Medicare Supplement Plans in Minnesota

Once enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, you're qualified to enroll in any of Minnesota's Medicare Supplement plans. Minnesota is one of three states that vary from most states' standardized Medicare Supplement plans. Rather than selecting from ten plans identified by numbers, Minnesota beneficiaries can choose between the "Basic Plan" and the "Extended Basic Plan".

These plans are designed to cover the out-of-pocket expenses after the Original Medicare is billed, including copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance charges. These out-of-pocket expenses are often referred to as gaps in the Medicare system, which is why Medicare Supplement plans are often referred to as Medigap policies.

How Much Does a Medicare Supplement Plan Cost in Minnesota?

Medigap policies vary in both coverage and cost. The following prices reflect a quote for a 65-year-old female and male nonsmoker in Minnesota. These rates can give you a rough idea of Medigap plan costs.

Medicare Supplement Plan Options in Minnesota

You may choose between two Medicare Supplement plans in Minnesota as an Original Medicare beneficiary. Unlike in most other states, you can't choose one of the ten popular standardized plans, such as standard or High Deductible Medicare Supplement Plan G. Instead, you'll need to select one of these two options:

Basic Medigap Plan in Minnesota

• The Basic Plan doesn't cover Medicare Part B deductible and other out-of-pocket expenses

Extended Basic Medigap Plan in Minnesota

• The Extended Basic covers Part B deductibles plus all out-of-pocket expenses after the annual $1,000 out-of-pocket maximum is satisfied

Each of these plans has its list of benefits, with the extended plan offering the most comprehensive coverage in exchange for higher rates. Beneficiaries selecting a Medicare Supplement plan in Minnesota also have the option of adding up to four riders:

• Insurance hospital deductible for Medicare Part A
• Part B deductible
• Preventive care not offered through Original Medicare
• Customary and usual fees

The rider system allows you to customize your Medigap plan in MN, but it also makes it more difficult to compare rates before making your final decision. In addition to comparing rates for each plan, you need to compare available riders and prices for those additions to your coverage.

Many people consider Extended Basic Plans the best Medicare Supplement plan in Minnesota because more coverage is offered. However, even a Basic Health Plan can help you supplement your Medicare coverage well, and your monthly premium will typically be significantly cheaper. Talking to one of our licensed insurance agents about these two options from private insurance companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield will help you save the most money.

When Can I Apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan?

65 or Older

The best time to enroll in one of Minnesota's Medicare Supplement plans is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This six-month period starts the first month you turn 65 and have Medicare Part B coverage. There are some significant benefits to enrolling during this time:

• The insurance company cannot deny you coverage for either of the Medicare Supplement plans.
• The insurance company cannot cancel your Medicare Supplement plan in Minnesota until your premiums are paid.
• You get to bypass medical underwriting, and you don't have to answer questions regarding your medical history.

Under 65

Unlike many other states, Minnesota extends guaranteed benefits to every Medicare beneficiary regardless of age. As a result, beneficiaries in Minnesota under the age of 65 who qualify for Original Medicare due to a disability don't need to wait until they turn 65 to receive guaranteed Medigap acceptance.

Special Enrollment Periods

You can also qualify for guaranteed issue rights in special situations, such as:

• If you lose your group health coverage
• If you move from your plan's service area
• If your insurer discontinues your policy, goes bankrupt, or leaves your service area

If one of these applies to you, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

How Does Medigap Cover Prescription Drugs?

Even Minnesota's best Medicare Supplement plans will not include prescription drug coverage. Instead, you must purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan for your medications.

Suppose your income is limited, and you struggle to pay premiums for either the Medicare Supplement or your prescription drug plan. In that case, you may qualify for one of Minnesota's Medicare Savings Programs. You may also be eligible for Medical Assistance, Minnesota's Medicaid program.

Can I Use My Minnesota Plan in Other States?

Even though the type of Medicare Supplement plans in Minnesota differs from those offered in most other states, you can still use your plan in any state. Your zip code may impact your premium, but it does not affect your choice of doctors. With a Medicare Supplement plan in Minnesota, you have the freedom to see any medical professional in the country who accepts Medicare as payment.

Enrollment Statistics

Medicare enrollment and enrollment in Medicare plans are highest in the more populated counties in Minnesota. However, there are Medicare enrollees and enrollees in Medicare Supplement insurance from all over the state.

• The five largest counties in Minnesota include:
• Hennepin
• Ramsey
• Dakota
• Anoka
• Washington

In 2010, Anoka, St. Louis, Dakota, and Ramsey counties had the highest number of Medicare beneficiaries. In 2015, there were more than 900,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Minnesota. This translates to approximately 12 percent of the state's population. In addition, more than 120,000 Medicare beneficiaries were also enrolled in Medigap policies in 2015.

Whether you live in a more rural area or a bigger city in Minnesota, it's worth looking into a Medicare Supplement plan in Minnesota. One of these health plans can help you significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for care in a skilled nursing facility, temporary home health care, inpatient hospital expenses, and more.

After all, even though the federal Medicare program does offer many Medicare benefits, your Medicare costs could be high without one of these insurance plans.

Ready to Learn More?

We help educate Medicare beneficiaries on their Medigap options and help them go through the process of reviewing and comparing plans. We work with some of the nation's top-rated Medigap carriers. So give us a call today, or request a quote online to learn more about Aetna Medicare Supplement plan G and Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement plan G in your state.