Minnesota Medicare Health Insurance Plans

The Minnesota Medicare program helps pay some hospital and medical costs as well as dental, vision and prescription drug services for residents 65 and over. Medicare is a federal program but each state has supplemental plans which enhance coverages to meet residents' needs.

Hospital Insurance

• Medicare Part A covers hospital services such as inpatient care and skilled nursing facilities. Rehabilitation facilities and hospice care are also covered. Part A is usually free because recipients paid Medicare taxes during their careers. HealthPartners Freedom I plan offers Medicare coverage to residents of all 87 Minnesota counties. Medica Prime Solution Basic plan covers hospital inpatient stays for a $100 copay.

Medical Insurance

• Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services used to diagnose or treat medical conditions. These services include preventative care, outpatient care and some home health services. Minnesota Blue Cross Blue Shield Senior Gold plan offers diagnostic tests, x-rays and lab services as well as mental health and chemical dependency services at no cost for Medicare recipients. Sanford Medicare Select offers mental health and occupational therapy coverage at no cost for Minnesota Medicare recipients.

Medicare Advantage

• Minnesota Medicare Advantage plans are available to recipients who have Medicare Part A and B. Advantage plans are comprehensive health insurance plans offered by private companies. These plans include preferred provider organization plans and indemnity plans and cover specialty services that supplement Medicare Parts A and B such as dental and vision services. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota offers three Medicare Advantage plans including Medicare Blue PPO; Platinum Blue (Cost) and Secure Blue (SNP).

Prescription Coverage

• Minnesota RxConnect is a resource Medicare recipients can use to purchase prescription drugs, compare drug prices and receive personal assistance regarding medication. Medicare Part D is a prescription drug plan offered by public and private Medicare-approved insurance companies. Minnesota Medicare prescription drug plans such as AARP Medicare Rx and First Health Part D Premium Plus plans offer prescription drug coverage with a $0 deductible. The Medicare Blue Rx Premier plan has no deductible and gives recipients the option to choose both generic and brand name medications.