Plan year 2026 · coverage ends Dec. 31, 2026CMS crosswalk of Oct. 1, 2026
Wellcare Simple Essential is not offered under this ID in 2027
H5779Contract002Plan
HMO · served 96 counties in Illinois in 2026
Run by Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. (contract H5779), sold as Wellcare, owned by Centene Corporation
CMS crosswalk: members move into H5779-009
Wellcare Simple Essential (H5779-002) is not offered under this ID in 2027: the CMS plan crosswalk of October 1, 2026 moves its members into Wellcare Simple Essential (H5779-009), which is sold in every county it served. 5,153 people were enrolled in it in September 2026; they can also choose another plan during open enrollment, October 15 to December 7, 2026.
What changes for its members in Wellcare Simple Essential?
| What you pay or get | 2026 | 2027 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-network out-of-pocket limit | $4,200 | $5,500 | ▲up $1,300 |
| Drug deductible | $615 | $700 | ▲up $85 |
| Specialist visit | $20 copay | $40 copay | ▲up $20 |
| Emergency room | $150 copay | $130 copay | ▼down $20 |
| Hospital stay, in network | $375 a day for days 1–8, then $0 a day for days 9–90 | $400 a day for days 1–6, then $0 a day for days 7–90 | ▲up $125for a 5-day stay |
| Skilled nursing facility, in network | $0 a day for days 1–20, then $218 a day for days 21–40, then $0 a day for days 41–100 | $0 a day for days 1–20, then $221 a day for days 21–50, then $0 a day for days 51–100 | ▲up $30for a 30-day stay |
| Comprehensive dental, yearly limit | $3,000 a year | $1,000 a year | ▼down $2,000 |
| Counties served | 96 | 101 | ▲up 5 |
| Drug tier 1, generic | $5 | $10 | ▲up $5 |
| Drug tier 2, preferred brand | $10 | 25% of the cost | changed |
| Drug tier 3, non-preferred drug | 25% of the cost | 50% of the cost | ▲up 25 points |
| Drug tier 4, injectable drugs | 35% of the cost | 1% of the cost | ▼down 34 points |
| 10 lines do not change | |||
| Monthly premium | $0 | $0 | no change |
| Part B premium reduction, monthly | none | none | no change |
| Primary care visit | $0 copay | $0 copay | no change |
| Medical deductible, in network | none | none | no change |
| Ground ambulance, in network | $350 copay | $350 copay | no change |
| Eyewear, yearly limit | $100 a year | $100 a year | no change |
| Hearing aids, yearly limit for both ears | $500 a year | $500 a year | no change |
| Over-the-counter items, yearly | not offered | not offered | no change |
| Drug tier 5, specialty tier | 25% of the cost | 25% of the cost | no change |
| Drug tier 6, select care drugs | $0 | $0 | no change |
Source: CMS plan crosswalk from 2026 to 2027 (Oct. 1, 2026); CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D landscape files for 2027 (Sept. 22, 2026, revised Sept. 30) and 2026 (Sept. 2, 2026 revision); CMS plan benefit package files, 2027 and 2026. Your plan's Annual Notice of Change is the letter that confirms your 2027 plan; confirm on Medicare Plan Finder.
What can members do, and by when?
- If you do nothing
- You are moved into Wellcare Simple Essential on January 1, 2027.
- October 15 to December 7, 2026
- Open enrollment: choose another Medicare Advantage plan, or Original Medicare with a drug plan, instead.
- January 1 to March 31, 2027
- Medicare Advantage open enrollment: switch once to another Medicare Advantage plan or to Original Medicare.
Source: Medicare.gov, “Special enrollment periods” and “Joining a plan” (read Oct. 7, 2026).
Where did its members live?
Where its members lived in September 2026; each county and state page lists the 2027 plans sold there.
| State | Counties | Members, Sept. 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 96 | 5,054 |
Source: CMS monthly enrollment by plan and by county, September 2026 (CMS hides counts under 11).
What else should you check?
- 2027 plans in Cook, ILThe plans you can join instead
- Wellcare plans for 2027Plans the same company still offers
- Every plan not offered in 2027764 Medicare Advantage and drug plans