Minnesota Attorney General Issues Urgent Warning Regarding Medicare Advantage Changes for 2025
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has issued a stark warning to Minnesotans regarding significant changes in Medicare Advantage coverage for 2025, particularly concerning Humana’s plans. Ellison is urging Humana to rectify alleged "misinformation" regarding its network providers, as several major healthcare systems have announced they will no longer accept certain Humana Medicare Advantage plans due to persistent disputes over reimbursements and coverage denials. This looming shift has the potential to disrupt healthcare access for thousands of Minnesotans and carries substantial financial implications for those enrolled in affected plans.
The core of the issue lies in the discrepancies between Humana’s provider listings and the reality of network participation. Several major Minnesota healthcare systems, including Allina, Avera, Essential Health System, M Health Fairview Health Care System, North Memorial Medical Center, and Sanford Health, have declared they will no longer be in-network with specific Humana Medicare Advantage plans in 2025. Additionally, Mayo Clinic will no longer accept HealthPartners, and M Health Fairview will also not accept Aetna. These changes impact a significant portion of the approximately 60,000 Minnesotans who rely on Medicare Advantage plans for their healthcare coverage. Medicare Advantage plans, offered by private insurers, often attract beneficiaries with additional benefits not available through traditional Medicare. However, the current situation highlights the potential drawbacks of these plans, particularly the vulnerability to network disruptions and potential out-of-pocket costs.
Ellison’s concern stems from reports that Humana continued to list these healthcare providers as in-network for its 2025 Medicare Advantage plans, despite the providers’ public announcements to the contrary. This alleged misinformation poses a serious risk to consumers who may unknowingly enroll in plans believing they retain access to their preferred providers. Should these providers indeed be out-of-network, patients could face significantly higher out-of-pocket costs for services or even find their care entirely uncovered. This financial burden could be particularly devastating for those relying on fixed incomes.
Furthermore, the timing of these changes complicates matters for beneficiaries. The Medicare open enrollment period closes on December 7th, leaving limited time for individuals to reassess their options and make informed decisions based on accurate provider information. While a separate open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage runs from January 1st to March 31st, 2025, switching plans mid-year can create gaps in coverage and further confusion for beneficiaries. Ellison’s office has emphasized the urgency of this situation, urging Humana to correct any misinformation immediately to ensure Minnesotans have access to accurate information before making crucial healthcare decisions.
In a letter addressed to Humana, Attorney General Ellison demanded clarification on the alleged misinformation and requested information on any plans to reimburse consumers for out-of-network care through March 2025 for those who enrolled based on inaccurate provider network information. The letter also underscores the importance of transparency and accuracy in healthcare plan information, emphasizing the potential harm misinformation can inflict on vulnerable populations. Ellison has requested a response from Humana within five days. This swift action reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate resolution to protect Minnesota consumers.
The Attorney General’s office has stressed the importance of reviewing Medicare plans thoroughly during the open enrollment period. Beneficiaries are encouraged to scrutinize their plans for any changes in costs, formularies, and, most importantly, provider networks. The Medicare Plan Finder website (www.medicare.gov) is a crucial resource for verifying provider participation and comparing plans. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of navigating the healthcare system and the crucial role accurate and timely information plays in making informed decisions about healthcare coverage. The Attorney General’s intervention highlights the importance of consumer protection in the healthcare marketplace and the need for accountability from insurers to provide accurate and transparent information to their beneficiaries.