Minnesota's primary assistance line for seniors is facing an unprecedented surge in calls as the Medicare open enrollment period begins. Thousands of residents are expressing confusion, anger, and anxiety over significant changes to Medicare Advantage plans for the upcoming year, including steep premium increases and major disruptions to healthcare provider networks.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota Aging Pathways is receiving over 1,000 calls daily, a historic increase from its usual 200-300 calls.
- Medicare Advantage premiums in Minnesota are set to rise by an average of 18% next year.
- UCare is discontinuing its Medicare Advantage plans, impacting 158,000 Minnesotans who must find new coverage.
- Major insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Humana are removing Mayo Clinic from their individual Medicare Advantage networks starting January 1, 2026.
State Assistance Line Overwhelmed by Historic Call Volume
The open enrollment period has triggered a massive wave of inquiries to Minnesota Aging Pathways, the state's official resource for seniors, formerly known as the Senior LinkAge Line. The organization is struggling to keep up with the demand.
"We have been seeing well over 1,000 calls a day," stated Kelli Jo Greiner, the Medicare program director at the Minnesota Board on Aging. She noted that on the first day of enrollment, the call volume hit 2,000.
Unprecedented Demand
The current call volume represents a nearly tenfold increase over the typical 200 to 300 calls the agency handles on a normal day. According to Greiner, "It's the largest increase we've ever seen in the history of our service and we've been around since 1993."
The conversations with beneficiaries are emotionally charged. Staff members are fielding calls from residents experiencing a wide range of emotions. "We are hearing a lot of anxiety," Greiner said. "It ranges from pure anger to tears. It's really a range of extremes that we are hearing from Medicare beneficiaries in Minnesota."
Rising Costs and Reduced Options Fuel Concerns
A primary driver of the calls is sticker shock from rising insurance costs. Minnesotans enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans are facing an average premium increase of 18% for the coming year, a figure that has caught many by surprise.
"People did not expect to see that," Greiner explained. "So we are seeing people that previously never looked at reviewing plans before, and they looked at their premiums and went, whoa, I've got to look at some other options."
Compounding the financial pressure is a shrinking marketplace. The situation has been intensified by UCare's decision to exit the Medicare Advantage market entirely. This move alone forces 158,000 Minnesotans to find a new insurance plan before their current coverage ends on January 1.
Greiner added that some insurers have also withdrawn their Medicare Advantage plans from entire counties, leaving residents in those areas with even fewer choices for their healthcare coverage.
Major Network Changes Disrupt Care for Mayo Clinic Patients
Beyond costs and plan availability, significant changes in provider networks are causing widespread concern, particularly for patients of the renowned Mayo Clinic.
Starting January 1, 2026, both UnitedHealthcare and Humana will no longer include Mayo Clinic locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa in their networks for individual Medicare Advantage plans. This change means beneficiaries with these plans will be considered out-of-network if they seek care at Mayo Clinic.
What Are Medicare Advantage Plans?
Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, are health plans offered by private companies approved by Medicare. They bundle Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) and often include Part D (prescription drug coverage). These plans operate within specific provider networks, which can change annually.
The network changes are forcing many long-time Mayo Clinic patients to re-evaluate their coverage. "To see these options changing, is leaving a lot of people very concerned, very nervous," Greiner said. As a result, many are actively looking to switch plans during this open enrollment period to ensure they can continue receiving care from their established doctors.
Insurers and Providers Respond to Changes
The involved insurance companies and Mayo Clinic have confirmed the upcoming network adjustments. In a statement, UnitedHealthcare specified that the change affects its individual and Dual Special Needs Plans (DSNP), while employer-sponsored and Group Retiree plans will maintain in-network access.
"Medicare Advantage members who want access to Mayo Clinic should review their options during the upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period." - UnitedHealthcare Statement
Humana cited reimbursement rates as a factor in its decision. The company stated that when providers demand reimbursement significantly higher than Original Medicare, it increases costs for the entire system and for patients. Humana has notified affected members and is offering assistance to help them find alternative care.
For its part, Mayo Clinic reminded patients that it continues to participate in Traditional Medicare (Parts A, B, and D) and Medicare supplement plans. The clinic encouraged patients to verify network access with any Medicare Advantage plan before enrolling.
Guidance for Minnesota Beneficiaries
Despite the chaotic start to the open enrollment period, officials are urging residents not to panic. The deadline to select a new plan is December 7, providing several weeks to research and make an informed decision.
Greiner emphasized the importance of taking time to evaluate all available options. "We just want people to really kind of take a deep breath and just realize you have plenty of time to make that decision," she advised. "You don't have to do it all right now."
For those concerned about losing access to Mayo Clinic, Greiner confirmed that at least two other insurers still include the provider in their Medicare Advantage networks. Beneficiaries are encouraged to contact Minnesota Aging Pathways for free, impartial counseling to navigate their choices for 2026.
