UCare plan closures frequently asked questions

Medicare Advantage plan closures and Medical Assistance (Medicaid) service area reductions

Like many health plans across the country, UCare is facing serious financial challenges, including rising medical and pharmacy costs. UCare is a unique nonprofit health plan, as we serve almost entirely government programs, and don't have a commercial business like some other nonprofits, to offset these major financial losses.

To maintain financial stability, UCare had to make some difficult decisions, including closing our Medicare Advantage plans for 2026 and reducing our service area for some Medical Assistance (Medicaid) plans, including Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP), Connect, MinnesotaCare and Connect + Medicare.

These decisions were not easy. We know these changes will affect many people, and are committed to supporting our members, providers and partners every step of the way.

To provide clarity on the situation, we've put together a list of FAQs to answer questions you may have.

Frequently asked questions

Medicare Advantage plan closures

Which UCare Medicare plans are closing?

Which plans will UCare continue to offer?

• Minnesota Senior Care Plus (MSC+)
• UCare's Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO)
• Individual & Family plans
• Medicare Supplement plans

UCare will also continue to offer these plans, but they will experience service area reductions:

• Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP)
• MinnesotaCare
• UCare Connect
• UCare Connect + Medicare

Why is UCare no longer offering Medicare Advantage plans?

UCare's Medicare Advantage products have been experiencing significant financial losses due to rising medical and pharmacy costs that are impacting health plans nationwide. In light of this, we have made a number of difficult decisions that are essential to ensure UCare's financial stability. Unfortunately, keeping these Medicare Advantage products open was not sustainable.

Why are UCare Medicare Advantage plans listed in the 2026 Medicare & You handbook?

While UCare Medicare Advantage plans are listed in the Medicare & You 2026 handbook, we are not offering these plans in 2026. We recognize this may be confusing and want to make sure you have the right information. Accurate information is available at Medicare.gov.

Are there any changes happening to my 2025 Medicare Advantage plan?

No. There are no changes to your Medicare Advantage plan for 2025. You can continue using your UCare benefits and see your providers as normal through Dec. 31, 2025.

Can members still enroll in 2025 Medicare Advantage plans with UCare?

As of Oct. 8, 2025, new members will no longer be able to enroll in our Medicare Advantage plans.

Is UCare closing or going out of business?

UCare is making some very difficult changes so we can continue serving Minnesotans. While we are ending our Medicare Advantage plans and reducing service areas for some Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare plans, UCare will continue to offer a broad range of health plans including: Medicare Supplement plans, Individual & Family Plans, Medical Assistance (Medicaid), and Medical Assistance and Medicare dual-eligible plans, like MSHO and Connect + Medicare.

Will UCare offer Medicare Advantage plans in the future?

While we do not currently plan to offer Medicare Advantage plans, we're continuing to monitor the market.

How is UCare supporting members during this transition?

UCare is deeply committed to supporting our members with care, clarity and compassion during this time of change. We've made it a priority to provide information and resources to help members understand their options. UCare Medicare Advantage members can find detailed guidance on our UCare plan closure page. EssentiaCare members can find guidance on the EssentiaCare plan closure page. Even in the face of difficult decisions, our promise to advocate for our members and help them navigate their health care remains unchanged.

Medicare Advantage plan closure resources

EssentiaCare plan closure resources

Why did members not hear from UCare sooner about these plan closures?

UCare understands that timely communication is important and we would have preferred to share these changes with members earlier. However, we were required to follow strict guidelines set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which state when health plans can publicly communicate plan changes to members. These rules are in place to ensure fairness and consistency across the industry, but that meant we had to wait longer than we would have liked to notify members. As soon as we were permitted, we began sharing information and offering support to help members understand their options.

Medical Assistance service area reductions

Are there enrollment freezes for UCare Medical Assistance plans?

Yes. New enrollment for UCare Connect, PMAP and MinnesotaCare are paused in certain counties. Current members are not affected by these freezes.

Learn more about enrollment in these plans

Has the 2025 service area changed for UCare Medical Assistance plans?

Yes. Beginning in September 2025, UCare reduced the areas where PMAP and MinnesotaCare plans are offered. These changes are part of broader efforts to stabilize the organization.

Learn more about enrollment in these plans

Is the service area changing for UCare Connect + Medicare?

Yes. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, UCare Connect + Medicare will be available in fewer counties. The plan will remain in 14 metro-area counties: Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Mille Lacs, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Stearns, Washington and Wright.

How will these changes affect UCare Medical Assistance members?

If your plan is ending because of service area changes, you will not lose coverage. You will be given an opportunity to select another health plan. While some members may have to move to another plan, Medical Assistance enrollees will always have coverage.

Is UCare leaving Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or MinnesotaCare?

No. UCare remains deeply committed to Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare. These changes are about strengthening our position to best serve our members, providers and community partners. Our mission remains focused on supporting Minnesotans with access to coverage, care and services.

UCare's current state and plans for the future

Is UCare still committed to serving Minnesotans?

Absolutely. UCare remains deeply committed to our mission of serving Minnesotans with compassion, care and respect. While some plans are changing, our focus on community health and access to care remains strong.

Will other UCare plans be affected?

Many other UCare plans are not changing. UCare will continue to offer:

• Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP)
• MinnesotaCare
• UCare Connect
• Minnesota Senior Care Plus (MSC+)
• UCare's Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO)
• UCare Connect + Medicare
• Individual & Family Plans
• Medicare Supplement plans

What does this mean for UCare's future?

UCare is evolving to meet today's challenges while staying true to our values. These changes are intended to stabilize the organization.

Change has always been part of our story at UCare. For more than 40 years, we've adapted with one goal in mind: doing what's best for our members. The decisions we're making now are difficult, but they're guided by the same values that have sustained us for decades. They are designed to ensure we can continue serving our communities and delivering on our mission.