $3 copayPreferred Brand: $45 copayNon-Preferred Drug: $75 copaySpecialty Tier: 33% coinsurance |
Not sure which of these costs apply to you?
Text us what you have now. We will help you read this comparison and check it with Medicare.gov.
A higher drug plan premium is not, by itself, a reason to switch
With Original Medicare, you buy a separate drug plan. In Illinois, 10 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $5.30 to $178.30 a month. Half of them cost $84.60 a month or less.
- Every 2027 drug plan limits what you pay for covered drugs to $2,400 a year. The drug coverage in Medicare Advantage plans has the same limit.
- The premium is one part of your yearly cost. The calculator above adds premiums, medical costs, and drug costs, so you can see the whole year.
- A Medicare Advantage plan can cost less in a light year. But you also take on its network and prior authorization rules, and you may not be able to get Medigap later.
- If your income is limited, Extra Help can pay most of your drug plan premium and drug costs. Check Extra Help at SSA.gov
The two companies in Montgomery County
UnitedHealthcare
- 5 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 3 with a $0 premium; 1 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $4,450 to $7,150
- Star ratings 3.5 to 4
- AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $4,450
- AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC ST-4 (HMO-POS) · $19 a month · limit $4,450
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx MO-MA01 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $5,900
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ST-0001 (PPO) · $58 a month · limit $7,150
- AARP Medicare Advantage CareFlex from UHC ST-6 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $7,150
Essence Healthcare
- 3 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 2 with a $0 premium; 0 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $2,900 to $4,450
- Star ratings 4 to 4
- Essence Advantage Select (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $4,450
- Essence Advantage (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $3,400
- Essence Advantage Plus (HMO) · $59 a month · limit $2,900
Doctors, referrals, and prior authorization
Cost is one side. The other side is how you get care. These rules come from the CMS plan files. Prior authorization means the plan must approve a service before you get it.
Original Medicare
- Any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that takes Medicare
- No referrals
- Prior authorization only for a short list of services
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS
- You use the plan network. Some care outside the network is covered at a higher cost.
- You need a referral to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 24 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC ST-4 (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS
- You use the plan network. Some care outside the network is covered at a higher cost.
- You need a referral to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 24 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Essence Advantage Select (HMO)
HMO
- You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
- You need a referral to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 16 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Psychiatrist visits, Partial hospitalization, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Essence Advantage (HMO)
HMO
- You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
- You need a referral to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 16 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Psychiatrist visits, Partial hospitalization, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC ST-4 (HMO-POS) | Essence Advantage Select (HMO) | Essence Advantage (HMO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Preventive only | Comprehensive, up to $3,000 a year | Comprehensive, up to $2,900 a year | Comprehensive, up to $250 a year |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $200 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, up to $700 | Yes, up to $700 | Yes, up to $1,000 | Yes, up to $1,000 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | No | $200 a year | $100 a year | $120 a year |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rides to care | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Emergency care abroad | Plan G and Plan N pay 80% after a $250 deductible | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Part B premium giveback | No | No | No | No | No |
What changed for 2027
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H2802-028-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $3,200 to $4,450
- Drug deductible up from $440 to $685
- Specialist visit: $0-$35 copay to $0-$50 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$160 copay to $0-$320 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$295 copay to $0-$425 copay
- Ground ambulance: $290 copay to $370 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $295 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90 to $425 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Eyewear allowance down from $300 to $200
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
- Overall star rating down from 4 to 3.5
AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC ST-4 (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H2802-052-0
- Monthly premium up from $0 to $19
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $3,900 to $4,450
- Drug deductible up from $520 to $685
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$200 copay to $0-$320 copay
- Ground ambulance: $290 copay to $160 copay
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Dental maximum down from $4,000 to $3,000
- Yearly OTC allowance down from $360 to $200
- Eyewear allowance down from $300 to $200
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
- Overall star rating down from 4 to 3.5
Essence Advantage Select (HMO)
Renewal Plan with SAE · 2026 plan H2610-016-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $3,900 to $4,450
- Drug deductible up from $340 to $450
- Specialist visit: $30 copay to $0-$30 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $240 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90 to $300 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $170 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $220 per day for days 21-100
- Yearly OTC allowance down from $160 to $100
- Overall star rating down from 4.5 to 4
Essence Advantage (HMO)
Renewal Plan with SAE · 2026 plan H2610-005-0
- Yearly OTC allowance down from $180 to $120
- Overall star rating down from 4.5 to 4
More 2027 plans in Montgomery County
- Aetna Medicare Enhanced (PPO), H7301-009 (page for Madison County, IL)
- Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO), H7301-007 (page for Madison County, IL)
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO), H5216-355 (page for Cook County, IL)
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO), H7617-022 (page for Cook County, IL)
- HumanaChoice Giveback H5216-403 (PPO) (page for Madison County, IL)
- Wellcare Simple Essential (HMO), H5779-009 (page for Cook County, IL)
- HumanaChoice Giveback H7617-013 (PPO) (page for Madison County, IL)
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (Regional PPO), R5361-001 (page for Cook County, IL)
County guide: 2027 plans in Montgomery CountyState guide: Illinois
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Sources and method
Plan data comes from the CMS 2027 Plan Benefit Package and landscape files. The data is from 2026-10-10. We checked a sample of plans field by field against Medicare.gov. Original Medicare amounts are the 2027 projections in the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report (Tables V.E1 and V.E2). CMS sets the final amounts in November. We do not have a Medigap price for Montgomery County, IL. So the Original Medicare total needs your own Medigap quote. You can look up prices for ZIP 62075 on Medicare.gov. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC ST-3 (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC ST-4 (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Essence Advantage Select (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Essence Advantage (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices for ZIP 62075 on Medicare.gov
- CMS Plan Benefit Package files, 2027
- CMS 2027 landscape files (premiums and limits)
- CMS 2027 plan crosswalk
- CMS 2027 Star Ratings
- 2026 Medicare Trustees Report: projected 2027 Part A and Part B amounts (Tables V.E1 and V.E2)
- CMS 2026 Part A and Part B amounts
- Medicare.gov: Medigap guaranteed issue rights
These are estimates, not quotes, and they are for education only. Check every number with Medicare and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Plans can change their benefits, premiums, drug lists, and networks each year.
Pinnie is not an insurance agent or broker and does not sell Medicare plans. Pinnie is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. For all your options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048.