In a significant shift for its members, UCare has announced the termination of its Medicare Advantage product offerings for 2026, pending approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This change will impact approximately 158,000 members, primarily in Minnesota, who will need to seek new coverage during the upcoming enrollment period that begins in October.
For Greg and Jenny Doss, a retired couple from Brooklyn Park, this news came as a shock. At 71 and 69 years old, respectively, they have been dedicated members of UCare, consistently paying premiums for their Medicare Advantage plan, which they found convenient for managing their health needs. The Dosses enjoy gardening in their backyard but now face uncertainty regarding their healthcare options.
“This decision was not made lightly,” said Hilary Marden-Resnik, UCare’s President and CEO, in a statement. She emphasized UCare’s continued commitment to the health of Minnesotans and pledged support for members through this transition. However, the Dosses expressed concern about the potential costs associated with switching to new insurance plans.
Jenny mentioned, “We’ll have to investigate other options, but it’s going to be more out of pocket for us.” The couple is particularly worried about the affordability of medications, especially if they are required to switch to a different plan that may not offer the same benefits.
The Dosses, who have faced health challenges in recent years, including Greg’s heart attack in 2017, found the Medicare Advantage plan reassuring due to its comprehensive coverage. They noted that even minor co-pays were manageable compared to the peace of mind that came with their current plan. “It’s disappointing because we’ve been faithfully paying the premiums on time, and we don’t abuse it,” added Jenny.
The announcement from UCare follows a broader trend in the healthcare landscape, with rising costs and challenges affecting the viability of certain healthcare programs. UCare cited the increasing cost of healthcare and market pressures over the last two years as contributing factors to this decision.
Despite the turmoil, UCare assured its members that they would maintain coverage through the end of the year and will continue to offer various services, including Medical Assistance (Medicaid), MinnesotaCare, special needs plans, individual and family plans, and Medicare Supplement options. However, the organization is also laying off eight percent of its workforce amidst these changes.
The Dosses are now left with concerns not only about their immediate needs but also about the long-term viability of any new plans they may choose. “You get to the point of, if you switch to another provider, will they pull the same thing in a year or two?” Jenny questioned, underscoring the uncertainty many members now face as they prepare for a new chapter in their healthcare journeys.
