Compare Medicare Plans in Minnesota (January 2025)

Key Takeaways:

• Minnesota offers numerous Medicare coverage options in 2025, including 100 Part C, 16 Part D, and 2 standardized Medigap plans.
• All Minnesota residents have access to a zero-premium Part C plan. It’s important, however, to look beyond premiums to find the actual value of a Medicare plan.
• Minnesota has a unique Medigap plan structure that offers new enrollees a Basic Plan, a Basic Extended Plan, and several customizations.

Choosing the right Medicare plan in Minnesota can feel like navigating the state’s 10,000+ lakes. There are so many options that it’s easy to get lost without a guide!

Whether you’re new to Medicare or looking to make changes to your current coverage, a thorough understanding of the various Medicare plans in Minnesota is key to making informed decisions about your healthcare.

This guide walks you through Minnesota’s Medicare landscape to help you navigate the choices available and find coverage that truly fits your needs.

Types of Medicare Plans Available in Minnesota

Minnesota offers a wide variety of Medicare options, each with its own set of benefits and considerations.

Let’s explore each type to help you understand what’s available.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

Original Medicare provides a foundation for healthcare coverage through two main components:

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): It covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice services. Most Minnesota residents qualify for premium-free Part A if they or their spouses paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. If you don’t qualify for premium-free coverage, you will have to pay either $285 or $518 monthly.
• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): It covers doctor visits, preventive services, and medical equipment. For 2025, most Minnesota residents pay a standard Part B premium of $185 monthly, though this amount may be higher based on your income.

Keep in mind that Original Medicare involves out-of-pocket costs. After meeting your Part B deductible, you typically pay 20% of the cost of Medicare-approved items and services.

Part A services, on the other hand, require a deductible for each benefit period. A benefit period begins on the day a patient is admitted to a hospital or skilled nursing facility and ends when they have not received those services for 60 consecutive days.

Data sourced from Medicare Basics.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage or Part C plans that provide all the benefits of Original Medicare but with extra coverage. Depending on the plan, that can include prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing services, and even wellness programs.

Medicare Advantage plans are increasingly popular in Minnesota, with roughly 600,000 residents of the state enrolled in one of them in 2024. That represents more than half the 1.1 million Medicare beneficiaries in Minnesota.

• In 2025, all Medicare beneficiaries in Minnesota have access to a Medicare Advantage plan and at least one plan with a $0 premium.
• The total number of Medicare Advantage plans in Minnesota came down from 102 in 2024 to 100 in 2025.
• The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium fell from $67.32 in 2024 to $62.25 in 2025.

Learn more: How to Pick the Medicare Part C Plan That Is Best for You.

Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Minnesota:

Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Comparison of plans from Minnesota Zip Code 55401. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.

Top Medicare Advantage providers in Minnesota include:

• Quartz Medicare Advantage
• UCare
• Allina Health Aetna Medicare
• HealthPartners
• Humana
• UnitedHealthcare

Take the guesswork out of Medicare.

Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan can significantly impact your healthcare experience and budget.

At CoverRight, we help you navigate the various options and find the plan that fits your unique health needs and preferences.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Managing medication costs is critical for Minnesota residents, especially during the state’s long winters when health conditions might require more attention.

Medicare Part D plans make prescription medications more affordable and accessible.

Recent changes to Part D have made coverage even more affordable for many Minnesotans, including expanded coverage for insulin and vaccines.

Minnesota beneficiaries can access prescription drug coverage in two ways:

• Enrolling in a standalone Part D plan alongside Original Medicare.
• Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage.

Each Part D plan has its own formulary, or a list of covered drugs organized into cost-sharing tiers. Compare each plan’s formulary carefully to ensure your medications are covered.

Minnesota offers 16 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans, with all residents having access to at least one.

• 58.71% of Minnesota beneficiaries in 2025 can find plans with premiums lower than what they paid in 2024.
• Around 18.72% of Part D enrollees qualify for Extra Help, a program that provides additional financial assistance for prescription medications.
• The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan in Minnesota is $0.

Note: Data from MedicareWire.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans reduce or eliminate many out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare.

What sets Medigap plans in Minnesota apart is the state’s unique standardization of plans.

Instead of lettered plans like Plan G or Plan N common in most states, Medigap policies in Minnesota are structured as follows:

Basic Plan

• Inpatient hospital and medical costs.
• Part A hospice and respite cost sharing.
• Parts A & B home health services and supplies cost-sharing.
• 100 days of Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) care.
• 50% of outpatient mental health services costs.
• Medicare-covered preventive care.

The Basic Plan also includes other benefits, such as some foreign travel emergency care, partial physical therapy costs, and state-mandated benefits such as routine cancer screening, reconstructive surgery, and more.

Extended Basic Plan

• Includes all Basic Plan coverage.
• Covers the Part A and Part B deductibles.
• 120 days for Skilled Nursing Facility care.
• Partial healthcare coverage while in a foreign country.
• Coverage for a large portion of usual and customary fees.

You can customize both of these plans to include coverage for:

• Part A and Part B deductibles.
• Non-Medicare preventive care.
• Usual and customary fees.

Some Medigap plan combinations in the state are similar to Medigap plans like K, L, M, and N. None of the plans, however, provide outpatient prescription drug coverage.

Learn more: Do I Need Supplemental Insurance With Medicare?

Average Costs of Medicare Plans in Minnesota

Understanding the average costs of various Medicare plans in Minnesota will help you anticipate healthcare expenses and make informed decisions.

Note: All data reflect 2025 averages sourced from Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, and MedicareWire and may vary by provider.

Top Medicare Advantage and Medigap Providers in Minnesota

Let’s explore some of Minnesota’s top Medicare Advantage and Medigap plan providers to help you find the perfect partner for your healthcare journey.

Learn more: Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement: How to Choose?

Best Medicare Advantage Providers

Finding the best Medicare Advantage provider is more than finding the lowest premium. It’s about finding a plan that aligns with your healthcare needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

Each insurance carrier brings unique strengths to its coverage offerings. When evaluating Medicare Advantage providers, consider their network partnerships with major systems, coverage in your specific region, additional health benefits, and coordination with local healthcare providers and specialists.

Best Medigap Providers

Medigap providers in Minnesota play a vital role in helping you manage the costs of Original Medicare. When comparing Medigap providers, consider their financial strength, customer satisfaction, and plan options.

You can look at financial ratings from agencies like AM Best as well as customer reviews and ratings.

Key factors to consider when choosing a Medigap provider:

• Local presence and experience with Minnesota’s healthcare landscape.
• History of rate stability in the state.
• Claims processing efficiency.
• Customer service accessibility.

Here are some of the top Medigap providers in Minnesota:

Note: Data for Basic and Basic Extended Plans from Mn.gov

How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in Minnesota

With so many Medicare plans available in Minnesota, it’s important to take the time to find coverage that aligns with your lifestyle, budget, and health needs.

Start by mapping your healthcare needs:

• List your current doctors and check their network participation.
• Consider your proximity to major health systems like Mayo Clinic, Allina Health, or Fairview.
• Think about how often you typically need medical care.
• Factor in any specialist care you might need, particularly for chronic conditions.
• Consider any planned procedures or ongoing treatments.
• Evaluate how often you need prescription medications.

Look at your complete healthcare budget:

• Compare total yearly costs, not just monthly premiums.
• Consider your prescription drug needs and associated costs.
• Factor in additional services you might need, like dental or vision care.
• Plan for potential changes in health needs or healthcare costs.

Remember, the right plan should fit both your current situation and future healthcare needs.

Take the time to evaluate your options and don’t hesitate to seek help from Medicare counselors or licensed insurance agents like CoverRight who understand Medicare plans in Minnesota.

Learn more: How Much Medicare Costs in 2024

How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in Minnesota

Here’s all you need to know about enrolling in a Medicare plan in Minnesota.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

This is your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare. It is crucial to sign up during this period to avoid potential penalties.

Your IEP is a seven-month window that begins three months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birth month, and extends three months thereafter.

During this period, you can enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), a Medicare Advantage plan, and/or a Part D prescription drug plan.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

You have the chance to re-evaluate your Medicare coverage and make changes from October 15th to December 7th of each year. This is a good time to review your plan, compare options, and ensure your coverage still meets your needs.

During the AEP, you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, enroll in a Part D plan, or switch Part D plans.

Learn more: Open Enrollment vs Annual Enrollment: Difference Between AEP and OEP.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

Certain life events such as relocating, losing employer coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.

This is an opportunity to make changes to your Medicare coverage outside of the standard enrollment periods.

Steps to Enroll in a Medigap Plans in Minnesota

1. Gather your information: You’ll need your Medicare card (if you already have one), Social Security card, and other personal identification documents.
2. Choose your enrollment method: You can enroll online, by phone, or with the help of a licensed insurance agent.

• Online: Enroll through the Social Security website or the Medicare website.
• By phone: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to enroll.
• With an agent: A licensed insurance agent such as CoverRight can help you understand your options and guide you through the enrollment process.

Medicare Resources for Minnesota Residents

Finding reliable Medicare support in Minnesota is easier than you might think. Several organizations stand ready to help you navigate your Medicare journey with free, unbiased assistance.

• Senior LinkAge Line: This free service connects older adults and their families with information and assistance on a variety of topics, including Medicare. Trained counselors can help you understand your options, compare plans, and find answers to your questions. You can reach the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 or visit their website.
• Minnesota Board on Aging: This organization provides advocacy, resources, and support for older adults in Minnesota. Its website offers information on various aging-related topics, including Medicare and long-term care options.
• Minnesota Department of Commerce: It regulates insurance companies in Minnesota and provides consumer resources and assistance. You can find information about Medicare insurance providers, and consumer rights on its website

Make Medicare simple in Minnesota.

At CoverRight, our specialists deeply understand the Medicare system and the Massachusetts healthcare market. We’ll help guide you to coverage that fits your life and budget.

Start today.

Sources

1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
   • Medicare Open Enrollment Partner Resources. Published 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed January 2, 2025.
2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
   • 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Ratings Fact Sheet. Published October 13, 2023. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed January 2, 2025.
3. Medicare.gov
   • Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 2, 2025.
4. Medicare.gov
   • Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 2, 2025.
5. Medicare.gov
   • What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 3, 2025.
6. Medicare.gov
   • When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 29, 2024.
7. Medicare.gov
   • What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 29, 2024.
8. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
   • Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2024. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed December 29, 2024.

Get your personalized
Medicare quote:

View Plans for Free