Changes to Medicare plans are coming in 2027, and many Minnesota seniors have questions. If you’re worried about losing your coverage or unsure what to do next, you’re not alone.
Medicare can be confusing. With different plans, costs, and rules, it can be hard to know which choice is right for you.
This year, some insurance companies are making major changes to their Medicare Advantage plans. Some plans will no longer be offered in certain Minnesota counties.
At Astera Health, we want to help you understand these changes so you can make informed choices about your healthcare.
What’s changing with Medicare in 2027?
One of the biggest changes is that fewer Medicare Advantage plans will be available in Minnesota.
According to Minnesota Aging Pathways:
- Humana will no longer offer Medicare Advantage plans in Minnesota.
- Other insurance companies are reducing the number of plans they offer.
- Some plans will no longer be available in certain counties.
- Some plans may limit how many people can enroll.
In Wadena County, there will be no Medicare Advantage or Medicare Cost plans available for 2027.
Your options depend on where you live. Even if your neighbor in another county has a certain plan, that same plan may not be available to you.
If your current plan is ending, you will need to review your coverage and decide what to do next.
Does this mean I can no longer receive care at Astera Health?
No. These changes do not mean Astera Health is closing its doors to Medicare patients.
Astera Health has not changed its contracts with Medicare Advantage insurance companies. The changes to plan availability are decisions made by insurance companies, not Astera Health.
If you have Original Medicare, you can continue receiving Medicare-covered services at Astera Health, subject to Medicare’s coverage rules.
If you live in a county where Medicare Advantage plans are still available, check whether Astera Health and your providers are included in the plan’s network before enrolling.
Understanding your Medicare choices
There are several types of Medicare coverage. Here is a simple way to understand them.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
- Part A helps pay for hospital stays and certain other care.
- Part B helps pay for doctor visits, outpatient care, tests, and preventive services.
Original Medicare does not pay for everything. You may still have deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs. Consider a supplement plan to help with those costs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
These plans are offered by private insurance companies. They provide Medicare Part A and Part B benefits and often include prescription drug coverage and extra benefits.
Many plans have provider networks and rules about where you can receive care.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medigap is extra insurance you can buy to help pay some costs that Original Medicare does not cover.
For example, it may help with deductibles and coinsurance. You pay a separate premium for this coverage.
Medicare Part D
Part D helps pay for prescription medications. If you choose Original Medicare, you may also want a separate Part D plan.
Medigap policies do not include prescription drug coverage.
What if my Medicare Advantage plan is ending?
If your plan will no longer be offered in 2027, you should receive a letter from your insurance company.
Don’t ignore this letter.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to choose another Medicare Advantage plan. If those plans are no longer available, you may need to return to Original Medicare.
You can also explore whether a Medigap policy and a separate Part D prescription drug plan make sense for you.
Important: If your Medicare Advantage plan ends, you could lose your prescription drug coverage if you do not select new drug coverage. Some people may qualify for a special enrollment period.
What is changing with Medicare Supplement plans in Minnesota?
There is some good news for people who want to explore Medicare Supplement insurance.
Minnesota is adding new opportunities in 2027 for certain people to buy or change Medigap policies without answering health questions.
Some people ages 65 through 70 may qualify, even if they did not sign up for a Medigap policy when they first became eligible.
There are special rules, including possible extra premium charges. Not everyone will qualify.
Before changing plans, speak with a trained Medicare counselor to understand your options and costs.
Will my prescription drug costs change?
They might.
For 2027, the annual out-of-pocket limit for covered Medicare Part D prescription drugs will be $2,400, up from $2,100 in 2026.
The maximum Part D deductible will also increase to $700. Some plans have lower deductibles or no deductible.
Your medication costs will depend on your plan and the drugs you take.
Before choosing a plan, make sure your prescriptions are covered and check which pharmacies you can use.
Can I get help paying for Medicare?
Yes. You may qualify for programs that help lower your Medicare costs.
Two programs to ask about are:
Extra Help: This program helps people with limited income and resources pay for Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Savings Programs: These programs may help pay Medicare premiums and, for some people, other costs.
Even if you think you may not qualify, it is worth asking. Income and resource limits can change each year.
Five steps to take before December 7
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. Changes made during this period generally begin January 1, 2027.
Here’s what you can do now:
- Read your Medicare mail. Look for your Annual Notice of Change or a letter saying your plan is ending.
- Make a list of your needs. Write down your medications, doctors, hospitals, and preferred pharmacy.
- Check your coverage. Make sure your plan will still be offered in your county and that your providers and medications are covered.
- Compare your options. Look at monthly premiums, deductibles, drug costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Ask for help before making a change. A trained Medicare counselor can explain your choices and help you compare plans.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Give yourself time to ask questions and understand your options.
Where can I get free Medicare help?
You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
Minnesota Aging Pathways
Call 800-333-2433, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Visit mn.gov/aging-pathways.
Medicare
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Visit Medicare.gov to compare plans.
These resources can help you understand your coverage choices, even if you don’t have a computer.
Watch our Medicare information session
To help our community understand the upcoming changes, Astera Health hosted a Medicare information session featuring information from Minnesota Aging Pathways.
If you missed the session or want to hear the information again, you can watch the recording below.
Watch the Medicare Changes for 2027 Community Presentation
You can also share the recording with a family member or caregiver who helps you make healthcare decisions.
We’re here for your health
At Astera Health, we know that changes to Medicare can bring worry and confusion. We want you to feel confident about your healthcare and understand your options.
While Astera Health cannot choose your insurance plan for you, we encourage you to use the free resources available to find coverage that meets your needs.
Your health matters. Your coverage matters. And understanding your choices is the first step toward peace of mind.
This article provides general Medicare information for 2027. Insurance coverage, plan availability, costs, and enrollment rights vary by individual and county. Contact Medicare or Minnesota Aging Pathways for help with your specific situation.