Health plans closing in 2026
Understand your next steps and how to stay covered for the upcoming year.
Your EssentiaCare Medicare plan is ending soon
We want to let you know that your current EssentiaCare Medicare plan is closing on Dec. 31, 2025. We sent you a letter with important details about your plan closure and next steps. While this change may feel unexpected, we're here to help you find a new plan that meets your needs for 2026.
Important enrollment dates
Oct. 15
Annual enrollment begins
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period begins, giving you the opportunity to review other plans and enroll in a new plan.
Dec. 7
Annual enrollment ends
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period ends. You'll need to select another plan to stay covered for 2026.
Dec. 31
Your plan ends
Your current EssentiaCare Medicare plan coverage ends.
Feb. 28
Special enrollment deadline
Since your plan is closing, you have an extended deadline to review and select a health plan that meets your needs.
What to do next
You should shop for and enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period from Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2025. If you enroll by Dec. 7, you'll have coverage starting Jan. 1, 2026. If you don't take action, you'll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare and lose your prescription drug coverage for 2026. Even if Medicare places you in Original Medicare, you still have other opportunities to join a Medicare health plan with Part D coverage. Because your plan will no longer be available to you, you have a special opportunity to join a new plan any time until Feb. 28, 2026.
Keep your plan closure notification letter from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as proof that you have special rights to join a Medicare plan during this time. If you join a new Medicare plan after Dec. 31, 2025, your coverage in the new plan won't start until the month after you join. If you miss the deadline on Feb. 28, 2026, you may have to pay a lifetime Part D late-enrollment penalty.
You can also:
- 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, available 8 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday.
- 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.
Resources
These resources can offer more information and help you find coverage that meets your health needs.
Understand Medicare coverage types
Information from Medicare.gov about Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans to help you understand your options.
UCare 2026 plan updates FAQs
FAQs explaining the changes happening at UCare, including answers to common questions we've heard from members who need to find a new plan.
Medicare.gov
The official U.S. government website for Medicare can help you find and understand your health plan options.
Find a broker
A local, independent broker can guide you through shopping and enrolling in a new Medicare plan.
Minnesota Aging Pathways
A service offered by the State of Minnesota that supports older adults. Formerly known as the Minnesota Senior LinkAge Line.
Area Agencies on Aging
Regional organizations that provide services, support and information for older adults and their families.
2026 Medicare Changes presentation video
Watch a recording of the webinar presented by UCare and Minnesota Aging Pathways designed to help members understand their Medicare plan options. View the slides (PDF).