UCare Dropping Medicaid, MinnesotaCare Coverage in Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Wright, and Other Counties This Fall

(KNSI) – UCare says it is pausing health coverage for those with government-funded insurance through Medicaid and MinnesotaCare in Stearns and ten other counties starting September 1st, leaving people scrambling to find new plans.

Customers in Benton, Chisago, Crow Wing, Pennington, Ramsey, Roseau, St. Louis, Sherburne, Wadena and Wright counties will also lose coverage. Seniors and people with disabilities will get to keep their UCare plans.

A statement emailed to KNSI News by UCare Communications Director Wendy Wicks said the change is due to inadequate government payments. “Like health plans across the nation, UCare has experienced significant losses in Medicaid because of a payment mismatch between the government payments we receive and the rising cost of care among our members. We are confident this short-term solution will result in long-term sustainability. We look forward to returning to these counties in the future.”

UCare is working with state and county officials to help affected members find new plans.

___