Retirees with UCare: UCare is ending your Medicare plan. Act by Nov. 19 to to stay with SEGIP.

Even though UCare is ending your Medicare plan through the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP), you can continue to take part in the state’s retiree group.

You will receive a book in the mail that highlights the two medical plans available for state retirees and their spouses who are age 65 and older. The booklet gives an overview of what each plan covers, how it works, and what it costs. Both plans give you many of the same benefits you have now.

To keep your coverage through SEGIP, you must choose a new plan. You'll find the enrollment forms in the book mailed to your home. Your enrollment form must be postmarked by Nov. 19.

Options for UCare members
To enroll the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Coordinated Plan or HealthPartners Medicare Group Solution:
- Complete the enrollment form in the back of the booklet mailed to your home.
- Send the form to the medical plan administrator you choose. (Address is in the book you received.)
- The form must be postmarked by Nov. 19, 2025.
Next: You’re not done yet.

If you move to Blue Cross, watch your mail for an enrollment packet with two forms:
- Enrollment Form for State of Minnesota Coordinated Plan
- Group MedicareBlue Rx (PDP) Participant Enrollment Form
Complete and return the two forms to Blue Cross right away.

If you move HealthPartners, watch your mail for an enrollment packet that contains:
- 2026 HealthPartners Medicare Group Solution Enrollment Form
Complete and return the form to HealthPartners right away or complete the form online. The form you receive at home will include a website address specific to your enrollment if you would like to complete the application online.

The forms you get from Blue Cross or HealthPartners must be completed and returned by Dec. 31, 2025.
What if one of the senior plans is not right for you?
Retirees encouraged to proceed with caution if considering coverage outside of SEGIP

You may choose to leave the SEGIP-sponsored retiree group coverage and purchase other Medicare policies.

In fact, you will likely receive advertising asking you to sign up for a new plan. Those plans are not sponsored by SEGIP. If you select one of them, you lose your state coverage.

While you will find plans where you pay lower premiums each month, you will likely pay more when you need care or prescription drugs. Some of the more common benefits people compare include:
- Inpatient hospital copays that are hundreds of dollars per day versus per stay or per year.
- Inpatient skilled nursing care coverage that require three-day hospital stays, in addition to high copays.
- Part D prescription drugs that cost you a percentage of the price of a medication versus a flat copay of $10 to $50.
- Outpatient diagnostic tests such as observation stays, MRIs and procedures like cataract surgery that cost you hundreds of dollars versus $0.
- Medicare Part B drugs including infusion and injectable medications provided at an in-office or outpatient setting that cost you 20% or more of the drug’s cost versus $0.
- Medicare plans with no Part D prescription drug coverage or a high Part D deductible versus the $0 deductible coverage you have now.
If you are going to compare your options, start by talking with a Medicare expert at Blue Cross or HealthPartners. They understand the nuances of the coverage SEGIP sponsors.

Once you’re familiar with the plan’s details, you’ll be better able to evaluate options. Minnesota Aging Pathways (formerly Senior Linkage Line) is a service from the Minnesota Board on Aging. You can call 800-333-2433, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Or go to the website. They are not experts on SEGIP’s plans but do have training on Medicare plans in general.

Remember:
- Once you leave the group, you may not return. You forfeit your right to be a part of the state’s group plan.
- If you cover a spouse under age 65, they will lose their coverage through the state.
- If you cover children or other dependents, they lose their coverage through the state.