Medicare Supplement Plans in Minnesota for 2026
When it comes to Medicare in Minnesota, most have two main choices: enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or choose a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to supplement Original Medicare.
Both options have their place, but the past two years have shown just how different the experience can be.
The 2025 Annual Election Period (October 15 – December 7) is expected to be one of the most turbulent times for Minnesota.
The biggest news came when UCare (one of the state’s largest nonprofit insurers) announced it would terminate its Medicare Advantage plans, leaving 158,000 seniors to find new coverage.
This wasn’t an isolated event. Nationwide, more than 1 million people lost their Medicare Advantage plans in 2024 as insurers trimmed unprofitable markets, narrowed networks, or pulled out altogether.
As we head into 2026, all signs point to more of the same. For Minnesota beneficiaries, this means re-evaluating the long-term stability of Medicare Advantage versus the consistent protection of Medigap.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the best Medicare Supplement plan options in Minnesota for 2026, explain how they compare, and give you clear direction on protecting your coverage and budget in an uncertain market.
What UCare’s Exit Means for Minnesota Residents
UCare’s decision to terminate all of its Medicare Advantage plans is one of the largest disruptions Minnesota has ever seen. Over 158,000 members will be forced to find new coverage for 2026, not because of anything they did wrong, but because their plan is disappearing.
When this happens, Medicare gives you something called a Guaranteed Issue Right.
In simple terms, this means you have a special window of time where you can switch to a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan without answering health questions or going through medical underwriting.
Normally, carriers can decline your application or charge more if you have pre-existing conditions – but under Guaranteed Issue, they must accept you.
This is a golden opportunity for those who have relied on UCare’s Advantage plans.
Medicare Supplement plans offer:
- Stable coverage that doesn’t change year to year.
- No prior authorizations – if Medicare approves the service, your Medigap plan covers it.
- No sudden cancellations – as long as you pay your premium, you keep your plan.
In short, UCare’s exit may feel disruptive, but it also opens the door for thousands of seniors to finally secure the peace of mind and long-term stability that only Medicare Supplement coverage provides.
Why Consider Medicare Supplement Over Medicare Advantage?
The recent upheaval in Minnesota’s Medicare Advantage market highlights a hard truth: Medicare Advantage plans are simply not built for long-term stability.
Every single year, carriers can decide to cancel plans, cut down their provider networks, raise copays, or make you jump through hoops with prior authorizations before you can get the care your doctor already recommends.
For many people, that creates constant uncertainty, frustration, and even the risk of losing access to the doctors or hospitals they’ve trusted for years.
Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, works very differently. These plans are standardized and designed to be stable.
Once you’re enrolled, your core benefits don’t change from year to year. That’s why so many seniors appreciate the predictability.
After you pay your cost share (depending on plan type), your Medigap plan steps in to cover almost everything else. You’re not left wondering what surprise copay or hidden fee will pop up next.
And there’s the freedom factor. With Medigap, you’re not tied to a network. You can see any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare – whether it’s your local physician or a specialty facility across the country.
That’s a huge relief for snowbirds who split their time in different states, frequent travelers, or anyone with family spread around the country.
Perhaps the biggest benefit, though, is peace of mind. As long as you keep paying your premium, your Medigap plan can’t be canceled and your benefits won’t be reduced. You don’t have to worry about your plan disappearing, your doctor suddenly being out-of-network, or your coverage being rewritten each year.
So, while Medicare Advantage plans may look attractive on the surface with their lower premiums, the reality is that Medicare Supplement plans deliver the stability and freedom that Advantage just can’t match – and in a turbulent market like Minnesota’s, that difference is more important than ever.
So while Advantage may tempt you with lower premiums, Medigap is where you find real stability. And if you’re in Minnesota in 2026, that difference matters more than ever.
Here are the top reasons many seniors are making the switch:
- Consistency you can count on – your benefits don’t change from year to year.
- Freedom to choose any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare.
- Peace of mind while traveling – whether it’s across the state or across the country.
- No surprise bills or shifting rules – once you’re in, your coverage is guaranteed as long as you pay your premium.
-
Bottom Line:
Medicare Supplement plans don’t just give you coverage – they give you confidence in your healthcare, something Advantage can’t always promise.
Medicare Supplement Plans Available in Minnesota
Minnesota is one of just a few states with its own unique Medigap structure. That means the standard Medigap options you see in most states – like Plan G and Plan N – are not available here.
Instead, Minnesota beneficiaries have a different set of choices.
The Minnesota Medigap Options
- Basic Plan: Covers core benefits, including Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance, Part B coinsurance/copayments, hospice care coinsurance, and the first three pints of blood.
- Basic Plan with Riders: Adds optional riders (extra benefits) to the Basic Plan. These may include coverage for the Part A deductible, Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, or foreign travel emergency care. This gives flexibility to customize coverage to your needs.
- Extended Basic Plan (sometimes called “Basic Plus”): Offers more comprehensive protection by automatically including many of the riders. It’s closer to what Plan G provides in other states, covering more gaps in Medicare without needing to add riders individually.
- High-Deductible Plans: In some cases, Minnesota insurers also offer a high-deductible version of Medigap. With this option, you pay a lower monthly premium but must meet a higher out-of-pocket deductible before full coverage kicks in.
Note: These benefits are standardized across all insurers, so the main differences you’ll see are in price and company reputation.
The key takeaway is that no matter which Minnesota Medigap plan you choose, state law guarantees and standardizes your benefits. The decision comes down to how much coverage you want – and how much you’re willing to pay in premiums versus out-of-pocket costs.
How Minnesota’s Medicare Supplement Plans Work
Even though Minnesota’s Medigap structure is different from the lettered plans used in most states, the way these policies function is the same. At the core, they are designed to fill the gaps left by Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
Here’s how it plays out in practice:
You remain on Original Medicare, so Medicare always pays its share of your covered hospital and medical costs first.
After that, your Medigap plan steps in to cover the remaining expenses.
Depending on whether you’ve chosen the Basic Plan, Extended Basic, or added riders, that could mean your plan pays for deductibles, coinsurance, or other out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn’t fully cover.
One of the biggest advantages is freedom. No matter which version of the Minnesota Medigap plan you choose, you can see any provider in the country who accepts Medicare. There are no networks to navigate, no referrals required, and no worrying about whether your doctor will still be included next year.
And because the benefits are standardized under state law, every insurer must cover the same things. The only differences you’ll see from one company to another are the monthly premium, available discounts, and the carrier’s reputation for customer service and rate stability.
In short, Minnesota’s Medigap plans may look different on paper, but they work just like their counterparts in other states: Medicare pays first, your supplement fills the gaps, and you enjoy predictable, reliable coverage without the uncertainty that often comes with Medicare Advantage.
Costs of Medicare Supplement Plans in Minnesota
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) premiums in Minnesota vary based on factors like age, tobacco use, and zip code, but the state uses community rating – meaning everyone pays the same base rate regardless of age.
While this makes pricing more predictable over time, there are still big differences between carriers, which is why comparing quotes is essential.
In 2026, the major carriers in Minnesota include Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Of these, Cigna is currently among the most competitive, although this can change as carriers adjust rates each year.
Here’s a snapshot of sample monthly premiums for Minnesota residents:
| Carrier | Basic Plan | Extended Basic Plan | High Deductible Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna | $251 | $320 | $62 |
| Aetna | $262 | $340 | $110 |
| Mutual of Omaha | $319 | $392 | N/A |
| UnitedHealthcare | $243 | $320 | N/A |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota | $244 | $318 | $75 |
These rates are just examples and will differ depending on your personal situation. Factors like tobacco use, discounts (household, spousal), and your exact zip code all affect your final premium.
Minnesota’s Medicare Supplement plans are standardized, which means every carrier must offer the same benefits for the Basic and Extended Basic plans. What isn’t standardized is price – and that’s where seniors can save or overspend by hundreds, even thousands, of dollars each year.
Right now, Cigna is often the most competitive option, but carriers like Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, and Aetna all remain popular and trusted choices. The challenge is that rates shift annually, and a company that’s competitive in 2026 may not hold that position in 2027. This is why it’s critical not to assume your current plan is the best deal long-term.
The bottom line is simple: don’t choose your Medigap plan based only on a familiar name or brand reputation. Instead, evaluate each carrier based on three factors:
- Current premium
- Available discounts
- Rate increase history
By doing so, you’ll position yourself for stability in coverage without paying more than you should.
For Minnesota beneficiaries, this is especially important in 2026, coming right on the heels of historic 2025 rate increases. The best strategy is to compare rates now and lock in the right plan before prices rise again.
Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage
When deciding between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage, it’s important to look beyond just the monthly premium. What really matters is how each type of plan affects your freedom to choose providers, your stability year after year, and your total annual cost of care.
Here’s how the two compare in Minnesota for 2026:
| Feature | Medicare Supplement (Medigap) | Medicare Advantage (MA) |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | No networks - see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare | Localized networks (often HMO/PPO); limited outside your county or state |
| Referrals | No referrals needed for specialists | Referrals often required from a primary care doctor |
| Prior Authorization | Not required - if Medicare approves it, Medigap covers it | Frequently required for tests, procedures, and hospital stays |
| Stability | Benefits are standardized and do not change year to year | Plans can be canceled or altered annually |
| Coverage Area | Nationwide coverage, including some foreign travel emergency | Typically limited to service area; out-of-network care can be costly or not covered |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | Predictable - mostly premiums plus the Part B deductible | Can be unpredictable with copays, coinsurance, and yearly changes |
While Medicare Advantage plans often look attractive because of low or even $0 premiums, the trade-off is unpredictability: networks may shrink, benefits can change each year, and out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly.
By contrast, Medicare Supplement plans usually carry higher monthly premiums but provide stability, freedom, and peace of mind that your benefits will remain the same year after year.
The key question to ask isn’t just “What is the premium?” but “What will my total annual cost of care be?” For many Minnesota retirees, Medigap’s predictability makes it the smarter long-term choice.
Common Questions About Medicare Supplement in Minnesota
Here are some of the more common questions we answer for clients.
#1. Do I need to use a network of doctors and hospitals? No. One of the most significant advantages of Medicare Supplement insurance is that there are no networks. Unlike Medicare Advantage, which locks you into a local HMO or PPO system, Medigap lets you see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare.
For most people, this means you can stay with your preferred providers without worrying that they’ll suddenly be dropped from your plan.
#2. Can I travel and still use my plan? Yes. Medicare Supplement coverage follows you anywhere in the United States, so your benefits remain the same no matter where you are.
This is especially valuable for Minnesotans who spend part of the year in another state or who travel frequently.
In addition, many Medigap policies also include limited foreign travel emergency benefits, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’re protected even outside the country.
#3. Can I see a specialty facility in another state? Absolutely. Medigap plans give you the freedom to choose top specialty clinics and hospitals anywhere in the U.S.
Want to be treated at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, or MD Anderson in Texas? As long as the provider accepts Medicare, your coverage applies. For those with complex health needs, this level of access can be life-changing.
#4. What happens if Medicare Advantage cancels my plan? If your Medicare Advantage plan ends – as is happening with UCare in 2026 – you don’t have to worry about being left without coverage. You’ll qualify for what’s called a Guaranteed Issue Right.
In plain terms, this gives you the ability to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan without health underwriting. That means insurers cannot deny your application or raise your premiums due to pre-existing conditions. This is a rare opportunity and, for many, the best time to move into a stable, long-term Medigap plan.
Why 2026 Is the Right Year to Make the Switch
Across the country, Medicare Advantage markets are proving just how unstable they can be.
In 2024, more than a million people nationwide lost their plans.
In 2025, we saw carriers scale back benefits and raise costs.
And now in 2026, Minnesota faces one of the most disruptive changes yet: UCare’s complete exit from the Medicare Advantage market, displacing 158,000 seniors.
For Minnesotans, this moment is more than just another round of turbulence – it’s a unique opportunity. When a Medicare Advantage plan ends through no fault of your own, you qualify for Guaranteed Issue Rights.
That means you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan without having to answer health questions or worry about being denied for pre-existing conditions. This kind of window doesn’t come around often.
Switching to Medigap now ensures you’ll have stable, predictable coverage that doesn’t change year to year. No networks, no referrals, no prior authorizations, and no risk of your plan suddenly disappearing.
The takeaway is simple: 2026 is the year to explore your Medigap options. Don’t wait until carriers adjust again or until your choices become more limited. By acting now, you can protect your healthcare, your budget, and your peace of mind for the years ahead.
Final Thoughts
UCare’s withdrawal from Minnesota’s Medicare Advantage market, combined with broader turbulence across the country, has left thousands of seniors facing tough choices. But in the middle of this disruption lies a real opportunity.
Medicare Supplement coverage in Minnesota offers exactly what Medicare Advantage has struggled to deliver: stability, nationwide access to providers, and freedom from the frustrations of networks, prior authorizations, and yearly plan changes.
Once you’re enrolled in a Medigap plan, your benefits remain consistent year after year, giving you peace of mind that your coverage won’t suddenly disappear.
For those affected by UCare’s exit, this is a rare moment to use your Guaranteed Issue Right and move into Medicare Supplement without answering health questions. Don’t let it pass you by. Compare quotes, weigh your options, and secure the plan that will protect both your healthcare and your budget for the long term.
That’s where we come in.
At Policy Guide, we’re not just here to provide information – we’re a licensed agency that helps seniors compare their options and enroll in the plan that makes the most sense for their needs.
Because Medigap benefits are standardized, the difference comes down to which company offers you the best rate, most stable pricing, and the right discounts. That’s not always easy to figure out on your own.
Our team has guided thousands of people through this process. We’ll help you:
- Compare rates from top carriers like Cigna, Aetna, Mutual of Omaha, and Blue Cross.
- Understand which plan type – Basic, Extended Basic, or High Deductible in Minnesota – best fits your situation.
- Take advantage of special protections like Guaranteed Issue Rights if your Medicare Advantage plan is ending.
- Lock in reliable coverage so you don’t have to face this same uncertainty year after year.
If you’re ready for peace of mind and want to avoid overpaying for identical coverage, we’re here to help.
