Choosing a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan can feel overwhelming – especially during the annual renewal season. Each year, Medicare beneficiaries in Minnesota have an Annual Election Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7 to review their coverage and make changes for the next year (Medicare / Minnesota.gov). It’s the perfect time to ensure you have the right Part D plan for your needs. In this guide, we’ll break down how to evaluate your current plan, compare popular Part D options in Minnesota, and offer tips for deciding whether to stay put or switch. We’ll also highlight how local experts at Patriot Insurance Brokers – owned by Brock Tatge and specializing in Medicare plans – can help Minnesota seniors navigate this process.

Understanding Medicare Part D in Minnesota

Medicare Part D is the optional prescription drug coverage available to everyone on Medicare (What’s Medicare Drug Coverage (Part D)? | Medicare). In Minnesota, there are numerous Part D plans to choose from – 16 stand-alone Part D plans were available in 2025 (Medicare in Minnesota) – offered by private insurance companies. All Part D plans charge a monthly premium (which varies by plan) and cover a list of medications (the plan’s formulary). Original Medicare itself doesn’t cover most outpatient prescriptions, so enrolling in a Part D plan (or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage) is essential if you want help paying for your medications (Medicare / Minnesota.gov) (Medicare in Minnesota).

Each year, Part D plans can change their premiums, deductibles, and formularies (the drugs they cover) (Medicare / Minnesota.gov). That means the plan that was cheapest or best for you last year might not be your best option next year. For example, a plan’s monthly premium could increase, or it might drop certain drugs from its formulary. Minnesota’s Medicare experts strongly advise reviewing your Part D coverage annually for exactly these reasons (‘We want to help people out’). During the AEP (Oct 15 – Dec 7), you can switch to a different Part D plan or stay with your current one, with any changes taking effect on January 1 of the new year (Medicare in Minnesota).

Did you know? Starting in 2025, all Part D plans will feature a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket drug costs, thanks to recent legislation (2025 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans | Humana). This is a game-changer for those with high medication expenses – once you have paid $2,000 in a year for covered drugs, the plan will pay 100% of your remaining covered drug costs for the rest of the year (2025 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans | Humana). Additionally, insulin costs are now capped at $35 for a month’s supply under Part D plans (2025 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans | Humana). These improvements benefit all Part D enrollees, but you still need to choose which Part D plan’s premiums and formulary are right for you.

Why You Should Review Your Part D Plan Every Year

Even if you’ve been happy with your current prescription drug plan, it’s crucial to review it during the annual renewal period. Here are a few reasons why an annual check-up on your Part D plan is so important:

  • Plans Change Each Year: Insurance companies adjust their Part D plans annually. Premiums can change, deductibles can reset, and covered drugs (formulary) can be added or dropped (Medicare / Minnesota.gov). For example, a medication that was covered at a low co-pay this year might be more expensive next year – or not covered at all – if the plan’s formulary changes. Reviewing your plan ensures you catch these changes early.
  • Your Needs May Change: Your health and prescriptions can change from year to year. You might be starting a new medication or no longer need a drug you used to take. It’s important to check that your plan will cover your current list of prescriptions at the lowest cost. If your plan won’t cover a new expensive medication, you may want to find one that does.
  • New Plans and Better Deals: Each year, new Part D plans might become available in Minnesota or existing plans might offer improved benefits. There may be a plan with a lower premium, lower deductible, or better coverage for your particular drugs. In Minnesota, monthly Part D premiums vary widely – from around $6–$7 per month at the low end up to over $100+ per month at the high end (Best Minnesota Medicare Part D Plans for 2024 | Medigap.com) (Best Minnesota Medicare Part D Plans for 2024 | Medigap.com). A plan with a super-low premium might have a high deductible or limited drug coverage, whereas a higher-premium plan could offer zero deductible and a broad formulary. It pays to compare.
  • Avoiding Surprises: Every fall, your Part D plan will send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter outlining any changes for the next year. Don’t ignore this! Take time to read it and understand how your plan is changing. For instance, if your premium is going up or your pharmacy will no longer be in-network, you’ll want to know before those changes hit your wallet. By reviewing the ANOC and comparing other plans, you can decide whether it’s wiser to stay or switch.

Remember, if you do nothing during AEP, you will stay automatically enrolled in your current Part D plan for the next year. That’s fine if the plan is still a good fit. But if you find a better option or your plan is dropping one of your important meds, you’ll want to take action during AEP to switch plans for the coming year.

Key Factors When Choosing or Switching a Part D Plan

When evaluating whether to stick with your current prescription drug plan or enroll in a new one, consider the following key factors:

1. Drug Coverage (Formulary)

Make sure the plan covers the medications you take. Every Part D plan has a formulary, which is the list of drugs it covers and the “tier” each drug is in (which determines your cost). Check that all your prescriptions are on the formulary and note their tiers. If a drug you need is not covered (or has moved to a higher-cost tier), that’s a red flag. Plans often change their formularies each year, so don’t assume your meds are still covered just because they were last year (Medicare / Minnesota.gov). If your current plan will exclude an important drug next year, you may want to switch to one that covers it.

Also, look for any restrictions like prior authorizations, quantity limits, or step therapy requirements for your medications. These can affect how easily you can get your drugs and whether you might need your doctor to file additional paperwork.

2. Premium and Deductible

Cost is a big factor. Part D plans charge a monthly premium, which can vary widely. In Minnesota, premiums range from just a few dollars per month up to over $100 per month (Best Minnesota Medicare Part D Plans for 2024 | Medigap.com) (Best Minnesota Medicare Part D Plans for 2024 | Medigap.com). Typically, basic plans with lower premiums have higher deductibles or more limited coverage, while plans with higher premiums might have lower (or $0) deductibles and broader coverage (Best Minnesota Medicare Part D Plans for 2024 | Medigap.com) (Best Minnesota Medicare Part D Plans for 2024 | Medigap.com).

For example, one popular low-cost plan in Minnesota has a premium of roughly $6.80 per month with a $480 deductible (Best Minnesota Medicare Part D Plans for 2024 | Medigap.com) – meaning you pay almost nothing monthly, but you’ll pay full price for your drugs until you’ve spent $480 out-of-pocket each year. On the other end, Blue Cross’s MedicareBlue Rx Premier plan has around a $116 monthly premium with a $0 deductible (and a 4‑star quality rating) – a great benefit design, but you’ll pay a high premium for that first-dollar coverage (Best Minnesota Medicare Part D Plans for 2024 | Medigap.com). There are many options in between, so think about your budget and medication needs:

  • If you take only a couple generic drugs, a low-premium plan might save you money overall, even if it has a deductible, because your annual drug spending is low.
  • If you take several medications or expensive brand-name drugs, you might prefer a higher-premium plan with a low or no deductible, so the plan starts paying for your meds right away and you have more predictable costs.

Also consider the plan’s cost-sharing (copays or coinsurance) for your drugs once you’re past any deductible. Some plans offer flat co-pays (e.g. $1 or $5 for generics), while others charge a percentage of the drug’s cost. And note if the plan offers any coverage in the “coverage gap” (donut hole). New for 2025: the coverage gap is effectively being eliminated since your out-of-pocket costs will be capped at $2,000 (2025 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans | Humana), but in 2024 plans sometimes provided extra gap coverage for certain tiers.

3. Pharmacy Network and Preferred Pharmacies

Make sure the plan is accepted at pharmacies convenient to you. All Part D plans use pharmacy networks – you’ll generally pay the least at “preferred” pharmacies in the plan’s network. If you have a favorite local pharmacy, check if it is in the plan’s network (and if it’s a preferred provider for lower copays). In greater Minnesota, this is especially important: you want to be sure a plan’s network isn’t too restrictive for your area. Some plans partner with big chains like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, or Costco for their best pricing. Others include many regional pharmacies as preferred. If you live in a rural area or have limited pharmacy options, double-check that any plan you consider will let you use your nearest pharmacy without huge cost penalties.

Tip: Many plans have tools or directories to search for in-network pharmacies. You can also ask a local broker or advisor to help check your pharmacies. Patriot Insurance Brokers emphasizes reviewing pharmacy choices – as their Medicare experts note, it’s important to ensure your preferred pharmacy (or a convenient alternative) is in the plan’s network so you don’t have to switch where you fill your prescriptions (2025 Enrollment Guide) (2025 Enrollment Guide).

4. Plan Quality and Ratings

Take a look at the plan’s Medicare star rating. Medicare rates Part D plans each year on a 1 to 5 star scale, based on factors like customer service, member experience, and how well the plan handles drug pricing and safety. A 4- or 5-star plan is considered high quality. If a plan has a very low rating (say 2 stars), that might signal customer service problems or other issues. Minnesota’s local Blue Cross MedicareBlue Rx plan, for instance, received a 4‑star rating for its prescription drug plan (Best Minnesota Medicare Part D Plans for 2024 | Medigap.com), indicating above-average performance. While star ratings aren’t everything, they can be a good tiebreaker if you’re choosing between similar plans. After all, you want a plan that not only saves you money but also provides good service if you have questions or issues.

5. Extra Help and Eligibility for Assistance

If you have a limited income, find out if you qualify for Medicare’s Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) program. Extra Help can significantly reduce your Part D costs by lowering premiums, deductibles, and copays – and even eliminate the donut hole. In Minnesota, about 18.7% of Medicare Part D enrollees receive Extra Help to afford their medications (16 Medicare Part D plans in Minneapolis, Minnesota 2025). If you qualify for this program, certain Part D plans will be much more affordable (some plans may have a $0 premium for those on full Extra Help). Be sure to evaluate plans based on your subsidized costs if you’re eligible. The Senior LinkAge Line (800-333-2433) or a Medicare broker can help you determine if you qualify and which plans have premiums under the Extra Help limits.

6. Customer Service and Broker Support

Lastly, consider the value of personalized help. Medicare’s Plan Finder tool (on medicare.gov) allows you to compare plans on your own, but many beneficiaries prefer working with a local expert or broker who can explain the differences. A good agent will ensure you understand your options and help find the best fit. For example, Patriot Insurance Brokers – with offices in Elk River and Waite Park – prides itself on guiding seniors through plan comparisons free of charge (‘We want to help people out’). Owner Brock Tatge, who has been in the insurance business since 1997, says, “The plans can be somewhat hard to understand, and all it takes is to sit down with us and we will explain the details and make sure you are getting the best plan for your needs and budget.” (‘We want to help people out’). Don’t hesitate to lean on an expert if you find the process confusing; just ensure they are reputable and focused on your best interest.

Comparing Popular Medicare Part D Plans in Minnesota

What Part D plans are Minnesotans choosing? There are many options, but some of the major players include national companies like Humana, Aetna, Cigna, Wellcare (Centene), UnitedHealthcare (with AARP-branded plans), as well as a plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. The most popular Part D plan provider in Minnesota in recent years has been Humana (Best Minnesota Medicare Part D Plans for 2024 | Medigap.com), but the “best” plan really depends on your specific medications and pharmacy.

To illustrate the differences, here’s a comparison of a few popular 2024–2025 Medicare Part D plans in Minnesota. This table highlights each plan’s insurer, approximate monthly premium, annual deductible, and Medicare star rating:

Comparing Popular Medicare Part D Plans in Minnesota

Note: Premiums and deductibles are for the 2024 plan year (2025 premiums may differ slightly). Star ratings are from Medicare’s 2024 ratings (out of 5 stars). Always check the latest figures during enrollment. Plans with a $0 deductible often only apply that to certain tiers (for example, some plans have a $0 deducible for Tier 1 and 2 drugs, but a higher deductible for other tiers).

From the table, you can see the trade-offs clearly. The Aetna SilverScript SmartSaver has one of the lowest premiums in the state (under $7/month) (Best Minnesota Medicare Part D Plans for 2024 | Medigap.com), but comes with a high deductible (you’ll pay the first $480 of your drug costs each year) and a middle-of-the-road 3-star rating. On the other hand, the MedicareBlue Rx Premier plan from Blue Cross MN offers a $0 deductible and a strong 4-star rating, but its premium is on the higher end at around $116/month (Best Minnesota Medicare Part D Plans for 2024 | Medigap.com). Plans like Humana Basic Rx and Wellcare Classic sit somewhere in between – moderate premiums and standard deductibles – potentially good choices for those who want a balance of affordability and coverage.

When comparing plans, line up the premium + deductible + copays with your expected medication needs to estimate your annual costs. A plan with a higher premium might actually save you money if it dramatically lowers what you pay for your prescriptions (especially expensive drugs). Conversely, if you rarely take meds, a low-premium plan could be the cheapest overall even if it has a deductible you never fully meet.

Should You Stay or Switch? – Making the Decision

After reviewing all these factors, how do you decide whether to keep your current plan or switch to a new Part D plan?

Consider staying with your current plan if:

  • All your current medications are still covered next year at acceptable cost levels (check the ANOC for any formulary changes or tier increases).
  • The premium and deductible fits your budget, and any changes for next year are minimal or manageable.
  • Your preferred pharmacies remain in-network and at the preferred tier for that plan.
  • You’ve been satisfied with the plan’s customer service and convenience.
  • In short, if nothing major is changing and you haven’t found a clearly better alternative, staying put could make sense. As the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Consider switching to a new plan if:

  • Your plan is dropping one of your drugs, or moving it to a higher tier that will significantly increase your out-of-pocket cost.
  • Your monthly premium is jumping significantly, or a competitor plan offers a much lower premium for similar coverage.
  • You find a plan that covers all your meds but will cost you substantially less between premiums and copays. (During AEP, you can use Medicare’s online Plan Finder or consult a broker to compare your total estimated annual costs on each plan.)
  • Your plan’s network is changing in a way that inconveniences you (e.g. your pharmacy will no longer be preferred or in-network).
  • You’ve had bad experiences with your plan (billing issues, poor customer service, etc.) and another plan has equal or better coverage with higher ratings or reputation.
  • Essentially, if you discover a plan that would give you better coverage or save you money, or if your current plan is no longer a good fit, it’s time to make a switch.

If you do decide to switch, enroll in the new plan by December 7. Your old coverage will automatically end on December 31, and the new plan will start January 1. It’s usually a smooth process. And remember, enrolling through a licensed agent or broker does not cost you extra – the plan premiums are the same, and agents are paid by the insurance companies. A local broker can actually simplify the switching process by handling the enrollment for you and making sure you’ve got everything set.

Patriot Insurance Brokers – Your Local Medicare Experts in Minnesota

Navigating Medicare Part D can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Patriot Insurance Brokers, a Minnesota-based agency, specializes in helping Medicare beneficiaries find the right plans for their needs (Minnesota Medicare Insurance | Patriot Insurance Brokers). Owner Brock Tatge and his team have decades of experience (Brock started in the insurance business in 1997 (‘We want to help people out’)) and have a singular focus on Medicare, making them a trusted resource for seniors in the community. Patriot Insurance Brokers operates out of two convenient office locations – 312 Main St NW, Elk River, MN and 49 2nd Ave N, Waite Park, MN (Minnesota Medicare Insurance | Patriot Insurance Brokers) – and serves clients throughout Elk River, Waite Park, St. Cloud, and the surrounding Central Minnesota area.

What makes Patriot Insurance Brokers stand out is their hands-on, client-focused approach. “We want to help people out,” says Brock Tatge, noting that Medicare plan selection can be confusing with all the mailers, TV ads, and options out there (‘We want to help people out’). Patriot’s agents meet with you (in-person or online) to review your individual needs and budget, then help you compare plans from multiple companies to find the best fit – whether that’s a Medicare Part D drug plan, a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Medicare Supplement. As an independent brokerage, they work with many well-known insurance carriers, giving you a range of choices (Minnesota Medicare Insurance | Patriot Insurance Brokers). Their goal is to simplify the Medicare decision process and ensure you’re not paying more than you need to for the coverage you require.

Patriot Insurance Brokers also provides ongoing support. Each year as Medicare’s open enrollment comes around, they invite their clients to review any changes. “The Medicare market changes constantly and it’s important to consider your plan options, your prescription drug needs, and your physician/clinic networks,” Tatge explains (‘We want to help people out’). By conducting annual reviews (which Patriot offers as a free service), you can feel confident that you won’t overlook a change that could cost you money or affect your coverage. It’s this kind of proactive, customer-first service that has earned Patriot Insurance Brokers a strong reputation. In fact, many clients report relief after working with Patriot – knowing that they’re in a plan that truly fits them and that someone will go to bat for them if any issues arise.

Local Insight and Personal Touch

Choosing a Part D plan isn’t just about numbers; it’s about peace of mind. Patriot Insurance Brokers, being local to Minnesota, understands the nuances of plans available in our state – from the unique Minnesota MedicareBlue Rx plans to regional pharmacy considerations. They stay up-to-date on Medicare rules (like the new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap) and how those impact Minnesota seniors specifically. And as a locally owned business (veteran-owned, as the name “Patriot” suggests), they pride themselves on honesty and integrity. When you sit down with Brock or one of his team members, you can expect an educational approach rather than a sales pitch (‘We want to help people out’). They’ll likely start by asking about your doctors, your medications, and what you can afford, then walk you through suitable options. As one of Patriot’s general managers put it, “We really enjoy what we do and that is giving people the right coverage they need. We want to build a rapport… and establish long-term relationships.” (‘We want to help people out’). In other words, they are in it for the long haul with their clients, not just a one-time transaction.

Finally, it’s worth noting that Patriot Insurance Brokers’ services come at no extra cost to you. Medicare insurance brokers are compensated by insurance carriers, so you pay the same premium for a plan whether you enroll on your own or through Patriot. Given that, there’s no downside to getting professional help – it can save you time, stress, and potentially money if they find you a better deal.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Medicare Part D plan in Minnesota comes down to understanding your options and reviewing your needs each year. During the annual renewal (open enrollment) season, take a close look at your prescription list, your plan’s new premiums and coverage, and what alternative plans are available. Compare the major plans side by side – sometimes switching can mean big savings, but in other cases sticking with your current plan is the best move. Pay attention to drug coverage, costs, pharmacy networks, and quality ratings. And don’t hesitate to seek guidance from experts like Patriot Insurance Brokers, who focus on Medicare plans and know the local landscape inside and out.

Medicare Part D is not one-size-fits-all. The “right” plan for your neighbor might not be right for you if you take different medications or prefer a different pharmacy. By staying informed (using resources like the Medicare Plan Finder or Minnesota’s Senior LinkAge Line) and getting personalized advice when needed, you can confidently choose a Part D prescription drug plan that truly meets your needs. The result will be potentially significant savings and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the appropriate coverage.

Action Step: As the Medicare Annual Election Period approaches, gather your medication list (including dosages), note your current plan’s costs, and give Patriot Insurance Brokers a call. With local offices in Elk River and Waite Park and a deep expertise in Minnesota Medicare plans, Patriot is ready to help you evaluate whether to stay with your current Part D plan or find a new one that suits you better (‘We want to help people out’). With the right guidance, choosing a prescription drug plan doesn’t have to be stressful – you’ll have a trusted partner to help you every step of the way.

Sources:

PatriotInsuranceBrokers.com – About Patriot Insurance (Medicare plan help in Elk River & Waite Park) (Minnesota Medicare Insurance | Patriot Insurance Brokers)