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Get More From a Medicare Advantage Plan
An alternative to Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans can be beneficial to many. Let SelectQuote help you decide whether a Medicare Advantage plan is a good fit for you. It’s free, and there’s no obligation to enroll.
Medicare Advantage Plans in Minnesota (2026 Guide)
Minnesota offers diverse Medicare Advantage plan options for 2026, with an average monthly premium of $72.34. These all-in-one plans provide an alternative to Original Medicare by bundling hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B) with additional coverages like prescription drug (Part D) coverage into a single plan.
2026 Key Minnesota Medicare Takeaways
2026 Plan Availability: Minnesota residents still have a robust selection, with 81 Medicare Advantage plans available in 2026.
Average Monthly Premiums: The average monthly Medicare Advantage premium in Minnesota for 2026 is approximately $72.34. However, individual costs vary significantly based on plan type and county.
Access to $0 Premiums: Over 98% of Minnesota residents with Medicare have access to a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 monthly premium.
What is a Medicare Advantage plan in Minnesota?
Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans provide an alternative to Original Medicare. Offered by private, Medicare-approved insurance companies, these plans are legally required to provide at least the same baseline coverage as Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), and often include additional benefits.
Minnesota Part C plans may be available as Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans, combining health and pharmacy coverage under a single policy. For 2026, these plans feature a $2,100 maximum out-of-pocket cap on covered Part D prescription drugs.
HMO vs. PPO Availability
How you access medical services depends entirely on your chosen plan structure, as plan types like Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) dictate network flexibility and referrals:
HMO Plans: These plans typically require you to stay within a designated network of local doctors and clinics to maintain coverage, and you generally need specialist referrals. This plan structure may offer lower premiums and more predictable copays.
PPO Plans: These options provide network freedom, allowing you to see healthcare providers outside the standard network without a referral. This flexibility can be advantageous for beneficiaries in Greater Minnesota who may need to visit specialist health systems in major metro hubs.
Keep in mind that regardless of whether your plan features a $0 monthly premium, you must continue to pay your standard Medicare Part B premium ($202.90 per month in 2026).
Popular Medicare Advantage Carriers Available in Minnesota
Minnesota's Medicare market features strong participation from both prominent local health systems and large national insurers. However, carrier and plan availability depend heavily on your specific ZIP code.
Carrier | Plan Types Available in MN | Average Monthly Premium | |
UnitedHealthcare (AARP) | 4.5 Stars | PPO | $42 |
HealthPartners | 4.5 Stars | HMO-POS, PPO | $61 |
Quartz Medicare Advantage | 4.0 Stars | HMO | $71 |
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN | Up to 5.0 Stars | PPO | $112 |
Medica | 3.5 Stars | HMO-POS, PPO | $47 |
Humana | 3.5 Stars | HMO, PPO | $43 |
Source: CMS Part C and D Performance Data
CMS Star Ratings are evaluated annually by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Ratings and plan availability can vary significantly by Alabama county.
Plan Availability by Top Minnesota Counties
When it comes to Medicare Advantage plans, carrier networks, monthly out-of-pocket limits, and additional benefits will differ depending on your specific location. Here’s how coverage options align across three of Minnesota's most populated counties:
Hennepin County: As the state's largest metropolitan county (including Minneapolis), residents have access to a competitive market. Insurers build networks around major hospital groups in the Twin Cities, offering $0 premium plans with additional routine benefits like dental and vision care.
Ramsey County: Centered around St. Paul, Ramsey County benefits from a comprehensive local network alignment. Regional carriers offer stable plan selections designed to balance lower out-of-pocket maximums with expansive local provider panels.
Dakota County: This suburban market features a strong blend of localized HMO and flexible regional PPO plans. Carriers focus heavily on tailoring drug formularies and supplemental benefits to match an established age-in demographic.
Disclaimer: Medicare Advantage plan availability, premiums, and provider networks in Minnesota vary by county and ZIP code. County-level descriptions are based on general Medicare market trends, population distribution, and typical rural vs. urban plan availability patterns. Actual plan options and benefits are determined by each insurance carrier and may change annually.
2026 Medicare Enrollment Periods
As a Minnesota beneficiary, it’s important to familiarize yourself with key Medicare enrollment windows. Enrolling during the proper windows ensures continuous coverage and protects you from lifelong late-enrollment penalties.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 to December 7
The primary annual window is when any Minnesota beneficiary can change their health or prescription coverage, such as moving from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or switching between plans. All changes take effect on January 1.Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 to March 31
A specific window reserved exclusively for individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1. You are allowed a one-time change to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Occurs Based on Qualifying Events
A customized window triggered by specific life modifications. Common Minnesota triggers include moving to a different county or qualifying for a Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) if you become eligible for state medical assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Medicare Advantage plan in Minnesota?
The "best" plan is entirely subjective. The right Medicare Advantage plan for you depends completely on your specific prescriptions, preferred doctors, budget, and local county networks.
How much does Medicare Advantage cost in MN?
While CMS reports that the 2026 average monthly Medicare Advantage premium in Minnesota is $72.34, over 98% of beneficiaries have access to a $0 premium plan. Regardless of what plan you enroll in, you’ll still be responsible for your Part B premium ($202.90 in 2026) as well as costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Can I get a D-SNP in Minnesota?
Yes. Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) are widely available for individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. In Minnesota, the state-run Medicaid equivalent is known as Medical Assistance (MA).
Compare Medicare Supplement Plans in Minnesota
While Medicare Advantage plans provide a popular alternative to Original Medicare, they may not fit every individual's healthcare needs. If you prefer freedom from network limitations, regional doctor lists, and specialist referral requirements, pairing Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan (also known as Medigap) may better suit your needs.
View your options and .
Note: You cannot be enrolled in a Medigap plan and a Part C plan at the same time.
Why choose SelectQuote for Minnesota Medicare coverage?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your options as a Minnesota Medicare beneficiary, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. With over 40 years of experience and millions of families served, SelectQuote simplifies your search by comparing plans from the country's most recognized carriers in just minutes. We cut through the clutter to find you the right coverage for your needs, and we’ll stay connected during key enrollment periods to offer ongoing support.
Our reputation for unbiased guidance and transparency speaks for itself:
Trustpilot Rating: Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by thousands of verified consumers who appreciate our clear, informative, and pressure-free approach.
BBB Rating: We proudly hold an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards of consumer trust and conflict resolution.
Localized Feedback: Minnesota beneficiaries report that working with SelectQuote helps eliminate the stress of comparing Medicare plans by providing a clear breakdown of specific plans that work with their current doctors, regional hospital networks, and monthly prescription costs.
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