Minnesota Comparing Medicare Plans
How to compare Medicare plans in Minnesota: A Simple Checklist
A simple checklist for comparing Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Part D plans: doctors, prescriptions, total costs and yearly changes for people in Minnesota.
A low premium is only one piece of the picture
It's easy to compare Medicare plans by monthly premium and stop there, but the premium is only part of what you'll pay, and it says nothing about whether your doctors and prescriptions are covered.
Here is a simple checklist for comparing plans, whether you do it yourself or with a licensed agent, for people in Minnesota.
How to compare Medicare plans in Minnesota
We help people across Minnesota, including Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Rochester. Medicare's enrollment rules are federal and the same in every state, but the plans sold, and what they cost, depend on where you live, and a licensed agent can talk through what is available to you in Minnesota today.
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling is also available in Minnesota through Senior LinkAge Line, at 800-333-2433. That is a separate resource from GetFastRates.com, and it is worth a call whether or not you ever talk to us.
Questions or complaints about an insurance company or agent in Minnesota can go to Minnesota Department of Commerce (mn.gov).
Start with your own list
- Your doctors, specialists and hospital, and whether you want to keep them
- Every prescription you take, with the dose
- Your pharmacy, and whether you'd switch for a lower cost
- Any care you expect this year, such as a surgery, a specialist or therapy
- How much risk you're comfortable with: a higher premium for steadier costs, or a lower premium with more cost when you use care
Look at the total cost, not only the premium
Premiums, deductibles and copays change from year to year and depend on the plan, where you live and, for some costs, your income. We won't quote a figure before we know your details, and we'll put the costs in front of you in writing before you decide.
- The monthly premium, plus the Part B premium you pay in addition to it
- The deductible, and whether it applies to the services you use
- Copays and coinsurance for doctor visits, specialists, hospital stays and drugs
- For Medicare Advantage, the yearly out-of-pocket maximum for covered in-network care
- For drug coverage, the formulary tier of each of your drugs and the yearly Part D cap
Check how the plan works
- Is each of your doctors in the network? Networks can change during the year
- Which services need prior authorization or a referral?
- What do the extras, such as dental, vision and hearing, actually pay, and what are the limits?
- What is covered when you travel or are away from home?
- How does the plan rate with Medicare? Medicare publishes quality ratings for plans, and they are worth a look
Use official tools too
Medicare's own Plan Finder at Medicare.gov lets you enter your drugs and see plans available where you live. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased help. We think you should feel free to compare what we show you with those sources.
Re-check every year
Plans change their costs, drug lists and networks every year, and so do your health and your prescriptions. Read the Annual Notice of Change your plan sends each fall, and use the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7 to make a change if you need to.
How we can help
- Run your doctors and prescriptions against the plans we can show you
- Lay the costs out side by side so the trade-offs are clear
- Explain the fine print, such as prior authorization and network limits
- Tell you honestly when a plan we can show you isn't the right fit
Before you rely on this page
This page is educational. It is not a recommendation of any plan, and it does not promise eligibility, enrollment, pricing or availability.
GetFastRates.com is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Calling connects you with licensed insurance help. Plan availability, costs, benefits, and enrollment rules can vary by state, carrier, and individual situation.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. We represent a limited number of organizations, which offer a limited number of products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Want to talk through your Minnesota Medicare options?
Leave your number and a licensed agent will call to talk through where you are and what fits in Minnesota. It's free, and there's no pressure. Please don't put your Medicare or Social Security number in the form.
More Medicare help in Minnesota
Common questions
What should I compare first?
Start with whether your doctors and prescriptions are covered. A plan with a low premium isn't a good deal if it doesn't cover the doctor or drug you rely on.
Is a plan with a low premium always a good choice?
Not necessarily. Premium is only one part of the cost. Deductibles, copays, the out-of-pocket maximum and which drugs are covered can matter more, depending on how much care you use.
Where can I compare plans myself?
Medicare's Plan Finder at Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), and your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) are all free and unbiased.
How often should I compare?
Every year during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7), because plans change their costs, drug lists and networks, and your needs change too.
Do the plans differ across Minnesota?
Yes. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are set by where you live, and the choices can differ from one county or region to another. A licensed agent can tell you what is available in Minnesota today.
Does it cost anything to talk to an agent?
Talking through your options with us is free and comes with no obligation. Any plan you choose has its own premium, set by the plan and its insurance company.
You don't have to figure this out alone.
Call to talk with a licensed agent who helps people in Minnesota who will be honest about what fits and what doesn't.
- Licensed insurance help
- No guaranteed eligibility, pricing, or availability
- Educational starting point
GetFastRates.com is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Calling connects you with licensed insurance help. Plan availability, costs, benefits, and enrollment rules can vary by state, carrier, and individual situation.