The world of Medicare is always changing, and a big part of our job at Twin City Underwriters is keeping an eye on developments and bringing them to the attention of our clients who can best benefit from those changes.
Over the last couple of years, a bill was passed through the state legislature that changes how some seniors can join Medigap (also known as Supplemental) plans. Keep reading for these key changes that can greatly impact your Medicare coverage.
Following a series of legislative delays, Minnesota’s updated Medicare Supplement (Medigap) law officially took effect on August 1, 2026. (If you missed our original breakdown on how this rule came to be, you can catch up on our previous 2026 Medigap update.)
This change creates a unique enrollment opportunity for seniors aged 65 to 70 who have never enrolled in a Medigap plan. Under this law, eligible Minnesotans can switch to and enroll in a Medigap plan without undergoing medical underwriting or answering health screening questions.
Related Article: Medicare Part D Changes for 2027
To provide some context for anyone who hasn’t attended one of our Medicare 101 seminars, this bill allows seniors in that age range who might have a moderate-to-severe health condition (which would normally prevent them from enrolling) to enroll in a Medigap plan.
Prior to this bill, a health insurance carrier could deny an application for a Medigap plan based on answers to questions such as “Have you been diagnosed with or treated for diabetes in the past 5 years?” or because of a medication prescribed when applying more than 6 months after their Medicare Part B start date.
Now, this change does have a big limitation attached to it:
As with all things Medicare, the rules of this new situation are still being interpreted and implemented by the insurance carriers. So keep an eye on this space, attend one of our meetings and sign up for our newsletter.
During the Annual Enrollment Period, which is from October 15 until December 7, with the Medigap plan going into effect January 1.
For some Medicare beneficiaries, a Medigap plan might be a better option for their health situation or because they prefer a more flexible network of providers. Some may prefer Medicare to be the primary payer and primary rule-setter. Others might find it helpful to understand how bills are managed once they enroll in a Medigap plan. The Basic and Extended Basic supplement plans allow the beneficiary to pay a monthly premium to the insurance carrier, cover their yearly Part B deductible, and incur few to no other bills throughout the year. Not having to manage copays might be easier for some Medicare beneficiaries. These are just a few reasons why you should care about this unique opportunity.
Nothing as of now. The age limit is currently capped at 70 for this opportunity. If you’re in good health, you can still try to join a Medigap plan by passing the health history questions asked by the plans at the time of application.
As with all laws relating to Medicare, there is a possibility for things to change, but as of right now, the bill’s language suggests that it will be in effect until at least 2030.
The short answer is that it depends on each person’s individual situation. if you’re unsure about whether to choose a Medicare Advantage plan or a Supplement, we’re here to help. We will happily schedule an appointment with you to speak with an agent about your situation to see if a Medigap plan is right for you. We also encourage you to attend an educational seminar on October 15, 2026 at 2pm at our Arden Hills office.
In some areas, they may, and if that happens, you are in a different situation in which you will have access to enroll in a Medigap plan without having to qualify. You will receive a letter of termination that provides a guaranteed issue right to join a Medigap plan. But an agent will need a copy of that Letter of Termination. If YOU prefer a Medicare Advantage plan, stay enrolled in one.
You might also be interested in: Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplements: Which One Is Right For Me?
Navigating Medicare updates can be overwhelming, but working with our team can make it easier. Between calculating premium rates, comparing networks and coverage, and evaluating whether switching from Medicare Advantage makes sense for your health and lifestyle, having a trusted local advocate makes all the difference.
At Twin City Underwriters, our licensed Minnesota agents offer unbiased, personalized guidance to help you navigate Medicare changes and make confident decisions about your coverage.
Reach out to our team of licensed Medicare agents for honest, unbiased guidance and recommendations.
Choosing a Medicare plan can be difficult. Twin City Underwriters helps Medicare recipients in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Florida find the Medicare plan that meets their unique needs. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of our Medicare insurance brokers to get your questions answered!
Do you need help with Medicare, insurance and health plans? Explore your options with Allina Health Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota, Medica, HealthPartners, Health Spring, Humana, Security Health Plan, United HealthCare and more. We work with you to find the best plan for your needs and budget. Contact us today to get started.