Minnesota Seniors Face Long Waits for Medicare Assistance
Minnesota seniors seeking assistance with Medicare are experiencing unprecedented wait times, averaging around 95 minutes, due to a surge in inquiries. The Minnesota Aging Pathways helpline reports receiving approximately 1,800 calls daily, nearly three times the volume from the previous year. This influx is linked to the Medicare open enrollment period, which began on October 15, 2023, and runs through December 7, 2023. As options for Medicare Advantage plans narrow and costs rise, many seniors are grappling with their coverage choices.
According to Kelli Jo Greiner, the Medicare program manager for the Minnesota Board on Aging, the current call volume and wait times are unprecedented. “The number of calls we’re receiving, and the subsequent wait times, has been like nothing we’ve ever seen,” she stated. This situation aligns with broader challenges in the healthcare sector, as rising costs for employer health plans and potential changes to federal tax credits for those under 65 add to the uncertainty.
Challenges in the Medicare Landscape
The increasing demand for assistance arises from significant changes in the Medicare landscape. Health insurers in Minnesota are scaling back on certain Medicare health and drug plan options for 2026, primarily due to financial difficulties. Notably, UCare, the state’s second-largest Medicare Advantage plan, will exit the market statewide as of January 1, 2024, following considerable financial losses. Other major insurers, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, HealthPartners, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare, are also withdrawing from specific counties.
As a result of these exits, many enrollees need to find new coverage. Furthermore, remaining Medicare Advantage plans are raising their costs, prompting beneficiaries to explore alternative options. Issues with provider networks involving UnitedHealthcare and Humana have also led some beneficiaries to reconsider their choices.
How Seniors Can Navigate Medicare Changes
For seniors seeking guidance, Minnesota Aging Pathways, previously known as the Senior LinkAge Line, offers free assistance at 1-800-333-2433. The helpline is available Monday through Friday from 08:00 to 16:30. Greiner advises that the call center experiences peak demand in the morning and on Mondays, suggesting that seniors might wish to contact the federal Medicare helpline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), which operates 24/7.
The federal government provides online resources, such as the Medicare Plan Finder, where beneficiaries can review available Medicare Advantage options and create a personalized account to manage their prescription needs. Minnesota Aging Pathways has also released instructional videos to help seniors navigate these tools effectively.
Independent insurance agents serve as another source of assistance. However, many have reported reductions in commissions, limiting their ability to offer support. Shawnee Christenson, an insurance agent with Crosstown Insurance in New Hope, noted, “We have not yet had to turn people away, but we are getting close.” Some agents are prioritizing existing clients, which may leave new customers with fewer options for personalized guidance.
While the open enrollment period continues until December 7, 2023, some seniors are hesitant to wait for one-on-one consultations, fearing they may lack coverage if they delay.
Seniors have the option to choose coverage through the original Medicare program, which currently serves over 500,000 individuals in Minnesota. However, original Medicare does not fully cover all healthcare costs, potentially resulting in significant out-of-pocket expenses for those with high medical needs. To address this, beneficiaries can purchase Medicare Supplement policies, commonly known as Medigap, which provide additional coverage but usually come with higher premiums.
For those impacted by UCare’s exit, about 158,000 seniors are exploring alternative coverage options. They hold a guaranteed issue right to Medigap plans, allowing them to bypass health history questions when applying for coverage.
Drug coverage under Medicare, known as “Part D,” is typically included in Medicare Advantage plans. For those enrolled in original Medicare, standalone Part D plans are available, with seniors in Minnesota able to select from 11 different options for 2026.
Access to healthcare providers is another critical concern. Original Medicare generally allows beneficiaries to visit nearly all doctors and hospitals, while Medicare Advantage plans may limit choices to a specific network of providers. Seniors are advised to verify whether their doctors are included in their plan to avoid higher costs associated with out-of-network services.
As Minnesota seniors navigate these complex changes in Medicare, timely assistance is crucial for ensuring they find the coverage that best meets their needs.
