Changes take Effect with Medicare Open Enrollment

According to the nonprofit health plan provider UCare, one of the biggest differences in Medicare open enrollment is that all benefits will be under one coordinated plan.

“With Medicare coverage this year, they have what’s called ‘cost plans’ and those are going away,” explains Rob Mack from UCare.

Minnesotans will have more options and will be able to choose from companies they already know.

UCare offers eight different plans for seniors.

“The big thing is 96 percent of all our Minnesota providers are in our network,” says Mack. “Fairview, North Memorial, Allina, Health Partners, Park Nicollet. So everyone should be able to keep the doctors they already have even if they are losing their plan.”

The change is affecting 300,000 seniors, but Mack says the change will not be more expensive.

“We have eight different plans to choose from starting at zero premium and some of our more popular plans have a premium of 56 dollars, so they are right in the ballpark of what they are used to paying right now,” says Mack.

Mack says people will have the same benefits as before.

Current plan coverage will continue through December 31.

Medicare open enrollment ends on December 7. Registering later could result in higher premiums.