Medicare Options in Minnesota
Minnesota, also known as the land of 10,000 lakes, is typically touted for its fairy tale-esque landscapes, sculpture gardens, and Parisian taverns. This dreamy getaway also serves as one of the most popular places for people to move to after retirement.
Minnesota is packed with a range of activities and experiences, including power walking by its infamous watering holes, enthralling art scenes, and lots and lots of microbrew wine – this state has it all. If you’re looking for a place to retire, Minnesota will give you a refreshing start to a new chapter in your life.
We know you’ve worked hard your entire life and saved a little bit of money on the side so that you can have a comfortable retirement packed with exciting adventures in a new place. One of the things seniors worry about more frequently is going through an unforeseen medical crisis at home and then dealing with the excessive medical bills, which can easily lead to bankruptcy.A single expensive medical expense can become a hard financial setback to recover from.
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As they advance in age, people become more vulnerable to diseases and several bodily conditions that require extra care and attention. It is not uncommon for seniors to easily lose their balance, trip, and fall, sustaining numerous injuries. According to many reports, one of the most common reasons people avoid going to the doctors is to prevent hefty medical bills that can put them in medical debt for the rest of their lives.
Reports also reveal that numerous Americans aged 65 or older commonly go through medical debt after a serious health issue situation in their household. On the other hand, youth with disabilities are also vulnerable to debt and financial trouble due to all the prescription medication, hospital visits, and equipment they require.
This is why the government initiated the Medicare health insurance program to provide people easy access to healthcare without facing any financial burdens. This government-backed healthcare program is available for people aged 65 or older or if they have been receiving disability benefits, had ALS, or end-stage renal disease.
With proper healthcare insurance coverage, you never have to worry about breaking the bank at the time of a health emergency again.
Since there are many healthcare programs to choose from, finding the right option that meets all of your requirements and aligns perfectly with your financial situation can be difficult. This is where our Medicare insurance agents come in.
At Integrity Now Insurance Brokers, our highly-qualified team of insurance agents is annually accredited by America’s Health Insurance Plan (AHIP). With our in-depth knowledge of the industry’s dynamics and complexities, we will make sure to equip you with a robust healthcare plan that will safeguard you and your finances whenever there is a healthcare crisis. Our insurance agents can help you streamline the best health insurance plan and ensure you’re getting ample health coverage at reasonable rates.
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Original Medicare and Medigap Plans in Minnesota
Original Medicare
The Original Medicare, also known as the traditional Medicare, consists of Part A and Part B. This free-for-service health insurance plan covers every basic medical expense:
Part A offers coverage for hospital services like in-patient treatments, lab tests, hospice care, skilled nursing facilities, etc.
For skilled nursing facilities from day 1 to 60, Medicare beneficiaries are expected to pay a daily coinsurance amount of $389 in 2022. After you complete 100 days, Part A will not cover the skilled nursing facilities anymore, but you will automatically become qualified for home healthcare for 100 days.
Part B provides coverage for out-patient care, doctor appointment, mental health, in-home care, partial hospitalization, and certain other medical equipment.
Everyone who is enrolled in Medicare Part B has to pay a monthly deductible except for people who do not have sufficient income. Your deductible will be calculated based on the MAGI (modified adjusted gross income) that is reported on your federal tax return.
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In 2022, the standard monthly deductible for Part B enrollees will be $170.10.
Since the Original Medicare Part and Part B only cover 80% of the overall medical expenses, most people in Minnesota like to opt for a secondary healthcare policy like Medigap, which private insurance companies fund.
Medicare Supplemental Health Insurance – Medigap Options in Minnesota
Medicare Supplement or Medigap is a secondary healthcare policy that people can purchase to pay for any medical facilities that aren’t covered in the traditional Medicare health insurance plan. This comprehensive health insurance plan is funded by private insurers that adhere to federal regulations, and all the Medigap plans are governed by every state’s insurance commissioners and laws.
When signing up for Medigap, enrollees must already be enrolled in Original Medicare. You must also be:
- 65 years of age or older
- If under 65, must be receiving disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board
- Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Diagnosed with ESRD (end-stage renal disease), had a renal failure, or a kidney transplant
You can sign up for the Medigap healthcare plan the first month after applying for Medicare Part B.
Medigap insurers in Minnesota set their premium pricing in three ways.
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Issue-Age Rating
This premium is calculated depending on the individual’s age. This approach is less costly for people under the age of 65 and more for people over 80. The overall rates may rise due to inflation or other reasons but not because of the person’s advancing age.
Attained-Age Rating
Most insurance companies opt for the attained-age rating method. The premiums get higher in price as the person becomes older.
Community Rating
Most insurers tend to avoid this approach unless it is mandated by the state. The premiums cost the same regardless of the individual’s age.
Other factors that can affect the premium rates are the individual’s gender, location, marital status, and lifestyle choices.
Although there are ten Medigap plans, the people of Minnesota prefer the Plans F, N, and G.
Medigap Plan F
This popular coverage plan fills every gap that is found in the traditional Medicare Part A and Part B.
Medigap Plan F provides coverage for the Part B annual deductible ($233 in 2022), the Medicare Part A coinsurance, and other hospital expenses for up to a year after exercising Medicare benefits. This plan also eliminates the financial burden of skilled nursing facilities, international trips, and hospice care as well.
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Medigap Plan N
This plan is a reliable and cheaper alternative to Plan F, including every benefit listed in Plan G.
Once enrolled in Plan N, you will be expected to pay copayments on your doctor appointments and hospital stays. The Part B deductible is not covered in this plan, and you will be responsible for paying $20 for in-office visits and $50 for emergency room visits.
Medigap Plan G
Plan G offers similar benefits as Plan F and provides coverage for the Part B premiums. You will also have coverage for Part A premiums, hospital costs, coinsurance, hospice copay, and skilled nursing facilities. This plan has a bonus coverage of 80% for foreign travel emergencies.
When people start applying to Medicare, it is not unusual for them to find the enrolment period intimidating. You can always rely on an expert’s help to assist you in this complex process.
At Medicare Hope, our insurance agents are available 24/7 to help you out and simplify things during your enrolment at Medicare. Our insurance agents will consult with you and walk you through every insurance policy line-by-line to help you find the perfect health insurance policy that is best suited to your needs and budget. Feel free to call us today and book a consultation with us to get started.
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Medicare Advantage Plans in Minnesota (Part C)
Although the supplementary Medigap plans offer comprehensive coverage, you can also apply to Medicare Advantage plans in Minnesota. Also known as Part C, this health insurance plan is funded by private insurers who work under contract with Medicare and offer an all-in-one solution of healthcare benefits.
This plan is a collective of Medicare Part A and Part B benefits and usually includes Part D (prescription drug coverage) benefits as well.
This healthcare plan offers many additional benefits like coverage for vision, dental, hearing, and fitness programs, including gym membership and discounts, transportation to and from doctor appointments, over-the-counter drugs, and other health and wellness programs.
Medicare Advantage plans are less costly than the Original Medicare and do not have any charges on their monthly premiums.
There are four types of Medicare Advantage plans in Minnesota.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
The HMO mandates their users to only sign up for in-network healthcare providers.
This team of medical insurance providers offers coverage for medical treatments by doctors and hospitals that agree to their terms and conditions.
To qualify for the HMO, you must have a primary care provider (PCP), a specialty referral, and approval for certain medical treatments and drugs.
Preferred Provider Organization
The Medicare PPO plans to provide their beneficiaries with a recommended network of providers, but you can also choose an out-of-network provider at a higher rate.
- No requirement for PCP or a specialty referral
- Provides prescription drug coverage
- You cannot purchase a drug coverage separately
- Includes higher out-of-network premiums
Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS)
Offered by State-licensed organizations under a contract with the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the PFFS plan does not require specialty referrals and PCPs.
- You can consult with Medicare-approved healthcare providers at any time
- Drug coverage is included but can also be purchased separately
- There are higher charges and premiums for out-of-network providers
Special Needs Plan (SNP)
The special needs plan only allows membership to people who have been diagnosed with certain chronic medical conditions. This healthcare plan is designed to match their specific requirements.
- PCP and specialty referral are required
- Drug coverage is included
- You can join this plan at any time if you meet the eligibility criteria
Minnesota Medicare Part D
Since the Original Medicare Part A and Part B do not provide coverage for prescription medications, the Part D coverage equips people with comprehensive coverage for any out-patient prescription drugs.
This creditable optional Medicare policy will help you prevent any out-of-pocket expenses that could be spent on medications. This plan includes chemotherapy drugs, intravenous medications, and other over-the-counter drugs as well.
In 2022, 770,000 people in Minnesota will have prescription drug coverage under Part D due to the ever-increasing rates of drugs nationwide.
Comparing Medicare Advantage Plans in Minnesota
Finding a health insurance plan that suits you perfectly is a difficult task with so many options available.
Here are some factors to consider when purchasing a Medicare health insurance plan.
Provider Network
Many Medicare plans require the beneficiaries to only choose in-network healthcare facilities. You will be asked to pay a higher premium for an out-of-network provider. This is why you should make sure to do your research and find in-network healthcare providers to save money on medical expenses.
Amount of Coverage Required
Whenever shopping for health insurance, maintain a list of all the goals and requirements that you expect your insurance plan to meet. Plans like Medicare Advantage and Medigap have additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and other wellness-promoting programs. A list of all your specific needs will help you keep your goals in mind and choose a plan that fulfills them all.
Check Plan Ratings
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) releases Part C and Part D performance data annually that you can go through to compare ratings.
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Out-of-Pocket Expenses
You will be expected to pay out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
To compare the pricing on different plans in Minnesota, you can use our plan finder tool.
Monthly Premium
The Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans add a premium to your medical budget, and you will have to pay the Part B deductible whether you exercise your benefits or not.
Sign for at least one non-premium plan with sufficient coverage to save yourself from the financial strain.
Drug Coverage
Prescription drugs are costly; this is why make sure your plan has adequate drug coverage before you sign up for it. You can consult with the policy’s formulary to check whether the drugs you’re prescribed are listed on it. If not, you can ask your doctor for an alternate or generic version of the drug.
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Why Trust Medicare Insurance Agents at Integrity Now Insurance Brokers?
If you’re looking for premium Medicare health insurance plans in Minnesota, you can always rely on our licensed Medicare insurance agents to guide you through the daunting process of signing up for Medicare.
Our team of insurance agents at Integrity Now Insurance Brokers is well-versed in the industry’s complexities and jargon. We are committed to going the extra mile for our clients to connect them to A-rated Medicare Insurance providers in Minnesota.
We extend our services to senior citizens, youth with disabilities, and other individuals who require instant healthcare solutions. Your health and safety are our priority; this is why we can help you find the best health insurance plans well suited to your special needs and financial situation.
Reach out to our AHIP-certified team of Medicare insurance agents today, where our representative will help you compare quotes and fill you in with all the details you require. Book a free consultation by calling us here.
