Shift in Medicare Cost Plans: Consumer Resources

Posted on September 18, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

The massive shift that is about to take place in Medicare will affect hundreds of thousands of Minnesota enrollees, including some of the seniors you serve. Medicare Cost Plans will end in December 2018 and seniors affected by this change will need to enroll in new Medicare coverage for 2019. To help ensure a seamless transition, the State of Minnesota has developed helpful publications that you can share with your residents and families.  

The change affects Minnesota seniors who have Medicare Cost Plans, but it does not affect everyone the same way. Seniors affected by this change should have received notification letters from Medicare and their insurer this summer. Details for 2019 Medicare health plan will be available in October and seniors will choose their coverage during the open enrollment period of Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. 

Below are links to resources developed by the Minnesota Department of Commerce that you can share with anyone seeking more information on this change. Seniors and families with questions regarding this shift in Medicare coverage should contact the Senior Linkage Line for assistance at 1-800-333-2433. 

• Change in Medicare for 2019: Fact sheet providing answers to frequently asked questions and a detailed timeline for the decision-making process.
• Changes in Medicare - Infographic: One-page resource highlighting who is affected by the change.
• County Map – Who is Affected: Seniors in 21 Minnesota counties will not be affected by the federal law change. See which counties are impacted by the phase out of Medicare cost plans.