Pope County residents who have relied on Blue Cross Medicare Advantage are facing an important change for 2027. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has notified affected members that their current Medicare Advantage coverage will end, leaving them to make decisions about their next coverage.
For residents who have been satisfied with their current doctors and hospital, this change can raise difficult questions: Will I be able to continue seeing my healthcare providers? Should I enroll in the remaining local Medicare Advantage option? Could Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement be a better fit?
These are important decisions, and residents should not feel that enrolling in another Medicare Advantage plan is their only choice.
Compare the available plans carefully.
Medica Medicare Advantage plans are available in Pope County for 2027. Published plan information includes several different premium and cost-sharing arrangements.
For example, the Medica Advantage Essential PPO lists a $20 monthly plan premium, a $150 medical deductible, and a $7,150 annual in-network out-of-pocket maximum. Its published benefits include a $75 specialist copayment and a $459-per-day copayment for the first six days of an in-network hospital stay.
Other Medica plans have different premiums and cost-sharing amounts. Residents should compare the specific plan they are considering, including its prescription coverage, provider network, authorization rules, and annual out-of-pocket limit.
A low premium does not tell the whole story.
Original Medicare remains an alternative.
Beneficiaries can also consider Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement and separate prescription drug coverage.
This combination can offer access to any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare, without the usual Medicare Advantage network restrictions. Depending on the Supplement selected, it can also help cover Medicare deductibles and coinsurance.
Monthly premiums are part of the calculation. So are the potential costs of hospital care, specialist visits, and other covered services.
Important Minnesota Protections
Minnesota law provides guaranteed-issue rights to eligible people in certain circumstances when Medicare Advantage coverage ends or the plan is discontinued in their area.
Minnesota Statutes § 62A.31, subdivision 1i, addresses circumstances in which individuals may be entitled to purchase a Medicare Supplement without medical underwriting. For qualifying involuntary disenrollments, the law generally provides a 63-day guaranteed-issue period tied to the applicable notice and coverage termination dates.
Eligibility depends on the circumstances and applicable statutory requirements. Residents should keep their termination notices and promptly confirm their rights with a knowledgeable insurance professional or the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Do not assume you must enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan without first asking whether you qualify for a Medicare Supplement.
Get help before making a decision.
Residents should compare their options before the December 7, 2026, Annual Enrollment Period deadline whenever possible. Locally, contact Lowry Insurance or Eagle Insurance for help reviewing plan choices and enrollment rights.
For free, unbiased Medicare counseling, contact Minnesota Aging Pathways at 800-333-2433.
More from GRHS:
The True Cost of Medicare Coverage: Look Beyond the Monthly Premium
References
Official Blue Cross announcement: https://www.bluecrossmn.com/newsroom/restructured-medicare-offerings-2027https://www.bluecrossmn.com/newsroom/restructured-medicare-offerings-2027
Minnesota law: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/62A.31/subd/62A.31.1i
Official Medicare plan comparison: https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/
Minnesota Medicare counseling: https://mn.gov/aging-pathways/medicare/https://mn.gov/aging-pathways/medicare/