After a few fairly stable and uneventful years, many members on Medicare can expect some significant changes to their plans as the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) approaches this fall.
“Unfortunately, there are big changes on the way, for both health insurance and drug plans,” said Dennis Breitenfeldt, founder of Breitenfeldt Group. “In the Minnesota Medicare market, many companies are raising plan prices, reducing benefits, and even discontinuing certain plans.”
In recent news, one of the largest Medicare Advantage providers in Minnesota has announced that it will no longer offer Medicare Advantage plans for 2026. The insurer currently serves over 150,000 Medicare Advantage members, a significant percentage of Minnesota’s market. As a result, many seniors will need to choose new coverage during this AEP. For those impacted by any plan exit, you will want to watch for and keep all documentation received by your carrier.
While the news may feel concerning, especially for those losing their current Medicare Advantage coverage, Dennis Breitenfeldt is quick to point out there’s a silver lining. “The good news is you have options,” he said. “Everyone has the ability to make changes to their plan during AEP each year. That’s why this review period is so important, especially when plans are being discontinued or have significantly changed.” For a plan that is discontinued, affected individuals are guaranteed the right to enroll in any available Medicare Advantage plan or, in many cases, to switch to any Medigap and Part D plan, with guaranteed acceptance.
Breitenfeldt Group has been helping people navigate their way through the Medicare jungle for more than 30 years. They are an independent health insurance brokerage, which means they are not tied to any particular plan or insurance company. “That was one of the first big lessons I learned in selling insurance before I founded Breitenfeldt Group,” said Breitenfeldt. “You can’t serve everyone properly if you are captive to one company. One size does not fit all. Our licensed agents are non-commissioned, so they can truly focus on your goals. If we change you to a new plan in the fall, it is for your benefit, not ours. ”
Sorting through all the changes and helping clients find a Medicare plan that is suitable for them is what Breitenfeldt Group has been built on. But that is just part of what they do. “Beyond helping you find a plan, we’re here to provide comfort, confidence, and certainty to all our clients,” said Breitenfeldt. “We do that by offering two promises. I have kept these promises to all my clients since Breitenfeldt Group started, and these promises remain today. First, if it’s ever necessary to call an insurance company, we will make the call for you or with you. We encourage our members to always make us their first call. Even if it’s as simple as ordering a new insurance card or asking about a bill. We know calling insurance companies can be a painful process. The second promise – your coverage will be reviewed every fall so changes can be made during the AEP, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2025 this year. Your medical condition can change, your prescriptions can change, and the health insurance companies have the ability to make changes every year as well,” said Breitenfeldt. “Your plan should be reviewed every fall by an independent source.”
These promises have served Breitenfeldt Group well over the years, and resulted in satisfied clients. Breitenfeldt said they currently have more than 400 5-star Google reviews. He added that about 80 percent of their clients are a result of a referral, and they have a 98 percent client retention rate. “I believe this is a true testament to our team of experts and the one-to-one service we provide to our clients every day,” he said. “We pride ourselves in treating every client specific to their concerns and at their pace. There is no canned process or response. People want real answers from real people. Some just want to know what to do, others want longer explanations. We work hard to treat every client individually because everyone has different needs.”
Breitenfeldt Group has Minnesota offices in Alexandria, Long Prairie, Waite Park, Baxter, Duluth, Maple Grove, Edina, Woodbury, and Roseville, with a team of licensed agents covering the entire state of Minnesota. They also have an office in Appleton, WI., and can assist all Wisconsin residents. In addition to services in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Breitenfeldt Group is licensed in other states so they can assist those who move to warmer climates but still want their insurance taken care of by Breitenfeldt Group.
All office locations work together and are connected through state-of-the-art technology, meaning there is never confusion when a call comes in or a person stops by one of the offices. “It doesn’t matter who answers the phone, we know who you are and what is going on,” he said. “There is no starting over with each call. You are never a stranger.”
Having a team of experts at Breitenfeldt Group navigate you through the Medicare process is offered to all their clients at no charge. “We will never send you a bill,” said Breitenfeldt. “Medicare plans are the same price and same coverage no matter where you get them, whether using an agent or buying directly from the insurance company. That means you won’t find a lower premium by shopping on your own.”
“The fact is, there are big changes on the way,” said Breitenfeldt. “We have increased our staff and technology to handle the disruption so let our team help you navigate these changes with a no-cost review. We can review your plan by phone, email, over Zoom, or in person. Then we can give you a clear picture of your options.”
Those who are going onto Medicare for the first time or are already on Medicare and need help understanding their benefits, can contact Breitenfeldt Group toll free at 1-877-732-9800 or by email at info@BGhealthplans.com to connect with a Licensed Agent.
Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
