Medicare Supplement

Medigap in Minneapolis for 2026: why Minnesota's plans have different names

MINNEAPOLIS — If you are shopping a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy in Minneapolis this fall, the first thing to know is that Minnesota does not use the same alphabet as the rest of the country. That shapes almost every decision that follows — which policies you can compare, how rate changes reach your mailbox, and what resets on Jan. 1.

Here is a plain-language guide to what is shifting for the coming plan year, and where to look for the specifics that apply to your ZIP code.

Minnesota labels its Medigap plans differently

Most states use the federal A-through-N plan letters. Minnesota is one of three states (with Massachusetts and Wisconsin) that standardizes its own set instead. In Minnesota, you will see policies described as Basic and Extended Basic, with optional riders you can add, plus Minnesota versions of Plans K, L, M and N and high-deductible options.

When a neighbor or a national article mentions "Plan G," that exact policy is not sold here under that name. Compare Minnesota policies against each other using the state's labels — not the federal letters — so you are really comparing apples to apples.

The Jan. 1 Part B deductible reset

Every year on Jan. 1, the Medicare Part B deductible starts over. This matters for Medigap shoppers because several Minnesota Medigap designs (and some riders) are built around whether the policy covers that Part B deductible or leaves it to you.

Two practical points:

• If you were close to meeting your Part B deductible in December, the counter still resets on Jan. 1.
• If you are choosing between a policy that covers the Part B deductible and one that does not, look at the current-year deductible amount on Medicare.gov, then weigh that against the premium difference.

Rate-adjustment season: how to check your renewal

Medigap premiums are not set by Medicare. In Minnesota, insurers file proposed rates with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, and approved rates take effect on the schedule listed in your policy — often, but not always, at the start of the year or on your policy anniversary.

If your renewal letter shows a higher premium than last year, that is what "rate season" looks like at your kitchen table. To check it:

1. Read the renewal notice from your insurer for the effective date and new premium. 2. Look at the Minnesota Department of Commerce Medigap rate guide, which compares premiums across insurers for the same standardized plan. 3. Call the Minnesota SHIP (Senior LinkAge Line, 1-800-333-2433) for a free, unbiased walkthrough.

Because Minnesota standardizes the coverage, the same-named plan should offer the same benefits from one insurer to the next — the differences will mostly be price, customer service and any household or wellness extras.

Insurers entering or leaving Minnesota

We are not publishing a carrier list in this article because the roster of Medigap insurers in Minnesota changes over the year as filings are approved or withdrawn. Instead, use the sources that update in real time:

• Medicare.gov Medigap policy search — enter your Minneapolis ZIP code to see insurers currently offering Medigap policies to your address.
• Minnesota Department of Commerce — publishes the state's Medigap rate comparison and consumer information.
• Senior LinkAge Line (Minnesota SHIP) — 1-800-333-2433, free one-on-one help.

Eligibility and switching rules to keep in mind

A few Medigap rules do not change with the calendar, but they trip up shoppers every year:

• Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the six-month window that starts the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During that window, insurers cannot use your health to deny you or price you higher.
• Outside that window, most states allow medical underwriting for Medigap. Minnesota has some additional protections; ask the SHIP how they apply to your situation before you drop a policy you already have.
• Medigap works with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to add Medigap, you generally need to switch back to Original Medicare first.