Rochester, MN – The Minnesota Board on Aging says roughly one‑third of the state’s Medicare beneficiaries – about 392,000 people – will lose access to their current Medicare Advantage plan when contracts end or are scaled back for 2026. The change affects residents across the state, with 15 counties left without any Medicare Advantage options at all.

Counties Losing Coverage

Goodhue and Rice counties are among those slated to have no Medicare Advantage plans available next year. In southeastern Minnesota, the number of plans has also been trimmed. In Olmsted County, for example, only three Advantage plans remain, all offered by Medica, and one of those does not include prescription drug coverage – a feature most seniors consider essential.

What Seniors Should Consider

The Board outlines several key questions for anyone shopping for a new plan:

• Are your preferred doctors and medical providers in the plan’s network?
• Does the plan cover the pharmacy you use?
• Are your current medications covered, and have drug costs risen?
• Will premiums increase, and what are the out‑of‑pocket expenses?
• Will the plan support travel needs, such as coverage while you’re out of state?

Answering these questions early can help avoid gaps in coverage when the current plans expire.

Open Enrollment Timeline

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7. During this window, beneficiaries can switch Advantage plans, enroll in a Medigap (Supplement) policy, or remain with their existing coverage.

Help Is Available, But Wait Times May Rise

Free assistance is offered through Minnesota Aging Pathways. Call 800‑333‑2433 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for personalized guidance. However, because of the large number of people seeking help, wait times are expected to be longer than usual.

Local Voices on the Issue

Chad Wojchik, a senior advisor with Minnesota Aging Pathways and the Southeast Minnesota Area Agency on Aging, discussed the situation on Rochester Today’s News‑Talk 1340 KROC‑AM and 96.9 FM. He emphasized the importance of acting quickly and reviewing plan details before the enrollment deadline.

“Right now, there are only three Advantage plans listed for Olmsted County, all through Medica. One of those plans doesn’t include drug coverage, and that’s not a direction most folks would want to go,” Wojchik said.

Next Steps for Residents

Seniors should start comparing plans now, using resources such as the official Medicare website (medicare.gov) or the state’s Aging Pathways hotline. Many local pharmacies and senior centers also provide printed comparison guides.

By staying informed and acting early, Minnesota’s seniors can secure a plan that meets their health needs and budget before the December 7 deadline.

Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.