Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota will no longer offer Medicare Advantage plans in Pope County for 2027. Many residents have asked why the change happened and what it means for them. Here are answers to the most common questions.
Did the hospital or clinics drop Blue Cross Medicare Advantage?
No. Medicare Advantage plans are offered county by county, and each year insurance companies decide which counties they will serve. Local hospitals, clinics, home care, and other providers do not decide where Medicare Advantage plans are offered.
Why did Blue Cross stop offering it here?
It was a financial decision by the insurer. After reporting more than $500 million in company-wide Medicare losses over three years, Blue Cross stopped offering Medicare Advantage in 31 Minnesota counties for 2027, including Pope County.
Is this happening anywhere else?
Yes. Medica, UnitedHealthcare, and HealthPartners are also leaving some Minnesota counties, and Humana is ending its individual Medicare Advantage plans statewide. About 392,000 Minnesotans must choose new coverage for 2027.
I live outside Pope County. Can I still get care at GRHS?
Yes. Medicare Advantage eligibility is based on where you live, not where you receive care. The plan changes in Pope County are based on Pope County addresses. If you live outside Pope County and have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can still receive care at GRHS.
What are my options for 2027?
Medica is the only Medicare Advantage carrier remaining in Pope County for 2027. You can also choose Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement, which gives you access to any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare. Blue Cross still offers Medicare Supplement plans in Pope County. Minnesota law may also give you guaranteed-issue rights to buy a Supplement without medical underwriting, so keep your termination notice.
When do I need to decide?
Review your options before the December 7, 2026, enrollment deadline. To talk to someone locally, contact Eagle Insurance (320.634.5153) or Lowry Insurance (320.283.6175). For additional assistance understanding Medicare, residents can contact Minnesota Aging Pathways online at online at mn.gov/aging-pathways or call 800-333-2433.
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Blue Cross Ends Medicare Advantage in 31 Minnesota Counties, Including Pope County
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References
- Blue Cross announcement: https://www.bluecrossmn.com/newsroom/restructured-medicare-offerings-2027
- Blue Cross Medicare losses: https://www.beckerspayer.com/payer/medicare-advantage/bcbs-minnesota-cuts-most-medicare-advantage-plans-following-500m-loss/
- Blue Cross county exits: https://benafica.com/medicare-2027-whats-changing-in-minnesota/
- Statewide impact: https://www.wdio.com/top-stories/changes-coming-to-medicare-advantage-plans-in-18-minnesota-counties/
- Medicare Advantage eligibility rule (42 CFR 422.50): https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/42/422.50