(Saint Paul, MN – Insurance News 360) – Changes in federal law mean that many Minnesota seniors may need to find new Medicare Coverage if they are enrolled in a Cost Plan, in order to keep coverage for 2019.

Due to a change in federal law, many Minnesota seniors with a specific type of Medicare plan, known as a “Cost Plan,” may need to enroll in new Medicare coverage for 2019.

Medicare Cost Plans are offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Health Partners, and Medica. These plans have a variety of names.

How do I tell if I have a Cost Plan?

The Minnesota Commerce Department notes that of the one million Minnesota seniors who have Medicare, only 370,000 have Cost Plans. To confirm whether or not you have this type of plan, call the number on the back of an insurance card.

For now, seniors don’t have to take action, but will receive information about how to obtain new Medicare coverage for 2019.

THe Minnesota Departmet of Commerce is working to provide a smooth transition in coverage for seniors, coordinating with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), state agencies, insurance companies, and other organizations to serve seniors in the best way.

How will Minnesota seniors with Medicare Cost Plans be affected for 2019?

Not all seniors with Cost Plans will be affected in the same way. Some will be able to keep their plans, and CMS will provide the list of counties where seniors can keep their plans in 2019.

Many will be moved to a Medicare Advantage Plan with their same company, but will be able to opt out and select a different plan or supplement policy.

The  Department estimates that 200,000 residents will need to take action to replace their cost plans

Get more information from Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visiting www.Medicare.gov

Minnesota Senior LinkAgeLine also provides information. Call 1-800-333-2433 statewide or visit www.seniorlinkageline.com This is the State Health Insurance Program.

The Minnesota Commerce Department ca also provide information. It is the state regulator for insurance companies, brokers and agents. Call 651-539-1600 or 1-800-657-3602 (Greater Minnesota), or visit consumer.protection@state.mn.us to learn more and to find out the brand names for these plans.

Source: Minnesota Department of Commerce.