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Most Minnesotans become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years old. A state law passed in 2023 will soon help older residents choose the best Medicare plan for their needs. Unfortunately, some lawmakers want to repeal this law.
Minnesotans deserve the right to purchase the Medicare plan that works best for them, including Medicare Supplemental plans (often known as “Medigap”), without fear of discrimination based on pre-existing conditions or a lifetime penalty. The choice between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans would have significant, lifelong consequences without state laws aimed to protect access and choice.
More than 162,000 Minnesotans will lose their right to switch to a Medigap plan by 2030 if the law is repealed.
The Impact of Repealing Minnesota’s Medigap Law
Current state law prohibits Medigap insurers from discriminating against individuals with pre-existing conditions. However, HF 2403 seeks to repeal this protection, which would have severe consequences for many Minnesotans. If HF 2403 passes, it will:
- Strip away guaranteed issue to Medigap
- Narrow enrollment opportunities
- Allow denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions
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HF 2403 takes away Medicare choices.Some reasons why Minnesotans might need to switch Medicare plans:
- Change in Medicare Advantage coverage network
- Moving to a new part of the state with different providers
- Transitioning from an employer plan after retirement
- Changes in premiums to Medicare Advantage premiums or coverage
- Medicare Advantage changes coverage or formulary
- Ability to follow healthcare providers
- ...and many more
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Mark, MinnesotaMark's former employer’s retirement health plan was a Medicare Advantage plan and was his right choice after retirement. Due to a change by his insurer, he was no longer able to see his doctor and was told to switch to a Medigap plan to keep seeing his doctors, but is unable to without the guaranteed issue.
Dawn, MinnesotaDawn signed up for Medicare Advantage and was not told that switching to a Medigap plan would require her to undergo medical underwriting. Dawn has a pre-existing chronic condition that would disqualify her from coverage. Without our state’s Medigap law, Dawn would have limited insurance options.
Jack, MinnesotaJack worked hard to compare Medicare and Medigap with a Medicare Advantage plan and found it to be a frustrating and confusing process. He said there was no mention of denial of care scenarios that could put his health, longevity, and finances at an unforeseeable risk. -
Medicare
More commonly known as original Medicare or traditional Medicare, the program refers to the first two parts of Medicare, Part A and Part B:- Part A helps pay for inpatient stays in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, some home care and end-of-life hospice care.
- Part B covers doctors’ services, diagnostic screenings, lab tests, outpatient care, preventive services, plus some medical equipment and transportation.
Medigap
Traditional Medicare offers comprehensive health coverage but comes with substantial cost-sharing requirements and no cap on out-of-pocket costs. Many people with original Medicare buy a Medicare supplement policy, also known as Medigap, to help pay Medicare’s deductibles and copayments. Medigap plans help cover some out-of-pocket costs, providing a safety net for those on Traditional Medicare.
Write to your lawmaker today to protect your Medicare choices and ensure that all Minnesotans have access to the healthcare coverage they need. Your voice matters!
Contact AARP Minnesota
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