UCare plan closures frequently asked questions

Help for members shopping for a new Medicare plan

Enrolling in a new plan

What is the timeframe for UCare Medicare Advantage members to enroll 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.

What happens if UCare Medicare Advantage members do not enroll in a new plan by Dec. 31?

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.

Can someone meet me one-on-one?

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.

How do I compare plans that are available? 

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.

Is it best to use medicare.gov or a broker?

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.

What do I do if I'm a retiree with group coverage?

If you have UCare Medicare Advantage through retiree coverage, please contact your benefits administrator or human resources contact to discuss your options for 2026.

Will other plans automatically honor my prior authorization? 

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.

Will my drugs be covered?

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.

Will my premium going to UCare automatically stop December 31?

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

What is the difference between HMO and PPO? 

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.

What is a MOOP? 

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.

What is OEP?

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.

What is FPL? 

FPL stands for federal poverty line. It's the income level the federal government uses to determine eligibility for certain programs and benefits.

Can you define a Medicare Cost Plan? 

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.

What are supplemental benefits? 

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.

How do Veteran Affairs benefits factor into Medicare Advantage? 

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.

I'm a vet and get prescriptions from Veteran Affairs. Do I still need a prescription drug plan? 

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.

Does Original Medicare have prior authorizations? 

Original Medicare generally does not require prior authorizations for most services.

Medicare Supplement

Is Medigap the same as Medicare Supplement? 

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).

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Medicare Supplement (Medigap) vs. Medicare Advantage? 

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.

What is the application window for Medigap? 

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.

Can you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan through the plan finder on medicare.gov, or do you need to contact a Medigap insurer directly? 

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.

Where can we get information on UCare Medicare Supplement Plans?

You can find information about UCare Medicare Supplement Plans online.