By Rich Larson
With Medicare open enrollment underway and many plans changing for 2027, Age Friendly Northfield is urging residents 65 and older to use a free, state-run counseling service before the Dec. 7 deadline.
CC Linstroth of Age Friendly Northfield said Medicare changes every year, and a core part of the group’s mission is steering people toward help that costs nothing.
“We have already paid for this,” Linstroth said. “So take advantage of what your tax dollars have put into place.”
That service is Minnesota Aging Pathways, formerly the Senior LinkAge Line, a free statewide program run by the Minnesota Board on Aging with the state’s area agencies on aging.
This year carries higher stakes than usual. MPR News reported that about 390,000 Minnesota seniors face losing or changing their Medicare Advantage coverage. Nationally, the annual out-of-pocket cap for Part D drugs will rise to $2,400 from $2,100, and the standard deductible will increase to $700 from $615, according to The Associated Press.
Demand for help has climbed sharply. Board on Aging Chair Maureen Schneider told MPR News that Pathways took just over 30,000 calls during the 2024 enrollment period and more than 54,000 in 2025.
Linstroth said many people work with insurance brokers but want a second opinion on the information they receive. Pathways counselors offer guidance on Medicare, Medicare Advantage, prescription drug costs and long-term care planning as part of the state’s health insurance assistance program.
Residents can call 800-333-2433 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., use the live chat on the Pathways website or schedule an in-person appointment with a Pathways counselor at 50 North in Northfield.
Linstroth said the service goes well beyond insurance. Pathways helps people find food assistance, transportation and chore services; compare housing and assisted living options; coordinate care after a hospital or nursing home stay; and apply for programs such as Medicare Extra Help. Its Senior Medicare Patrol educates consumers about fraud and scams.
“It’s never going to hurt to get that extra information,” Linstroth said.
Changes made during open enrollment take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Rich Larson is the owner and General manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
