Medicare in Minnesota
Free counseling, Medigap rules and help paying costs in Minnesota.
Medicare is a federal program, so Parts A and B work the same way in Minnesota as everywhere else. What changes by state is who can buy a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy and when, which private plans are sold where you live, and the state programs that help with costs.
Reviewed by Joshua H. Pannell, Licensed Insurance Agent (SC license #400481) ·
Free Medicare counseling in Minnesota
Minnesota’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is Minnesota Aging Pathways. Its counselors give free, one-on-one help with enrollment, comparing plans, Medigap, and programs that lower costs. They don’t sell insurance. Read more about what a SHIP counselor can do.
Medigap if you’re under 65 in Minnesota
Minnesota requires Medigap to be available to people under 65 on Medicare.
Federal law only guarantees a Medigap Open Enrollment Period to people 65 and older, so state law decides what’s available before then. See Medicare under 65 on disability.
Switching Medigap plans: Minnesota's annual open enrollment
Minnesota uses its own Medigap plans (Basic and Extended Basic, plus some federal-style plans) instead of the standard lettered set. State law also creates an annual Medigap open enrollment, in effect since August 1, 2026: during the annual period (October 15 to December 7 in 2026 for coverage starting January 1, 2027; the other statutory window is January 1 to March 31), guaranteed issue is limited to applicants age 65 to 70 buying Medigap coverage for the first time, and a lifetime premium surcharge applies on that first enrollment—15 percent for 2026 enrollees, rising to 20 percent in 2027, 25 percent in 2028, 30 percent in 2029, and 35 percent in 2030 and later.
Minnesota requires Medigap premiums to be community rated, so an insurer charges everyone who buys the same policy the same premium regardless of age.
Every state also has the federal guaranteed issue rights, such as losing employer coverage or a Medicare Advantage plan leaving your area. See Medigap guaranteed issue rights and switching Medigap plans.
Help paying Medicare costs in Minnesota
Minnesota’s Medicaid program (Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid)) also runs the Medicare Savings Programs, which can pay your Part B premium and, for some people, deductibles and coinsurance. States may set limits higher than the federal minimums, so apply even if your income is a little over them. Qualifying for one also gets you Extra Help with drug costs automatically.
If you qualify for both Medicare and full Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid) coverage, read Medicare and Medicaid together.
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans in Minnesota
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are sold by county, so the plans, premiums and networks available in one part of Minnesota can differ from another. The Medicare Plan Finder lists every plan for your ZIP code. You can change plans during Medicare Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7.
Common questions
Minnesota's State Health Insurance Assistance Program is Minnesota Aging Pathways, reachable at 1-800-333-2433. SHIP counselors give free, unbiased Medicare help and don't sell insurance.
Minnesota requires Medigap to be available to people under 65 on Medicare.
Minnesota uses its own Medigap plans (Basic and Extended Basic, plus some federal-style plans) instead of the standard lettered set. State law also creates an annual Medigap open enrollment, in effect since August 1, 2026: during the annual period (October 15 to December 7 in 2026 for coverage starting January 1, 2027; the other statutory window is January 1 to March 31), guaranteed issue is limited to applicants age 65 to 70 buying Medigap coverage for the first time, and a lifetime premium surcharge applies on that first enrollment—15 percent for 2026 enrollees, rising to 20 percent in 2027, 25 percent in 2028, 30 percent in 2029, and 35 percent in 2030 and later.
Original Medicare's rules, premiums and deductibles are the same in every state (the standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026). What varies is which Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are sold in your county, state Medigap rules, and state programs that help pay costs.
Want help with your own choices?
Every state runs a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with trained counselors who give free, unbiased Medicare help and do not sell plans. Find yours on our Medicare by state pages, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Planning the rest of your coverage in retirement? We can help with life insurance later in life and final expense coverage.
Sources
- Minnesota Aging Pathways, mn.gov. Checked September 29, 2026.
- State Medigap Rules: Birthday Rule and Coverage for Under 65 (as of May 11, 2026), National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Checked September 29, 2026.
- Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment, Minnesota Department of Commerce. Checked September 29, 2026.
- Choosing a Medigap Policy (March 2026), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Checked September 29, 2026.
- Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare.gov. Checked September 29, 2026.
General information about the federal Medicare program, not advice about your situation. Figures are for 2026 unless stated and change every year; last reviewed September 29, 2026. Quote My Policy is a private company. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Currently we represent 41 organizations which offer 397 products in your area. You can always contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for help with plan choices.