Medicare Supplement Insurance in McHenry, IL & Northern Illinois
Medicare doesn't cover everything. We'll help fill the gaps.
A Medicare Supplement plan covers what original Medicare doesn't — deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. We compare plans from top-rated carriers to find the right fit.
Free No Obligation Quote
Talk to a local agent who'll shop multiple carriers for you.
100+ 5-Star Google Reviews
Multiple A-Rated Carriers
Local McHenry Office
Why Choose Ryan P. Conway Agency
Real Medicare guidance from a local agent — not a call center.
Medicare decisions are too important to make from a TV commercial or a 1-800 number. We sit down with you, explain what Original Medicare actually covers (and what it doesn't), and compare Medicare Supplement plans from multiple top-rated carriers so you can make a confident decision. There's no cost to work with us, and there's never any pressure to switch from a plan that's working.
Medicare Basics
The parts of Medicare, briefly
Before talking about supplemental coverage, it helps to know what Original Medicare is — and isn't. Here's the short version.
Part A — Hospital
Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium because they paid in through payroll taxes.
Part B — Medical
Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. Has a monthly premium and 20% coinsurance with no out-of-pocket maximum.
Part C — Advantage
An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private carriers. We don't currently write Part C — but we're happy to refer you.
Part D — Prescription
Standalone prescription drug coverage from private carriers. Required if you don't have other creditable drug coverage.
Plan Options
The Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Supplement plans are standardized by the federal government, so a Plan G from one carrier covers the same things as a Plan G from another carrier — the difference is price and customer service. Here are the plans most of our clients choose between.
Most Popular
Plan G
The most comprehensive plan available to new enrollees. Covers all gaps except the Part B deductible. The standard choice for people who want predictable costs.
Lower Premium
Plan N
Slightly lower premium than Plan G. You pay small copays for office visits and ER trips, plus the Part B deductible. Good for healthier enrollees.
Budget-Friendly
High-Deductible Plan G
Same coverage as Plan G, but you pay a higher deductible before benefits kick in. Lowest premium of the G family.
Existing Only
Plan F
The most comprehensive plan ever offered — covers literally everything. Only available if you were Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020.
Have questions about the right coverage? Contact Us
What Medicare Leaves You Paying
20%
Part B coinsurance with no annual cap on out-of-pocket costs.
$1,736
2026 Part A hospital deductible — per benefit period.
$283
2026 Part B annual deductible
Without a supplement, a single hospital stay or ongoing treatment can mean thousands in out-of-pocket costs. The figures shown reflect Medicare's 2026 numbers as published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Closing the Gaps
What a Medicare Supplement plan does for you.
Original Medicare covers about 80% of approved medical costs and leaves you responsible for the other 20%, with no out-of-pocket maximum, according to CMS. A Medicare Supplement plan (also called a Medigap plan) steps in to cover those gaps: deductibles, coinsurance, copays, and (depending on the plan) some costs Medicare doesn't cover at all.
Timing Matters
When can you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan?
Enrollment timing matters more here than with most other insurance. The single best window is your one-time Open Enrollment Period — miss it, and you could be denied coverage or charged more based on health.
Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment
The 6 months starting the month you turn 65 AND are enrolled in Part B. Guaranteed acceptance, no health questions.
After Open Enrollment
You can apply anytime — but carriers can ask health questions and may deny or charge more. Worth talking to us before assuming you can't switch.
Switching Plans Later
Many clients shop their plan every few years because rates change. We can help compare without disrupting coverage.
Special Situations
Lost employer coverage, moved, or had a guaranteed-issue trigger? You may qualify for a no-health-questions enrollment window outside the standard period.
Local Services
Helping Medicare Beneficiaries Throughout Northern Illinois
Ryan P. Conway Agency is based in McHenry, Illinois, and we help Medicare beneficiaries throughout Northern Illinois compare Medigap plans. We concentrate in McHenry County, Lake County, and surrounding communities. The cities below are just a sample — if you don't see yours listed, give us a call.
- McHenry
- Crystal Lake
- Woodstock
- Algonquin
- Lake in the Hills
- Cary
- Huntley
- Marengo
- Fox Lake
- Antioch
- Wauconda
- Grayslake
- Lindenhurst
McHenry
Crystal Lake
Woodstock
Algonquin
Lake in the Hills
Cary
Huntley
Marengo
Fox Lake
Antioch
Grayslake
Wauconda
Lindenhurst
Common Questions
Medicare Supplement FAQ
What does a Medicare Supplement plan actually cover?
A Medicare Supplement plan covers the "gaps" in Original Medicare — primarily the 20% coinsurance for Part B, the Part A hospital deductible, and (depending on the plan) some other out-of-pocket costs. It doesn't cover prescription drugs (that's Part D), dental, vision, or hearing — those are separate.
How is a Medicare Supplement plan different from a Medicare Advantage plan?
A Medicare Supplement plan works alongside Original Medicare — you keep your red, white, and blue card, see any doctor that accepts Medicare nationwide, and the supplement plan covers your share. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that usually has a network, may require referrals, and works more like employer insurance. They're fundamentally different products.
When is the best time to enroll?
During your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period (sometimes called Medigap Open Enrollment) — the 6 months that begin the month you turn 65 AND are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, you have guaranteed acceptance under federal law — no health questions, no rate-ups, no denials. After that window closes, carriers can underwrite based on health.
How much does a Medicare Supplement plan cost?
Premiums vary by plan letter, carrier, age, gender, ZIP code, and tobacco use. The same Plan G coverage can cost wildly different amounts depending on which carrier underwrites it — which is why shopping multiple carriers matters. We'll run real numbers for your situation.
Does the cost go up every year?
Generally yes — premiums typically increase over time. How fast they increase depends on the carrier's pricing method (issue-age, attained-age, or community-rated) and the carrier's overall rate history. We look at rate trend history when recommending a plan, not just today's price.
Can I switch Medicare Supplement plans later?
Yes, but it usually requires going through medical underwriting unless you have a guaranteed-issue trigger. If you're healthy, switching can save significant money. If you have health issues, it gets more complicated — which is why getting it right the first time matters.
Do I still need Part D for prescriptions if I have a supplement plan?
Yes. Medicare Supplement plans don't include prescription drug coverage. If you don't have other creditable drug coverage, you'll want a standalone Part D plan to avoid a late-enrollment penalty.