Medicare Plans for 2026: Premiums Up, Seniors Worry About Keeping Their Doctors
Minnesota seniors on Medicare are bracing for higher costs and tough choices as the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalizes its plans for 2026.
The changes come on the heels of UCare’s decision to exit the Medicare Advantage market, leaving nearly 158,000 Minnesotans searching for a new plan when open enrollment begins on October 15.
Rising Costs, Unanswered Questions
The biggest concern isn’t just the rising price tag—it’s whether people can stay with the doctors they already trust.
Kelli Jo Greiner, a health care policy analyst with the Minnesota Board on Aging, explained that provider networks can shift even after patients sign up.
“You pick your plan during enrollment, but your provider can pull out before January,†Greiner said. “That happened last year, and while we hope it won’t this year, there are no guarantees.â€
While monthly premiums and out-of-pocket maximums remain fixed once a plan is chosen, other costs are climbing. On average, Medicare premiums in Minnesota are up about 18% compared to last year. Deductibles and co-pays are also on the rise.
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Why the Spike?
Jean Abraham, a professor of health policy at the University of Minnesota, pointed to inflation and reduced competition as the main drivers. With UCare stepping out, fewer insurers in the market means fewer competitive options.
Supplemental benefits—like dental, vision, fitness perks, and even grocery support—are also being scaled back by some insurers. “They’re re-examining what they can offer, and in some cases, cutting back,†Abraham said.
What Seniors Can Do
Despite the shake-up, experts emphasize that affordable plans are still available—but finding the right one will take time and research. Too often, Greiner noted, people stick with their old plan without checking updates, only to be surprised in January.
Resources are available for those who need help navigating the choices:
Minnesota Aging Pathways: 1-800-333-2433
Medicare.gov: A federal online tool for comparing plan options side by side.
“With the changes coming in 2026, it’s more important than ever to review your options carefully,†Greiner advised.
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