David Wiley, an insurance broker, led a free Medicare education seminar hosted by First Secure Bank in Joliet, explaining the basics of Medicare coverage and advising attendees to review options annually during the enrollment window.

Wiley told the audience that "Medicare was never designed to cover 100%." He outlined the program’s structure: Part A covers hospital and facility costs, Part B covers physician and outpatient services, and beneficiaries commonly layer on a drug plan (Part D) and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) to fill coverage gaps. He recommended federal resources such as the "Medicare & You" handbook and the 1‑800‑Medicare line for authoritative information.

Wiley cited concrete 2025 figures while explaining exposure under original Medicare: the hospital inpatient co‑payment for a benefit period was $1,676, and a Part B base premium of $185 per month. He warned that Part B’s typical 20% coinsurance can create large out‑of‑pocket liabilities and described how supplements and drug plans are designed to reduce that exposure.

On Medigap, Wiley explained the federal standardization of lettered plans and compared common designs. He said Plan F is no longer sold to new enrollees, Plan G offers broad coverage after paying the Part B deductible and Plan N reduces premiums in exchange for modest copayments (for example, doctor and ER copays). He cautioned that supplement rates vary by carrier and that small carriers with thin risk pools can face steep increases.

Wiley also discussed Part D drug plans, saying there were 15 options that year with different formularies and tiers; he noted the presence of a $2,000 annual maximum out‑of‑pocket for drug cost‑sharing (co‑payments) and urged beneficiaries to watch the annual notice of change because a drug’s tier or coverage can shift year to year.

Explaining Medicare Advantage, Wiley said these plans are private, county‑by‑county alternatives that can offer added benefits such as dental, vision and hearing but often impose network limits and additional co‑payments. "Advantage is a Medicare replacement plan," he said, and stressed trade‑offs including network restrictions and out‑of‑pocket menus that can include low primary‑care copays but higher costs for out‑of‑network care.

In response to audience questions, Wiley described enrollment rules and state differences. He noted the standard Annual Election Period runs from October 15 through December 7 and described a one‑year trial (right of return) for beneficiaries who try Advantage. He also told the group that Illinois has one Medicare Supplement carrier that does not require medical underwriting, a state‑specific exception he said allows some people to move back to a supplement in Illinois when they otherwise might face medical underwriting elsewhere.

Throughout the session Wiley emphasized practical steps: compare network participation, evaluate worst‑case out‑of‑pocket exposure and review plan formularies each year. He repeatedly urged attendees to "take a quick look" during AEP to see whether their supplement, drug plan or Advantage option remains the best value.

Jay Bergman of First Secure Bank opened and closed the event and thanked attendees; organizers invited participants to ask follow‑up questions and stay for refreshments.

The seminar concluded with an offer for one‑on‑one follow‑up consultations and reminders about upcoming bank customer events; no formal vote or action was taken.