Minnesota Medigap plans have very unique rules! Medicare supplemental insurance is standardized in most states but it is a bit of a wild ride in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Minnesota has its own special MedSup model with an a la carte menu, community-rated pricing, and no excess charges allowed. We know this sounds like a lot but Senior65.com is here to help you figure out Medicare insurance in MN.
Minnesota Medigap plans are Community-rated
In most states, Medigap plans have three different ways their monthly premium rates are calculated: Age-attained, Issue-Age, and Community-rated. Minnesota, however, only has one. All MN Medigap plans are “community-rated” which means all Med Supp enrollees from the same insurance provider pay the same rate, regardless of age or gender.
Minnesota Medigap community-rated plans are split between “rural” and “urban” areas. Rural enrollees usually pay less for their MN Medigap plan.
Side-by-side Minnesota Medigap Plans comparison chart
Below is the chart of Minnesota plans available after 2020. Don’t forget there are also riders you can add to the basic plan (we will explain these below). If you qualified for Medicare Part B before 2020, there may be additional plans that cover the Part B deductible costs. (source)
| Benefits | Basic Plan | Extended Basic Plan | High Deductible Plan | 50% Plan | 75% Plan | 50% Part A Deductible Plan | Copay Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part A Deductible ($1,676) | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 50% | 100% | |
| Part B Deductible ($257) | |||||||
| Medicare Part A Hospital Coinsurance and 365 additional hospital days | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Medicare Part B Coinsurance | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | You pay $20 and $50 copays |
| Medicare Preventive Care | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% | Preventive Care not covered by Medicare | 100% up to $120 |
| Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance 100 Days | 100% | 100% for 120 days | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Medicare Part B Excess Charges | 100% | ||||||
| Out-Patient Mental Health | 50% | 50% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | You pay $20 and $50 copays |
| Physical Therapy | 20% | 20% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | You pay $20 and $50 copays |
| Foreign Healthcare -Emergency | 80% | 100% | 100% | 80% | 80% | ||
| Foreign Healthcare -Hospital, Medical Expenses & Supplies | 100% | ||||||
| Medigap Deductible | $1,000 | $2,870 | |||||
| Max Out-of-Pocket | $7,200 | $3,610 |
*Medigap Plan G High deductible ($2,870) is also available. Note: Plan F and Plan C are not featured on this chart as they are no longer available to those new to Medicare.
Minnesota Medigap Basic Plan with Riders
MN Medigap Basic Plan with Riders covers everything that the Basic Plan plus one or more of the following “riders”, which you pay for each separately:
- Preventive Care -not covered by Medicare
- Part A Deductible
- Part B Excess Charges
- Part B Deductible –available to those who qualified before January 2020
To see the prices of each rider and to learn exactly what they cover, give us a call at 800-930-7956.
Minnesota doctors can NOT charge Part B Excess Charges
In some states, doctors can charge patients up to 15% extra in the form of Excess Charges. Minnesota does not allow for this.
You can purchase a Part B Excess Charges rider should you seek health services out of state. Minnesota doctors cannot charge Part B Excess Charges, but in many other states, those Part B Excess charges apply. For instance, if you see a cardiologist in Texas, you could pay out of pocket 15% above the Medicare-approved amount, for each visit if you did not purchase the Part B Excess Charges Rider. Read more in our “Medicare Part B Excess Charges: Ultimate Guide“.
Minnesota Medigap Plans Discounts
There are two main Minnesota Medigap discounts available. Click on each link to learn more about how you can save $$$ on your new Medigap plan:
Switching Medigap Plans in Minnesota
The AEP Open Enrollment period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) isn’t for Medigap in your state. Switching Medigap plans outside your Initial Open Enrollment Period or a special enrollment period requires medical underwriting. This means that if you live in Minnesota and try to switch to another Medicare Supplement plan, you could be turned down for pre-existing conditions. The Med Supp application has roughly 20 questions that cover your health status. Your rate will be based on your answers—those with pre-existing conditions may face a higher rate or possible denial.
Some states have implemented the law known as the Medigap Birthday Rule, to allow for Medicare Supplement changes without medical underwriting. Unfortunately, Minnesota is not one of those states. If you already have a policy and are considering changing it, you can contact Senior65.com through this link for free advice. Alternatively, you can read our comprehensive article, “Medicare Insurance Switching: Ultimate Guide,” for more information.
You CAN keep your MN Medigap plan if move out of state
Even though Minnesota has its own Medigap plan model, your coverage can continue as long as you pay your premiums (source). Warning: Minnesota Medigap plans can increase in price if you move out of state. Your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy as long as you pay your premiums. All Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable, even if you have health problems in the future.
Other states that have different Medigap models:
- Massachusetts Medigap plans
- Wisconsin Medigap plans
- Medigap standardized A-N model for the 47 other states
Next Steps for Minnsota Medigap:
Due to the unique Minnesota Medigap model, we recommend that you call one of our Senior65.com team members at 800-930-7956 to get a quote. Feel free to leave a comment below with questions.
We cannot charge you a fee for a quote or enrollment support.