MINNEAPOLIS — Medicare open enrollment has kicked off, but many beneficiaries are expressing their frustration and anxiety regarding rising premiums and dwindling options. Kelli Jo Greiner, Medicare program director at the Minnesota Board on Aging, has reported an unprecedented surge in calls to Minnesota Aging Pathways, formerly known as the Senior LinkAge Line.
“We have been seeing well over 1,000 calls a day,” Greiner mentioned, highlighting that on the very first day of open enrollment, they received around 2,000 calls—markedly higher than the typical daily volume of 200 to 300. “It’s the largest increase we’ve ever seen in the history of our service, which has been around since 1993,” she added.
The mood on these calls is stark, with beneficiaries displaying emotions ranging from anger to tears. “We are hearing a lot of anxiety,” Greiner noted. “It’s really a range of extremes that we are hearing from Medicare beneficiaries in Minnesota. It’s a tough year for both Medicare beneficiaries and Minnesota Aging Pathways.”
The primary driver of this surge in communications appears to be the anticipated average 18% rise in premiums for Medicare Advantage Plans in Minnesota. “People did not expect to see that,” Greiner pointed out. For many beneficiaries who had never before considered reviewing their plans, this sudden hike has compelled them to evaluate their options actively.
Another significant factor in the turmoil is the reduction in available Medicare Advantage options. Earlier this year, UCare, a prominent provider, announced it would stop offering Medicare Advantage plans, affecting approximately 158,000 Minnesotans. This development has led to a wave of inquiries from UCare beneficiaries as they seek alternative coverage. “We’re trying to help those folks because they are losing their entire benefits under Medicare Advantage as of January 1,” explained Greiner.
Compounding the challenges, some beneficiaries are discovering that their preferred healthcare providers, notably those at the Mayo Clinic, are no longer in their network. “To see these options changing is leaving a lot of people very concerned,” Greiner said, noting that many are now looking at changing plans for 2026 to maintain their care relationship with Mayo Clinic.
Despite the prevalent concerns, Greiner urges beneficiaries not to panic. She reassured that there are still options available, including two insurers that maintain network access to Mayo Clinic through their Medicare Advantage plans. Beneficiaries have until December 7 to explore their choices and secure appropriate coverage. “We just want people to really kind of take a deep breath and just realize you have plenty of time to make that decision,” she advocated.
In response to the swirling uncertainty, representatives from UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and the Mayo Clinic have confirmed the upcoming changes. UnitedHealthcare clarified a multi-year agreement would allow network access to Mayo Clinic for certain plans, although individuals enrolled in specific Medicare Advantage plans would lose that access starting January 1, 2026.
Similarly, Humana acknowledged that its members would also see Mayo Clinic become out of network from the same date. Affected members have been notified, and Humana has pledged to offer assistance in navigating these changes.
Mayo Clinic provided information reassuring patients that, while it participates in Traditional Medicare and certain Medicare supplement plans, it is out of network for most Medicare Advantage plans. They advised patients to verify coverage and network access with their Medicare Advantage provider before enrolling for the year.
As the open enrollment period unfolds, beneficiaries are grappling with increased premium costs, reduced options, and the looming changes in network access, igniting a wave of concerns that could reshape the landscape for many Minnesota seniors.
