Big Changes Coming for Minnesotans on Medicare

January 04, 2018

Major changes are coming for nearly half of Minnesotans on Medicare in 2019.  Are you one of those affected?

Medicare cost plans are a very popular type of Medicare coverage that help pay costs not covered by regular Medicare and may include prescription drug coverage (Part D). Cost plans will be ending in most Minnesota counties beginning January 1, 2019. If you have a cost plan, you may have to change your Medicare plan so you have the Medicare coverage that is best for you in 2019.

The cost plans in Minnesota include:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota Platinum Blue plans

• HealthPartners Freedom plans

• Medica Prime Solution plans

If you have one of these plans, don’t worry. You don’t need to do anything right now, as long as you are enrolled in your cost plan for 2018 and have coverage. But in the fall of 2018, you will need to make a change that will be effective in 2019. But you will have many Medicare plans to choose from, so you won’t be left without coverage. These plans will be different than your current cost plan, but will still provide you with good coverage.

When the time comes to change plans, the Senior LinkAge Line® can help you choose a plan that works best for you. You can call them at 1-800-333-2433 or live chat with them at www.minnesotahelp.info or at www.seniorlinkageline.com.