Key Takeaways
- Minnesota requires a 6-month open enrollment period for Medicare Supplement starting at age 65
- Guaranteed issue rights apply during open enrollment and specific triggering events
- Minnesota prohibits pre-existing condition waiting periods during open enrollment
- Medicare Supplement plans must be standardized (Plans A through N)
- Insurers can use attained-age, issue-age, or community rating in Minnesota
Minnesota Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Regulations
Minnesota has adopted standard protections for Medicare beneficiaries purchasing Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance.
Open Enrollment Period
Minnesota provides a 6-month open enrollment period for Medicare Supplement:
When It Begins
The 6-month period starts:
- First day of the month you are 65 or older AND
- Enrolled in Medicare Part B
Protections During Open Enrollment
- Guaranteed issue - Must be accepted regardless of health
- No pre-existing condition exclusions
- Standard rates - Cannot be charged more for health conditions
- Any plan available - Can choose any Medigap plan A through N
Exam Tip: The 6-month open enrollment period is critical - it's the only time guaranteed issue is automatically available to all eligible persons.
Guaranteed Issue Rights
Beyond open enrollment, Minnesota provides guaranteed issue rights in specific situations:
Triggering Events
| Event | Guaranteed Issue Right |
|---|---|
| Losing employer coverage | Can purchase Medigap within 63 days |
| Leaving Medicare Advantage | Can return to Medigap within 63 days |
| Medicare Advantage plan leaves area | Can purchase Medigap |
| Medigap insurer becomes insolvent | Can switch to comparable plan |
| Losing Medicaid | Can purchase Medigap |
Standardized Plans
Minnesota requires Medigap plans to be standardized:
Available Plans
| Plan | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Plan A | Basic benefits only |
| Plan B | Basic + Part A deductible |
| Plan C | Comprehensive (pre-2020 only) |
| Plan D | Similar to C, no Part B excess |
| Plan F | Most comprehensive (pre-2020 only) |
| Plan G | Like F without Part B deductible |
| Plan K | 50% cost sharing, out-of-pocket max |
| Plan L | 75% cost sharing, out-of-pocket max |
| Plan M | 50% Part A deductible |
| Plan N | Cost sharing, copays for visits |
Note: Plans C and F are only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Rate Regulation
Minnesota allows different rating methods for Medigap:
- Attained age rating permitted (premiums increase with age)
- Issue age rating permitted
- Community rating permitted
- Rate increases must be filed with Department of Commerce
- Cannot discriminate based on health during open enrollment
Pre-Existing Condition Rules
Outside of open enrollment:
| Situation | Pre-Existing Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| Open Enrollment | No waiting period |
| Guaranteed Issue | No waiting period |
| Outside both | Up to 6 months may apply |
Prior creditable coverage reduces waiting period.
How long is the open enrollment period for Medicare Supplement in Minnesota?
During the Medicare Supplement open enrollment period in Minnesota, can insurers deny coverage based on health?