MN seniors navigate unexpected Medicare cost increases

Steve Myhro, 71, and his wife, Sarah, 68, moved from Rochester to Nisswa a year and a half ago to be closer to family. He is a retired history and government teacher and she is a professional violinist.

But the couple's new life in Crow Wing County has brought an unexpected financial twist: changes to Medicare coverage that could increase their annual health insurance costs by thousands of dollars.

Starting in 2027, Minnesota’s 1.2 million Medicare enrollees will have fewer Medicare Advantage options. Seniors in Crow Wing, Wadena and Lake of the Woods counties will have no Medicare Advantage plans available, pressuring many to consider more expensive alternatives. And 15 other counties in the state will no longer have Medicare Advantage plan options but Medicare cost plans and original Medicare are still av...