In recent months larger regional healthcare systems in eastern North Dakota and northern Minnesota – MeritCare and Innovis in Fargo and St. Mary’s in Duluth – have announced that they will either not be accepting patients with Medicare Advantage coverage and/or may not be accepting patients from some of these plans in the future. Examples of the Medicare Advantage coverage programs they have referred to may include UCare, Unicare, Humana and Sterling. This change in access to healthcare may affect many local seniors as these regional healthcare systems are also the regional referral systems for residents in Northern Minnesota.
Open enrollment for Medicare and Medicare related programs runs from November 15th through December 31st. During open enrollment, people have the opportunity to make necessary changes to ensure they have the best coverage for their individual situation. Those enrolled, or planning to enroll, in UCare, Unicare, Humana, or Sterling, should be sure they are making well-informed decisions about the plan they choose and the coverage they will have through their plan.
LakeWood Health Center remains committed to providing quality healthcare to the individuals and communities it serves. LakeWood Health Center encourages those with Medicare or Medicare Advantage Program questions to seek understanding and answers regarding these programs and their coverage. Two knowledgeable contacts available at LakeWood Health Center include Chris Lund, Patient Accounting Manager and Chris Pieper, Social Worker. Both can be reached by calling (218) 634-2120 or (800) 245-9483.