Nearly 400,000 Minnesotans Face Medicare Advantage Plan Changes
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans face finding a new health care plan this fall as Medicare Advantage offerings are discontinued or scaled back across the state and nation.
Hundreds of Thousands of Minnesotans Face Plan Changes
The Minnesota Board on Aging says nearly one-third of Minnesotans enrolled in Medicare will lose access to their current Medicare Advantage plan next year. That equates to approximately 392,000 people.
State officials are urging anyone currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to review their coverage and find another option if their plan is ending. Chad Wojchik with Minnesota Aging Pathways and the Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging joined Andy Brownell on Rochester Today on News-Talk 1340 KROC-AM and 96.9 FM to discuss the situation and the various options available.
Click on the link below to hear the full interview.
Goodhue and Rice Counties Among Those Losing Plan Options
According to the Minnesota Board on Aging, some Medicare Advantage plans are discontinuing their offerings statewide or reducing the number of counties where they offer coverage. There are currently 15 counties in Minnesota that will have no Medicare Advantage plan options. Goodhue and Rice counties are on the list.
Only Three Medicare Advantage Plans Listed for Olmsted County
Wojchik says Medicare Advantage plans remain available in Olmsted County and most other counties in southeastern Minnesota, but the number of options has been reduced.
"Right now, there are only three advantage plans listed for Olmsted County. And they would all be through Medica. One of the Medica plans doesn't include drug coverage. And typically, that is not a direction most folks would want to go."
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a New Medicare Plan
The Minnesota Board on Aging says there are several important things to consider when looking for a new Medicare plan, including:
- Are your medical providers and doctors covered by the plan's network?
- Will you be able to use your preferred pharmacy?
- Are your medications covered, and have their costs increased?
- Will the premiums increase?
- What will you pay in other out-of-pocket costs?
- Do you plan to travel?
Medicare Open Enrollment Runs Through December 7
The Medicare open enrollment period, when enrollees can change their Medicare Advantage plans or sign up for a Medigap or Medicare Supplement insurance plan, began October 15 and ends December 7.
Free Enrollment Help Available, but Wait Times May Be Longer
Free assistance with making these decisions is available through Minnesota Aging Pathways by calling 800-333-2433 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. People can also visit the Medicare website or call Medicare at 800-633-4227.
Due to the large number of people losing access to their current coverage next year, Wojchik cautions that anyone seeking assistance through Minnesota Aging Pathways should expect significant wait times because of high demand for the service.
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Gallery Credit: Lauren Wells
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