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), 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.
Medicare Advantage plan closures
UCare Medicare Plans (HMO-POS) (H2459)
- Classic Metro
- Classic North
- Classic South
- Complete Metro
- Complete North
- Complete South
- Essentials Rx Metro
- Essentials Rx North
- Standard
- Aware
- Value
- Value Plus
UCare Your Choice Plans (PPO) (H8070)
- Your Choice
- Your Choice Plus
EssentiaCare Plans (PPO) (H8783)
- EssentiaCare Access
- EssentiaCare Grand
- EssentiaCare Secure
UCare Advocate plans (HMO I-SNP) (H2459)
- Advocate Choice
- Advocate Plus
UCare Medicare Group plans (H2459)
- Minnesota Senior Care Plus (MSC+)
- UCare's Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO)
- Individual & Family Plans
- Medicare Supplement plans
- UCare Connect
UCare will also continue to offer these plans, but they will experience service area reductions:
- Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP)
- MinnesotaCare
- UCare Connect + Medicare
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.
UCare is not offering Medicare Advantage plans in 2026. However, we still offer two special plans for people who qualify for both Medical Assistance and Medicare.
- UCare's Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO) (H2456): For people age 65 and older with Medical Assistance and Medicare Parts A and B. This plan is available in 62 counties in 2026.
- UCare Connect + Medicare (H5937): For people age 18-64 with a certified disability, Medical Assistance and Medicare Parts A and B. This plan is available in 14 counties in 2026.
If a member lives in one of the counties in which these plans are offered, they may see the plans listed in their plan closure packet — even if they're not eligible for the plan. If the member lives in one of these counties and is eligible for both Medical Assistance and Medicare, they may apply for these plans.
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.
Effective immediately, new members will no longer be able to enroll.
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.
While we do not currently plan to offer Medicare Advantage plans, we're continuing to monitor the market.
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.
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
Yes. Enrollment for UCare Connect, PMAP and MinnesotaCare are paused in certain counties.
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.
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.
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.
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 plan for the future
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.
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
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.
Help with enrolling in a new plan
You can shop for and enroll in a new Medicare plan between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, 2025. Because you are eligible for a special enrollment period (SEP), if you enroll by Dec. 31, your new plan starts Jan. 1, 2026.
If you don't choose a new plan by Dec. 31, after that, you'll only be enrolled in Original Medicare and your prescription drug coverage will end. You'd still have until Feb. 28, 2026 to join a new plan that includes drug coverage.
How can I find and enroll in a new plan?
- Follow up with your local broker to find a new plan that meets your needs.
- Visit Minnesota Aging Pathways, formerly the Minnesota Senior LinkAge Line, or call 1‑800‑333‑2433.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1‑800‑633‑4227); TTY users call 1‑877‑486‑2048. Tell them you got a letter saying your plan isn't going to be offered next year and you want help choosing a new plan. This toll-free helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Visit medicare.gov for information on policies and tools that can help you find and compare plans available in your area.
Yes, Minnesota Aging Pathways offers free, unbiased one-on-one assistance. Call 1‑800‑333‑2433 to set up a meeting or contact your local broker.
Or you can call 1-800-MEDICARE. Tell them you got a letter saying your plan isn't going to be offered next year and you want help choosing a new plan. This toll-free helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can compare plans based on coverage, costs, star ratings and participating providers using the medicare.gov plan finder or by talking with a trusted broker or a Minnesota Aging Pathways representative.
Both can help you review plan choices and find coverage that meets your needs. At medicare.gov, you select the coverage year, enter your county and the type of plan you want. You can also enter the prescriptions you take and your providers. It will display all the plans in your area that meet your criteria.
A broker is an independent agent who will assess your needs, lifestyle and budget and help find a plan that fits just right for you. The best part? Brokers help at no cost to you. They compare options from multiple companies but may represent only some or all of the plans available in your area.
If you have UCare Medicare Advantage through retiree coverage, please contact your benefits administrator or human resources contact to discuss your options for 2026.
No, prior authorizations do not automatically transfer when you move to a new plan. If you enroll in a new plan, you or your provider will need to submit a new prior authorization request for any services or medications that require approval.
Can I keep my doctor with a new plan?
When reviewing new plans, check to see if your doctor is in the plan's provider network (to see if your doctor or clinic is covered). You can review the health plan's provider network on the health plan's website. You can also search for plans with your providers in network at medicare.gov or you can call Minnesota Aging Pathways at 1‑800‑333‑2433 for assistance.
Each plan has a formulary, or list of covered medications. You can review these on the health plan's website. You can also search for plans that will cover your medications at medicare.gov or you can call Minnesota Aging Pathways at 1‑800‑333‑2433 for assistance.
If bill pay was set up through your bank to pay UCare for premiums, you will need to work with your bank to end the payments by December 31, 2025.
If you set up autopay through the online member account, the end date for your payments will automatically be set to Dec. 31, 2025.
If you have Social Security deductions set up, any premium deductions tied to your current UCare Medicare Advantage plan will stop automatically once your plan ends December 31, 2025.
If you've prepaid premiums beyond December 2025, UCare will issue a refund.
Medicare basics
An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plan requires you to use doctors and hospitals in the plans network, except in emergencies. You usually need to choose a primary care doctor and get referrals to see a specialist. A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan offers more flexibility. You can see any doctor, but you'll pay less if you use doctors or hospitals within the network.
MOOP stands for maximum out of pocket. It's the most you'll pay in a year for covered medical services before your plan starts paying 100% of covered costs.
OEP stands for Open Enrollment Period. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is an opportunity to change plans that occurs every year and for a three-month period upon new eligibility to both Medicare Part A and Part B. Individuals enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans can disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan to switch to Original Medicare (with or without a standalone Part D plan) or enroll in a different Medicare Advantage plan during this time.
FPL stands for federal poverty line. It's the income level the federal government uses to determine eligibility for certain programs and benefits.
A Cost Plan is a type of Medicare plan available in some areas that works with Original Medicare. You can see any Medicare provider but when you use network providers, your costs are usually lower.
Medicare supplemental benefits are extra services or items that Medicare Advantage plans offer in addition to what is covered by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). This can include dental, vision, fitness programs or over-the-counter allowances in addition to what Original Medicare covers.
Veteran Affairs (VA) health benefits and Medicare benefits are separate systems. Having one does not prevent you from having the other. Changes to your Medicare Advantage will not impact your VA benefits.
If you get your prescriptions through Veteran Affairs (VA), you are not required to enroll in a Medicare Part D. Since the coverage provided by the VA is "creditable" (meaning at least as good as the value of Part D), you will not be subject to a penalty if you decide to enroll in a Part D plan later. However, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period to enroll.
Original Medicare generally does not require prior authorizations for most services.
Medicare Supplement Plan information
Yes, Medigap and Medicare Supplement are the same thing. The terms are used interchangeably. Medigap is private health insurance that helps cover some of the out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare (copayments, coinsurance and deductibles).
Medigap plans have higher premiums but allow you to see any Medicare provider nationwide with few out-of-pocket costs for hospital and medical services. However, they only include limited preventive care coverage and do not include many of the extras found in Medicare Advantage plans (e.g., dental, over-the-counter allowance and prescription eyewear coverage) and you need to add Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage separately.
Medicare Advantage plans usually have lower premiums and include extra benefits like dental or vision but limits you to provider networks and may require prior authorizations.
Because your coverage under your UCare plan ends December 31, 2025, you have a limited right to enroll in a Basic Medicare Supplement plan from any insurance company that offers it in Minnesota. You can also buy any combination of four specific riders that will pay for additional benefits.
Make sure you keep a copy of the letter that says your coverage is ending. Because your coverage under our plan ends December 31, 2025, you must buy a Medigap policy no later than March 4, 2026. If you leave our plan before December 31, 2025, you have 63 calendar days from the day your coverage ends to buy a Medigap policy.
You cannot enroll in Medigap plan through the plan finder. Medigap plans are sold by private insurers, not Medicare. To enroll, you must contact the insurance company directly or use an insurance broker.
You can find information about UCare Medicare Supplement Plans online.