Frequently Asked Questions for Medica and UCare Agreement

Frequently Asked Questions for Medica/UCare Agreement effective January 1, 2026

Medica will be acquiring most of UCare's business starting January 1, 2026. As a result of this agreement, UCare enrollees in Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP), MinnesotaCare, Minnesota Senior Care Plus (MSC+) and non-integrated Special Needs BasicCare (SNBC) (UCare Connect) will remain enrolled in their current plans for 2026. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is working with UCare, Medica, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the plan options for UCare Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO) and integrated SNBC enrollees (UCare Connect + Medicare) for 2026 and will share information as soon as it is available.

Do I need to pick a new plan?
If you're in UCare's PMAP, MinnesotaCare, MSC+ or non-integrated SNBC (UCare Connect) products you do not need to do anything. You will remain in your current health plan. However, DHS will hold annual health plan selection in the coming weeks and all health plan enrollees can review plan options to determine if they are interested in switching to a new plan at that time. If you are in UCare MSHO or UCare Connect + Medicare (integrated SNBC), DHS is working with UCare, Medica and CMS to determine what options will be available in 2026 and will send out information shortly.

I'm enrolled in UCare MSHO or UCare Connect + Medicare, should I pick a new plan? 
If you have concerns about your coverage for 2026 and want to make changes, you can visit Minnesota Aging Pathways for more information about Medicare open enrollment. You can also call Minnesota Aging Pathways at 800-333-2433 or 1-800-Medicare for help. Please be aware that there are longer than normal wait times at the Minnesota Aging Pathways.

Will I be able to make a selection after Medicare open enrollment?
If your Medicare health plan coverage is ending, you will be granted a special enrollment period that allows you to have more time to make a new plan selection. You will be notified shortly if you need to take action.

When is Annual Health Plan Selection (for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare)?
The details are being finalized for plan options for 2026 and will share the dates for Annual Health Plan Selection as soon as everything is finalized. Annual Health Plan Selection will be extended to allow enrollees time to make new plan selections into the 2026 plan year. SNBC enrollees can change their health plan monthly will continue to be able to do so.

How will I know what I need to do next?
DHS and UCare will be sending out information about health plan options for 2026 with information on what steps need to happen if your coverage is ending. Keep your eye on the mail for information from UCare and DHS.

Earlier this year it was announced that UCare was ending its Medicare Advantage business. Does this news change that decision?
No. UCare will still be ending it's Medicare Advantage business at the end of 2025.