Company vs company · Otter Tail County, MN · 2027 plan year
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota vs Align powered by Sanford Health Plan Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare.gov compares Medicare Advantage plans with each other. This page also shows Original Medicare, so you can see the full trade-off: premiums, copays, the yearly limit, extra benefits, and the rules about doctors and approvals.
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In Minnesota, you get one more chance at Medigap only up to age 70
You can buy any Medigap plan with no health questions in the 6 months that start when you are 65 or older and have Part B. After that, a Medigap company in Minnesota can ask about your health and can say no. Minnesota gives people aged 65 to 70 one more chance. If you never had Medigap, you can buy it one time without health questions. Apply from October 15 to December 7 or from January 1 to March 31. Your price then stays 15% to 35% higher for as long as you keep the plan.
One exception is the trial right. If you joined Medicare Advantage when you first got Medicare at 65, or you left a Medigap plan to try Medicare Advantage for the first time, you can switch back within 12 months. Then you can buy a Medigap plan with no health questions.
Read about Medigap rights on Medicare.govYour yearly cost, side by side
Move the controls to match your year. Totals include premiums, the Part B premium, copays, and drug costs.
Medigap plan with Original Medicare
Minnesota sets its own Medigap plans: the Basic Plan and the Extended Basic Plan, with optional riders. Minnesota also sells its own versions of Plans K, L, M, and N. A high-deductible plan is open only to people who were eligible for Medicare before 2020. We have no prices for these plans, so the totals show Original Medicare without Medigap. Without Medigap you pay 20% of most costs, with no yearly limit. Check Medigap plans and prices for ZIP 56537 on Medicare.gov
Want to check your exact drugs? Medicare.gov lets you enter each drug and shows what each plan charges for it. Enter your drugs on Medicare.gov
Original Medicare
With no Medigap and AARP Medicare Rx Saver from UHC (PDP)
$6,015 a year
- Premiums
- $2,638
- Medical costs
- $1,616
- Drugs
- $1,762
No yearly limit on what you pay for medical care.
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO)
PPO from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
$7,058 a year
- Premiums
- $2,634
- Medical costs
- $2,249
- Drugs
- $2,175
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $12,484.
Align SecureChoice (PPO)
PPO from Align powered by Sanford Health Plan
$6,614 a year
- Premiums
- $2,934
- Medical costs
- $1,655
- Drugs
- $2,025
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $12,784.
With these settings, Original Medicare costs about $599 less a year than Align SecureChoice (PPO).
These are estimates, not quotes. Check every number with Medicare (Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE) and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Drug costs use typical prices for generic and brand-name drugs. Original Medicare amounts are 2027 projections from the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report. CMS sets the final amounts in November.
Text us about this comparisonWhat you pay each time you get care
In-network costs for one visit or one stay. The Original Medicare amounts follow your Medigap choice above: no Medigap.
Primary doctor visit
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO)
$0 copay
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO)
$15
Align SecureChoice (PPO)
$0 copay
Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$0 copay
Specialist visit
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO)
$40
Prior authorizationBlue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO)
$60
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice (PPO)
$50
Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$45
Lab tests
Original Medicare, no Medigap
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO)
$0 copay
Prior authorizationBlue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO)
$0 copay
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice (PPO)
$10
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$10
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO)
$0-$200
Prior authorizationBlue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO)
$0-$275
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice (PPO)
$0-$375
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$0-$375
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO)
$130
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO)
$115
Align SecureChoice (PPO)
$115
Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$130
Urgent care
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO)
$50
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO)
$40
Align SecureChoice (PPO)
$0-$40
Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$0-$45
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO)
$325
Prior authorizationBlue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO)
$500
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice (PPO)
$0-$420
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$0-$400
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO)
$300
Prior authorizationBlue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO)
$400
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice (PPO)
$350
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$325
Prior authorization
Hospital stay, 5 days
Original Medicare, no Medigap
$1,788
Part A deductible each benefit period; $447 a day for days 61-90
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO)
$1,250
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationBlue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO)
$2,250
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice (PPO)
$2,080
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$2,000
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare, no Medigap | Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO) | Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO) | Align SecureChoice (PPO) | Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + drug plan $10.30 | $0 (pays back $145 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50 | $10 + Part B $209.50 | $35 + Part B $209.50 | $112 + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | No yearly limit | $6,900 in network; $10,750 in and out of network | $9,850 in network; $14,800 in and out of network | $9,850 in network; $12,850 in and out of network | $7,150 in network; $10,150 in and out of network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B; $1,788 Part A each benefit period | $0 | $425 | $0 | $0 |
| Primary doctor visit | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copay | $15 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay |
| Specialist visit | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $40 copayPrior authorization | $60 copayPrior authorization | $50 copay | $45 copay |
| Lab tests | $0, most Medicare-covered tests | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $10 copayPrior authorization | $10 copayPrior authorization |
| MRI or CT scan | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$200 copayPrior authorization | $0-$275 copayPrior authorization | $0-$375 copayPrior authorization | $0-$375 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $10 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization | $20 copayPrior authorization | $20 copayPrior authorization |
| Emergency room | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $130 copay | $115 copay | $115 copay | $130 copay |
| Urgent care | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $50 copay | $40 copay | $0-$40 copay | $0-$45 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $20-$500 copayPrior authorization | $30-$600 copayPrior authorization | $0-$420 copayPrior authorization | $0-$400 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $325 copayPrior authorization | $500 copayPrior authorization | $0-$420 copayPrior authorization | $0-$400 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $300 copayPrior authorization | $400 copayPrior authorization | $350 copayPrior authorization | $325 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $1,788, Part A deductible each benefit period; $447 a day for days 61-90 | $250 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization | $450 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $520 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization | $500 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization |
| Skilled nursing facility | $0, days 1-20, then $223.50 a day for days 21-100 | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization |
| Mental health visit | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $40 copayPrior authorization | $50 copayPrior authorization | $50 copay | $45 copay |
| Physical therapy | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $40 copayPrior authorization | $55 copayPrior authorization | $35 copay | $50 copay |
| Home health care | $0, Medicare-covered home health | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Medical equipment | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Part B drugs | 20% after the $292 Part B deductible | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Drug deductible (Part D) | $700 with AARP Medicare Rx Saver from UHC (PDP) | No drug coverage | $700 | $500 | $350 |
| Drug tiers (one month, retail) | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 18% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 38% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance | No drug coverage | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 50% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $8 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 30% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 27% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $8 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 30% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 29% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay |
Not sure which of these costs apply to you?
Text us what you have now. We will help you read this comparison and check it with Medicare.gov.
A higher drug plan premium is not, by itself, a reason to switch
With Original Medicare, you buy a separate drug plan. In Minnesota, 9 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $5.30 to $222.90 a month. Half of them cost $33.30 a month or less.
- Every 2027 drug plan limits what you pay for covered drugs to $2,400 a year. The drug coverage in Medicare Advantage plans has the same limit.
- The premium is one part of your yearly cost. The calculator above adds premiums, medical costs, and drug costs, so you can see the whole year.
- A Medicare Advantage plan can cost less in a light year. But you also take on its network and prior authorization rules, and you may not be able to get Medigap later.
- If your income is limited, Extra Help can pay most of your drug plan premium and drug costs. Check Extra Help at SSA.gov
The two companies in Otter Tail County
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
- 3 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 1 with a $0 premium; 1 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $6,900 to $9,850
- Star ratings 4 to 4
- Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $6,900
- Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO) · $10 a month · limit $9,850
- Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Select (PPO) · $165 a month · limit $6,900
Align powered by Sanford Health Plan
- 2 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 0 with a $0 premium; 0 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $7,150 to $9,850
- Star ratings 3.5 to 3.5
- Align SecureChoice (PPO) · $35 a month · limit $9,850
- Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO) · $112 a month · limit $7,150
Doctors, referrals, and prior authorization
Cost is one side. The other side is how you get care. These rules come from the CMS plan files. Prior authorization means the plan must approve a service before you get it.
Original Medicare
- Any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that takes Medicare
- No referrals
- Prior authorization only for a short list of services
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO)
PPO
- The plan has a network. You can go outside it, but you pay more.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 23 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO)
PPO
- The plan has a network. You can go outside it, but you pay more.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 23 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Align SecureChoice (PPO)
PPO
- The plan has a network. You can go outside it, but you pay more.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 13 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Home health, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
PPO
- The plan has a network. You can go outside it, but you pay more.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 13 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Home health, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO) | Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO) | Align SecureChoice (PPO) | Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Comprehensive, up to $2,000 a year | Preventive only, up to $1,000 a year | Preventive only | Preventive only |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $250 allowance | No | Yes, $100 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, copays from $599 | Yes, copays from $699 | Yes, copays from $499 | Yes, copays from $499 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | $300 a year | No | $120 a year | $280 a year |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rides to care | No | No | No | No | No |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Emergency care abroad | No, unless your Medigap plan pays for it | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Part B premium giveback | No | $145 a month | No | No | No |
What changed for 2027
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H5959-018-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $5,500 to $6,900
- Part B giveback up from $135 to $145
- Urgent care: $35 copay to $50 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $10-$350 copay to $20-$500 copay
- Ground ambulance: $250 copay to $300 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $200 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90 to $250 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Dental maximum down from $2,500 to $2,000
- Overall star rating down from 4.5 to 4
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO)
New Plan · New for 2027
No change found in the fields we track.
Align SecureChoice (PPO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H3186-002-0
- Monthly premium up from $0 to $35
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $4,800 to $9,850
- Drug deductible up from $450 to $500
- Specialist visit: $0-$50 copay to $50 copay
- Emergency care: $120 copay to $115 copay
- Urgent care: $35 copay to $0-$40 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $30-$200 copay, 20% coinsurance to $0-$420 copay
- Ground ambulance: $240 copay to $350 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $300 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $520 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90
- Skilled nursing facility: Same cost sharing as Original Medicare to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Yearly OTC allowance down from $280 to $120
- Comprehensive dental removed
- Meals after a hospital stay removed
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H3186-001-0
- Monthly premium up from $94 to $112
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $3,000 to $7,150
- Drug deductible up from $300 to $350
- Specialist visit: $0-$25 copay to $45 copay
- Emergency care: $110 copay to $130 copay
- Urgent care: $30 copay to $0-$45 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$250 copay to $0-$375 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $30-$150 copay, 20% coinsurance to $0-$400 copay
- Ground ambulance: $200 copay to $325 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $250 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $500 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90
- Skilled nursing facility: Same cost sharing as Original Medicare to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Yearly OTC allowance down from $340 to $280
- Comprehensive dental removed
- Meals after a hospital stay removed
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
More 2027 plans in Otter Tail County
County guide: 2027 plans in Otter Tail CountyState guide: Minnesota
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Sources and method
Plan data comes from the CMS 2027 Plan Benefit Package and landscape files. The data is from 2026-10-10. We checked a sample of plans field by field against Medicare.gov. Original Medicare amounts are the 2027 projections in the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report (Tables V.E1 and V.E2). CMS sets the final amounts in November. Minnesota sets its own Medigap plans: the Basic Plan and the Extended Basic Plan, with optional riders. Minnesota also sells its own versions of Plans K, L, M, and N. A high-deductible plan is open only to people who were eligible for Medicare before 2020. We have no prices or cost model for these plans, so the totals show Original Medicare without Medigap. You can look up Medigap plans and prices for ZIP 56537 on Medicare.gov. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Align SecureChoice (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices for ZIP 56537 on Medicare.gov
- Medigap plans in Minnesota: Medicare.gov, Choosing a Medigap Policy (2026), Section 7
- CMS Plan Benefit Package files, 2027
- CMS 2027 landscape files (premiums and limits)
- CMS 2027 plan crosswalk
- CMS 2027 Star Ratings
- 2026 Medicare Trustees Report: projected 2027 Part A and Part B amounts (Tables V.E1 and V.E2)
- CMS 2026 Part A and Part B amounts
- Medicare.gov: Medigap guaranteed issue rights
These are estimates, not quotes, and they are for education only. Check every number with Medicare and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Plans can change their benefits, premiums, drug lists, and networks each year.
Pinnie is not an insurance agent or broker and does not sell Medicare plans. Pinnie is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. For all your options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048.