In the next few weeks, many Minnesota seniors will need to take a fresh look at their Medicare plan options. Because of changes to federal law, a specific kind of Medicare plan called a "Cost" plan will no longer be available in most Minnesota counties starting on January 1, 2019. This change affects approximately 400,000 Minnesota seniors. Blue Cross has been providing Medicare coverage since the program first began and there are many resources ready to help seniors make a smooth transition.

Understanding the situation

The most important thing for seniors to know is that their current plan will cover them through the end of 2018. Watch this short video to learn the basics of what is going on with Medicare this year.

Find out if the changes affect you

Your health insurer will let you know by September 15 if your plan is ending and any next steps you need to take. You’ll have time to explore your Medicare options and sign up for a new plan during the Annual Election Period this fall from October 15 to December 7, 2018.

There are only 21 counties where Cost plans will still be available, including: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Goodhue, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Le Sueur, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Pine, Pipestone, Rice, Rock, Sibley, St. Louis, Stevens, Traverse, and Yellow Medicine.

Key dates

If your plan is ending, your insurer may automatically enroll you in a new Medicare plan with benefits close to the benefits you have now. You also have other options if you want to enroll in a different Medicare plan for 2019 including the Annual Election Period from October 15 – December 7, 2018 when you may enroll in a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement or prescription drug plan for coverage that begins on January 1, 2019.

Other considerations and details

More detailed information can be reviewed at BlueCrossMN.com/MedicareChanges. You can also schedule an appointment or stop into a Blue Cross Retail Center located in Edina, Roseville or Duluth. Or contact your local licensed agent.

Have questions? Join the Medicare in Minnesota Facebook group here.
Learn more about the group in this blog post.