Nearly 400,000 Minnesotans may need new Medicare coverage

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Medicare Advantage members across Minnesota are facing significant plan changes as many insurers scale back or end coverage options for 2027.

Attorney General Keith Ellison issued an alert saying nearly one-third of the state’s 1.2 million Medicare recipients will lose their current Medicare Advantage plan. Only a small number will be automatically switched to another plan, and that new coverage may not be the best match.

"Because it's my mission to help Minnesotans afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect, I must raise the alarm around some significant changes to Medicare Advantage Plans in Minnesota," Ellison said. "If you receive health insurance through Medicare, please spend some time reviewing your options now — well before December 7 — and please urge any friends, family, and loved ones on Medicare to do the same."

Open enrollment for Medicare runs through Dec. 7, giving beneficiaries a chance to compare plans and choose one that better fits their needs.

"It's always important to review your Medicare plan each year, but this year it's critical," said Maureen Schneider, chair of the Minnesota Board on Aging. "Insurers have scaled back or completely eliminated Medicare Advantage plans in some counties."

Fifteen Minnesota counties will have no Medicare Advantage options in 2027: Aitkin, Carlton, Chippewa, Cook, Goodhue, Koochiching, Lake, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Pine, Rice, Sibley, Stevens and Yellow Medicine.

In Crow Wing, Lake of the Woods and Wadena counties, there will be no Medicare Advantage or Medicare Cost plans. Residents there will need to use Original Medicare and choose a Medicare Part D drug plan to keep prescription coverage.

Original Medicare pays for hospital care and outpatient services, with optional add-ons for vision, prescription drugs and dental care. Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurers but approved by Medicare, and they combine Original Medicare benefits with extra coverage in a single plan.

Minnesota Aging Pathways estimates that nearly 400,000 Minnesota Medicare beneficiaries are affected. The attorney general and the Minnesota Board on Aging are working to make sure the warning reaches people in Greater Minnesota, where plan choices may be more limited.