Medicare Changes could Bring Higher Costs and Fewer Plan Options
by Trinity Gruenberg
A health insurance broker has urged residents to pay close attention to potential changes in Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug coverage.
Lauren Hebert, a broker with Mediqwest in Long Prairie, spoke at the Hilltop Kitchen in Eagle Bend, explaining that rising healthcare costs and changes in how brokers are paid may lead to a more unpredictable market.
He highlighted that some Medicare Advantage plans might reduce their service areas, increase out-of-pocket costs, or cut extra benefits like dental and vision coverage.
“I’m a tour guide to a disaster zone,” Hebert said.
Hebert advised people whose Medicare Advantage plans are discontinued to keep their plan non-renewal notice, as it may allow them access to a special enrollment period. This could provide a guaranteed right to apply for a Medicare supplement without needing to answer health questions, followed by adding a Part D prescription plan if they don’t already have similar coverage, such as through the VA.
However, he noted that Minnesota’s rules might limit which supplement plans are available in this case.
“If you lose a plan, we have until the end of the year to fix it,” Hebert mentioned. “So we’re not going to rush..."
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