Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Medicare Insurance Options 'Complicated' For 300,000 Minnesotans Seeking New Coverage
The Star Tribune: Minnesotans Engage The Medicare V. Medicare Advantage Debate
As Medicare Cost plans disappear next year across much of Minnesota, more than 300,000 people in the state find themselves shopping for new coverage this fall in the midst of a national debate. Is it a good thing that more seniors are getting their government benefits via Medicare Advantage plans from private health insurers? Or, would people be better off with the traditional Medicare program, which consumers often supplement with Medigap and Part D drug coverage from private insurers? As with too many things in health care, the answer is complex. (Snowbeck, 11/15)
The Star Tribune: Medicare Traffic Slows New MNsure Sign-Ups
The volume of new MNsure customers is off compared with last year, and state officials think the busy sign-up period for Medicare health plans is a key reason why. Through the first two weeks of November, MNsure saw 2,379 new enrollees for 2019 coverage, a tally that's roughly half the 4,700 people who newly signed up during the comparable period last year. (Snowbeck, 11/15)
North Carolina Health News: “Choice Overload” Can Cause Consumers Trouble During Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare enrollees can face hard decisions at this time of year when open enrollment for the federal health-insurance program allows them to change plans in a variety of ways. Advocates for older people in North Carolina are pointing out the places where changes are possible, along with potential pitfalls. (Goldsmith, 11/16)
