With Medicare’s December 7 open enrollment deadline approaching, Essentia Health is advising patients to carefully review their Medicare Advantage plans. This year, Essentia Health will remain in-network for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans but will no longer accept Humana Medicare Advantage plans in 2025. Sanford Health and other regional providers are also dropping Humana plans.
The decision follows discussions about improving patient care access, according to Essentia’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Cathy Cantor. Delays and denials from certain Medicare Advantage plans, she explains, have often led to longer-than-necessary hospital stays, increasing risks for patients.
Essentia remains in-network with options like Medica, UCare, EssentiaCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and traditional Medicare. Patients with questions can contact Essentia’s representatives at 800-985-4675.