June
22, 2018 | Insurance
Due to a change in federal law, many Minnesota seniors with a
specific type of Medicare plan, known as a “Cost Plan,” may need to enroll in
new Medicare coverage for 2019.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
What is a Medicare Cost Plan?
A Cost Plan is a type of Medicare plan that has been popular
with Minnesota seniors for many years.
In Minnesota, Cost Plans are currently offered by just three
insurers:
- Blue
Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
- HealthPartners
- Medica
Their Cost Plans have various brand names. A list can be found
at the bottom of this page.
How do I tell if I have a Cost Plan?
Most Minnesota seniors do NOT have Medicare Cost Plans.
Of the one million Minnesota seniors currently enrolled in
Medicare, about 370,000 have Cost Plans.
You can confirm whether you have a Medicare Cost Plan by calling
the number on the back of your health plan member card.
What should Minnesota seniors with Medicare Cost Plans do now?
For now, seniors with Medicare Cost Plans do NOT need to take
any action.
All current Medicare Cost Plan coverage remains in effect until
December 31, 2018.
Later this summer and into the fall, seniors will receive
information about how to obtain new Medicare coverage for 2019.
What is the Minnesota Department of Commerce doing to protect
seniors with Medicare Cost Plans?
The Commerce Department is helping to ensure a smooth transition
in Medicare coverage for Minnesota seniors. We are coordinating with the
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), other state agencies, the
Minnesota Board on Aging Senior LinkAge Line®, insurance companies and health
plans, insurance brokers/agents and many partner organizations that serve and
work with seniors.
LEARN MORE
How will Minnesota seniors with Medicare Cost Plans be affected
for 2019?
Not all seniors with Cost Plans will be affected in the same
way.
Seniors in some Minnesota counties will be able to remain with
their current Cost Plans because of the limited availability of other Medicare
options.
- This
summer, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected
to provide the list of Minnesota counties where seniors can remain
enrolled in their Cost Plans in 2019.
Many seniors with Cost Plans may be automatically
transitioned into a Medicare Advantage plan for 2019 with their same company,
as long as CMS determines the new plan is similar in benefits to their current
Cost Plan.
- Seniors
will still be able to opt out and select a different Medicare Advantage
plan or Medicare Supplement policy.
It is estimated that about 200,000 Minnesota seniors will need
to take action this fall to replace their existing Medicare Cost Plan and
enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan or purchase a Medicare Supplement
policy for coverage beginning January 1, 2019.
What are some important dates?
Summer 2018
Minnesota seniors whose Cost Plans are ending will receive
letters from their Cost Plan company or from Medicare informing them of the
change and their options.
October 1, 2018
This is when seniors can begin to shop and compare plans for
2019.
Detailed Medicare plan offerings for 2019 will be available on
the www.Medicare.gov Plan
Finder tool, including information on cost, coverage and other benefits.
In addition, the Minnesota Board on Aging’s 2019 edition
of Health Care Choices for Minnesotans on Medicare will be
available at this time. The publication provides information on all Minnesota
Medicare options for 2019. To get a free copy, call the Senior LinkAge Line® at
1-800-333-2433.
October 15 – December 7, 2018
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is when all seniors can
choose to enroll or switch to a new Medicare plan for 2019, including a
Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
November 2, 2018 – March 4, 2019
This is the period when seniors who lost their Cost Plan and
returned to Original Medicare Part A and B can purchase a Medicare Supplement
policy without any health screening (underwriting).
December 8, 2018 – February 28, 2019
This is a Special Enrollment Period for seniors who lost their
Cost Plans. They can enroll in a different Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare
Part D prescription drug plan for 2019 than the one they selected during the
Annual Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7, 2018).
January 1, 2019 – March 31, 2019
This is a new Medicare Advantage enrollment period for all
seniors enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. They can switch to a different
Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare Part A and B.
Where can I get more information?
Medicare
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Minnesota Senior LinkAge Line®
1-800-333-2433 statewide
The Senior LinkAge Line® is the federally designated State
Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Minnesota and provides free,
objective, comprehensive help with Medicare.
Minnesota Commerce Department
651-539-1600 or 1-800-657-3602 (Greater Minnesota)
The Commerce Department is the state regulator of insurance
companies and insurance brokers/agents. The Department’s Consumer Services
Center provides assistance to Minnesotans with concerns or problems regarding
an insurance policy, insurance broker/agent or insurance company.
What are the brand names of Medicare Cost Plans in Minnesota?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
- Platinum
Blue Choice
- Platinum
Blue Choice with Rx
- Platinum
Blue Complete
- Platinum
Blue Complete with Rx
- Platinum
Blue Core
- Platinum
Blue Core with Rx
HealthPartners
- Freedom
Active
- Freedom
Active with Rx
- Freedom
Balance
- Freedom
Balance with Rx
- Freedom
Basic
- Freedom
Ultimate
- Freedom
Ultimate with Rx
- Freedom
Ultimate with Enhanced Rx
- Freedom
Vital
- Freedom
Vital with Rx
Medica
- Prime
Solution Basic
- Prime
Solution Basic with Rx
- Prime
Solution Basic with Rx 2
- Prime
Solution Enhanced
- Prime
Solution Enhanced with Rx
- Prime
Solution Enhanced with Rx 2
- Prime
Solution Thrift
- Prime
Solution Thrift with Rx
- Medica
Prime Solution Value
- Medica
Prime Solution Value with Rx
- Medica
Prime Solution Value with Rx 2
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