Continuing Senior Health Insurance under Illinois Law

Under Illinois legislation, health insurance continuation is not limited to a specific number of months. Previously, we thought that the right to insurance coverage ended when you became eligible for Medicare; however, the Illinois Department of Insurance issued an opinion that the right to health insurance continuation under Illinois law does not end with Medicare eligibility.

The Department also indicates that your employer may reduce the insurance benefits for retired employees who are eligible for Medicare, however it is unclear as to what those reductions might be.

If you wish to continue your health insurance under Illinois law after you become eligible for Medicare, we advise you to contact the Illinois Department of Insurance, Consumer Service Division (phone numbers are located on page 7 of this booklet), your health insurance provider or consultant, or your attorney for further clarification on this. If you have not retired using COBRA, you cannot choose COBRA coverage after retirement.