Company vs company · Houston County, MN · 2027 plan year
Medica vs Quartz Medicare Advantage (HMO) 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.
Pinnie Direct is a free text line. Pinnie does not sell plans.
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 55921 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.
Medica Advantage Select (PPO)
PPO from Medica
$7,911 a year
- Premiums
- $4,290
- Medical costs
- $2,060
- Drugs
- $1,561
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $11,440.
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO)
HMO from Quartz Medicare Advantage (HMO)
$6,561 a year
- Premiums
- $3,090
- Medical costs
- $1,935
- Drugs
- $1,536
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $9,590.
With these settings, Original Medicare costs about $546 less a year than Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO).
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
Medica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$0 copay
Medica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$0 copay
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$15
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$25
Specialist visit
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Medica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$50
Medica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$75
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$50
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$65
Lab tests
Original Medicare, no Medigap
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Medica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$0 copay
Prior authorizationMedica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$0 copay
Prior authorizationGundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$20
Prior authorizationGundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$30
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Medica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$0-$90
Prior authorizationMedica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$0-$500
Prior authorizationGundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$200
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$275
Emergency room
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Medica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$150
Medica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$130
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$130
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$130
Urgent care
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Medica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$40
Medica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$50
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$50
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$50
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Medica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$0-$200
Prior authorizationMedica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$0-$550
Prior authorizationGundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$0-$250
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$0-$350
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Medica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$395
Medica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$550
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$300
Prior authorizationGundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$300
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
Medica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$2,025
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationMedica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$2,295
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationGundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$1,375
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationGundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$1,450
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare, no Medigap | Medica Advantage Salute (PPO) | Medica Advantage Essential (PPO) | Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO) | Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + drug plan $10.30 | $0 (pays back $160 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50 | $60 + Part B $209.50 | $93 + Part B $209.50 | $48 + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | No yearly limit | $4,450 in network; $6,700 in and out of network | $7,150 in network; $10,750 in and out of network | $4,900 in network | $6,500 in network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B; $1,788 Part A each benefit period | $0 | $500 | $0 | $0 |
| Primary doctor visit | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copay | $0 copay | $15 copay | $25 copay |
| Specialist visit | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $50 copay | $75 copay | $50 copay | $65 copay |
| Lab tests | $0, most Medicare-covered tests | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $20 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization |
| MRI or CT scan | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$90 copayPrior authorization | $0-$500 copayPrior authorization | $200 copay | $275 copay |
| X-rays | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $25 copayPrior authorization | $75 copayPrior authorization | $20 copay | $30 copay |
| Emergency room | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $150 copay | $130 copay | $130 copay | $130 copay |
| Urgent care | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $40 copay | $50 copay | $50 copay | $50 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$300 copayPrior authorization | $0-$650 copayPrior authorization | $0-$250 copayPrior authorization | $0-$350 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$200 copayPrior authorization | $0-$550 copayPrior authorization | $0-$250 copay | $0-$350 copay |
| Ground ambulance | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $395 copay | $550 copay | $300 copayPrior authorization | $300 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $1,788, Part A deductible each benefit period; $447 a day for days 61-90 | $405 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization | $459 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization | $275 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization | $290 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior 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 21-42; $0 per day for days 43-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $116 per day for days 21-54; $0 per day for days 55-100Prior 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 copay | $65 copay | $40 copay | $50 copay |
| Physical therapy | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $50 copay | $75 copay | $40 copayPrior authorization | $50 copayPrior authorization |
| Home health care | $0, Medicare-covered home health | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Medical equipment | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 10% 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 | $225 | $270 |
| 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: $10 copayPreferred Brand: 15% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 25% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $10 copayPreferred Brand: 20% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 35% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 30% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $10 copayPreferred Brand: 20% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 35% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 28% 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 Houston County
Medica
- 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 $4,450 to $7,150
- Star ratings 4 to 4
- Medica Advantage Salute (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $4,450
- Medica Advantage Essential (PPO) · $60 a month · limit $7,150
- Medica Advantage Select (PPO) · $148 a month · limit $7,150
Quartz Medicare Advantage (HMO)
- 5 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 2 with a $0 premium; 0 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $4,450 to $7,150
- Star ratings 4.5 to 4.5
- Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO) · $93 a month · limit $4,900
- Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO) · $48 a month · limit $6,500
- Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Basic D (w/Rx) (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $7,150
- Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (HMO) · $200 a month · limit $4,450
- Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $4,450
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
Medica Advantage Salute (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 11 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Medica 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 11 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
HMO
- You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 12 services
Diagnostic tests, Outpatient hospital, Ambulance, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO)
HMO
- You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 12 services
Diagnostic tests, Outpatient hospital, Ambulance, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | Medica Advantage Salute (PPO) | Medica Advantage Essential (PPO) | Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO) | Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Comprehensive, up to $1,500 a year | Preventive only | Comprehensive, up to $400 a year | Comprehensive, up to $300 a year |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $200 allowance | No | Yes, $175 allowance | Yes, $100 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, copays from $549 | Yes, copays from $549 | Yes, up to $1,250 | Yes, up to $800 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | $200 a year | No | No | No |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Rides to care | No | No | No | No | No |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | No | No | No | No |
| Emergency care abroad | No, unless your Medigap plan pays for it | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part B premium giveback | No | $160 a month | No | No | No |
What changed for 2027
Medica Advantage Salute (PPO)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H8889-009-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum down from $6,750 to $4,450
- Part B giveback up from $100 to $160
- Emergency care: $130 copay to $150 copay
- Urgent care: $0-$45 copay to $40 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$375 copay to $0-$300 copay
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-52; $0 per day for days 53-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-42; $0 per day for days 43-100
- Dental maximum up from $800 to $1,500
- Yearly OTC allowance up from $100 to $200
- Eyewear allowance up from $100 to $200
- Overall star rating up from 3.5 to 4
Medica Advantage Essential (PPO)
New Plan · New for 2027
No change found in the fields we track.
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H9834-003-0
- Monthly premium up from $72 to $93
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $4,200 to $4,900
- Emergency care: $150 copay to $130 copay
- Urgent care: $60 copay to $50 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $100 copay to $200 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$200 copay to $0-$250 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $250 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $275 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $215 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 $500 to $400
- Eyewear allowance down from $225 to $175
- Overall star rating up from 4 to 4.5
Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H9834-006-0
- Monthly premium up from $29 to $48
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $5,900 to $6,500
- Specialist visit: $60 copay to $65 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $185 copay to $275 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $270 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $290 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $215 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 $400 to $300
- Eyewear allowance down from $150 to $100
- Overall star rating up from 4 to 4.5
More 2027 plans in Houston County
- Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Freedom Blue (PPO), H5959-018 (page for Hennepin County, MN)
- Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Essential (PPO), H5959-023 (page for Stearns County, MN)
- Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Select (PPO), H5959-024 (page for Stearns County, MN)
County guide: 2027 plans in Houston CountyState guide: Minnesota
Questions about your choice? Text us.
Pinnie Direct is a free text line. Tell us what you have now and we will help you read this comparison.
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 55921 on Medicare.gov. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- Medica Advantage Salute (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medica Advantage Essential (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Gundersen MN Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices for ZIP 55921 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.