Best Health Insurance in Minnesota: 2026 Carrier Rankings & Comparison
Minnesota has six carriers offering individual and family health insurance through MNsure for 2026 — Blue Plus, HealthPartners, HealthPartners Insurance Company, Medica, Quartz, and UCare (now administered by Medica). The best health insurance in Minnesota depends on where you live, which providers you need, and whether you prioritize the lowest premium or the broadest network access. This guide compares each carrier’s strengths, network reach, pricing, and 2026 rate changes to help you find the right fit.
Find the right carrier for your situation
Minnesota Health Insurance Carriers on MNsure — 2026
Six carriers offer individual and family health plans through MNsure for 2026: Blue Plus (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota), HealthPartners, HealthPartners Insurance Company (new for 2026), Medica, Quartz, and UCare (now administered by Medica after a December 2025 acquisition). The overall average rate increase for 2026 was approximately 22%, with individual carrier increases ranging from 7.4% (Quartz) to 30.76% (Medica).
| Carrier | 2026 Rate Change | Silver Premium (40yo) | Counties Served | Network Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Plus (BCBS MN) | +17.9% | ~$545/mo | Statewide | PPO and HMO |
| HealthPartners | +15.3% | $379/mo | Most counties | HMO (Alpine network) |
| HealthPartners Ins. Co. | New for 2026 | ~$390/mo | Select counties | HMO |
| Medica | +30.76% | ~$520/mo | All 87 counties | EPO |
| UCare (Medica-admin.) | +22.5% | ~$522/mo | 77 counties | HMO |
| Quartz | +7.4% | ~$500/mo | 4 SE counties | HMO |
HealthPartners posted the lowest Silver plan premium on MNsure for 2026 at $379/month for a 40-year-old — roughly $140/month less than Blue Plus and $140 less than Medica at the Silver tier. That pricing gap reflects HealthPartners’ integrated care model: the organization operates its own clinics and hospitals across the Twin Cities metro and partners with regional systems like Essentia Health and CentraCare through the Alpine network, which includes over 87,000 providers. The integration reduces administrative costs that carriers relying on contracted-only networks absorb.
Medica’s 30.76% rate increase — the highest among MNsure carriers — reflects the financial impact of absorbing UCare’s individual and family book of business after the December 2025 court-ordered rehabilitation. Despite the rate increase, Medica remains the only carrier serving all 87 Minnesota counties, making it the default option for residents in remote northern and western counties where other carriers do not operate. The affordable coverage guide details subsidy strategies that offset these rate increases for qualifying Minnesotans.
UCare acquisition update: On December 17, 2025, UCare was placed into court-ordered rehabilitation. Medica acquired UCare’s individual and family plans. UCare plans for 2026 continue unchanged — same benefits, network, premiums, and plan name. No action is required from current UCare enrollees. The transition is administrative only.
PPO Health Insurance Options in Minnesota
Blue Plus (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota) is the only MNsure carrier offering PPO plans in Minnesota for 2026. Blue Plus PPO plans provide access to Allina Health, M Health Fairview, and other major health systems without referral requirements. A 40-year-old Twin Cities resident can expect Blue Plus Gold PPO premiums around $565/month with a $3,400 deductible and $5,600 out-of-pocket maximum before subsidies.
PPO plans matter in Minnesota because the state’s other five MNsure carriers offer only HMO or EPO network structures, which require staying in-network and may require referrals for specialist care. Blue Plus PPO plans allow out-of-network coverage at higher cost-sharing — a significant advantage for Minnesotans who see providers across multiple health systems or who travel frequently and need out-of-state coverage. The Blue Plus PPO network is HSA-eligible at the Gold tier, adding a tax-advantaged savings component.
For Minnesotans who want network flexibility beyond what HMO plans offer, PPO health insurance plans provide the broadest access to out-of-network care nationwide. In Minnesota specifically, Blue Plus PPO plans include Baptist Health, Park Nicollet, Allina Health, and M Health Fairview — four of the five largest health systems in the state. HealthPartners’ Alpine HMO network is a competitive alternative for in-network breadth at significantly lower premiums ($379/month vs. $565/month at Silver), but it does not cover out-of-network care except in emergencies.
Best Health Insurance Carrier by Minnesota Region
The best health insurance in Minnesota depends heavily on geography. Twin Cities metro residents have all six carriers available with the most competitive pricing. Northern Minnesota (Duluth, Iron Range) is served primarily by HealthPartners Alpine and UCare with Essentia Health as the dominant provider system. Southeastern Minnesota lost Quartz in Olmsted County for 2026. Rural western and southwestern counties may have only two or three carrier options, with Medica providing coverage in all 87 counties.
| Region | Key Health Systems | Carriers Available | Best Value Carrier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Cities Metro | Allina, M Health Fairview, HealthPartners, Hennepin Healthcare | All 6 | HealthPartners ($379/mo Silver) |
| Duluth / NE Minnesota | Essentia Health, St. Luke’s | HealthPartners (Alpine), UCare, Blue Plus, Medica | HealthPartners Alpine (includes Essentia) |
| St. Cloud / Central MN | CentraCare | HealthPartners (Alpine), UCare, Blue Plus, Medica | HealthPartners Alpine (includes CentraCare) |
| Rochester / SE Minnesota | Mayo Clinic (not in MNsure networks) | 5 carriers (Quartz exited Olmsted) | Compare HealthPartners and Blue Plus |
| SW / Western Minnesota | Sanford Health | 2–3 carriers typically | UCare (broadest rural HMO) |
The Twin Cities metro — Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Anoka, Washington, Scott, and Carver counties — is the most competitive insurance market in Minnesota. All major health systems operate in the metro, and all six MNsure carriers maintain strong metro networks. HealthPartners’ $379/month Silver premium is the lowest available in the metro and includes direct access to HealthPartners’ own clinics and hospitals plus the broader Alpine network.
Rochester-area residents face a unique challenge: Mayo Clinic is not in-network for most MNsure individual plans. Quartz also exited Olmsted County for 2026, reducing carrier options from six to five. Rochester residents who want Mayo Clinic coverage typically need employer-sponsored insurance or must pay out-of-network rates through a Blue Plus PPO. The affordable coverage guide covers specific plan selection strategies for the Rochester market.
Mayo Clinic network note: Mayo Clinic is generally not in-network for any MNsure individual market plan regardless of carrier. Rochester-area residents enrolling through MNsure should verify their specific plan’s provider directory before assuming Mayo access. Employer-sponsored plans are the primary pathway to in-network Mayo coverage.
Compare Minnesota Carrier Options for 2026
See which MNsure carriers serve your county, compare Blue Plus PPO with HealthPartners Alpine HMO, and get after-subsidy pricing for your household.
Carrier Profiles — Strengths and Considerations
Each MNsure carrier has distinct strengths. HealthPartners leads on price with the lowest Silver premium at $379/month and an integrated care model with its own hospitals. Blue Plus offers Minnesota’s only PPO option with the broadest provider network. Medica is the sole carrier covering all 87 counties. UCare offers the broadest HMO access across 77 counties. Quartz serves only four southeastern counties but posted the lowest rate increase at 7.4%.
HealthPartners
HMO — #1 ValueHealthPartners • Alpine network
HealthPartners operates an integrated care model — owning and operating its own clinics, hospitals, and the Regions Hospital trauma center in St. Paul. The Alpine network extends HealthPartners’ reach to over 87,000 providers by contracting with Essentia Health (Duluth, northern MN), CentraCare (St. Cloud), and other regional systems. At $379/month for a Silver plan, HealthPartners offers the lowest MNsure premium for 2026. The 15.3% rate increase was below the 22% statewide average. HealthPartners earned a 4.5-star quality rating on MNsure — the highest among carriers. For Twin Cities metro residents who can stay within the HealthPartners and Alpine network, this carrier represents the best health insurance in Minnesota for balancing price and quality on MNsure.
Blue Plus (BCBS Minnesota)
PPO — Best NetworkBlue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
Blue Plus is the only carrier offering both HMO and PPO plans on MNsure. The Blue Plus PPO network includes Allina Health, M Health Fairview, HealthPartners clinics (as contracted providers), and most independent practices across Minnesota. A 40-year-old pays approximately $545/month for a Silver plan — the highest among MNsure carriers at that tier — but the PPO structure allows out-of-network coverage that no other MNsure carrier provides. Blue Plus posted a 17.9% rate increase for 2026. For Minnesotans who see providers across multiple health systems or need out-of-state coverage, Blue Plus remains the best health insurance in Minnesota for network flexibility.
Medica
EPO — StatewideMedica • all 87 counties
Medica is the only MNsure carrier serving all 87 Minnesota counties — the sole option for residents in some remote northern and western counties. Medica’s 2026 rate increase of 30.76% is the highest among MNsure carriers, reflecting the financial impact of absorbing UCare’s individual market enrollees. Despite higher rates, Medica offers some of the lowest Bronze plan premiums at approximately $234/month for a 40-year-old. Medica’s EPO network structure requires in-network care with no out-of-network coverage except emergencies. For rural Minnesotans with limited carrier options, Medica is often the default — and sometimes only — choice for MNsure marketplace coverage.
UCare
HMO — Medica-administeredUCare • 77 counties
UCare was placed into court-ordered rehabilitation in December 2025, and Medica acquired its individual and family plans. For 2026, UCare plans continue under the UCare name with identical benefits, networks, and premiums — the transition is administrative only. UCare covers 77 Minnesota counties with an HMO network that includes a broad range of community clinics and hospitals. UCare’s Silver plan premium of approximately $522/month for a 40-year-old is mid-range, and the 22.5% rate increase matched the statewide average. UCare has historically served diverse communities in the Twin Cities, including Somali and Hmong populations, with culturally responsive care coordination.
Quartz
HMO — SE MinnesotaQuartz • 4 counties
Quartz serves only four counties in southeastern Minnesota for 2026 — Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, and Wabasha. Quartz exited Olmsted County (Rochester) for 2026, reducing its footprint significantly. The trade-off is Quartz’s 7.4% rate increase — the lowest among all MNsure carriers — making it the most price-stable option for the narrow geography it serves. For residents of those four counties, Quartz may offer the most competitive pricing at approximately $500/month for a Silver plan. The Minnesota Department of Commerce publishes annual rate filing details for all carriers.
How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Minnesota
Choosing the best health insurance in Minnesota starts with three factors: which carriers serve your county, whether your providers are in-network, and how your total annual costs (premiums plus deductibles plus copays) compare across plans. A Blue Plus PPO at $565/month with a $3,400 deductible may cost less overall than a $379/month HealthPartners HMO with a $5,000 deductible if you expect frequent specialist visits outside the HMO network.
Beyond price and network, two independent sources help compare Minnesota carriers on quality. The NCQA Health Plan Report Cards rate carriers nationally on prevention, treatment, and member satisfaction — useful for seeing how HealthPartners, Blue Plus, Medica, and UCare compare beyond their Minnesota footprint. MNsure also displays a federal Quality Rating System star score (1 to 5) for each plan, calculated under CMS Quality Rating System rules and shown directly in the plan browser during enrollment.
Best for lowest premium
HealthPartners at $379/month Silver or Medica at $234/month Bronze. Both require staying in-network. HealthPartners’ Alpine network is broader; Medica covers all 87 counties.
Best for network flexibility
Blue Plus PPO — the only MNsure option with out-of-network coverage. Higher premiums (~$545/month Silver) but access to nearly every Minnesota provider plus out-of-state coverage.
Best for rural Minnesota
Medica (all 87 counties) or UCare (77 counties). Check both networks against your local providers. In some western counties, Medica may be the only available carrier on MNsure.
Best for families
HealthPartners Alpine — competitive family premiums, broad pediatric access including Children’s Minnesota, and 4.5-star quality rating. UCare offers the most comprehensive maternity coverage including doula services.
Example: Edina Couple — Age 42 and 40, $78,000 Income
An Edina couple earning $78,000/year qualifies for approximately $420/month in premium tax credits through MNsure. Their after-subsidy options: HealthPartners Silver at approximately $338/month ($758 full price minus $420 credit), Blue Plus Silver PPO at approximately $670/month ($1,090 minus $420), or Medica Silver at approximately $620/month ($1,040 minus $420). If both partners see Allina Health providers, HealthPartners Alpine or Blue Plus PPO both include Allina — but HealthPartners saves $332/month in premiums. Running an estimate directly on MNsure during Open Enrollment shows exact after-subsidy numbers for your own household.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Health Insurance Carriers
What is the cheapest health insurance in Minnesota for 2026?
HealthPartners offers the lowest Silver plan premium on MNsure at $379/month for a 40-year-old before subsidies — making it the best health insurance in Minnesota for budget-conscious enrollees. For Bronze plans, Medica offers some of the cheapest options at approximately $234/month. After premium tax credits, many Minnesotans pay significantly less — the average subsidy saves eligible enrollees approximately $600/month. Actual costs depend on your age, county, income, and plan selection.
Which carrier has the best PPO plans in Minnesota?
Blue Plus (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota) is the only MNsure carrier offering PPO plans for 2026. Blue Plus PPO plans include access to Allina Health, M Health Fairview, and most major provider systems across Minnesota. Gold PPO premiums run approximately $565/month for a 40-year-old with a $3,400 deductible and $5,600 out-of-pocket maximum. All other MNsure carriers offer only HMO or EPO plans.
Is UCare still a good option after the Medica acquisition?
UCare plans for 2026 continue unchanged despite the December 2025 acquisition by Medica. Benefits, provider networks, premiums, and plan names remain the same — the transition is administrative. UCare covers 77 Minnesota counties with a broad HMO network and has historically served diverse communities in the Twin Cities. Enrollees do not need to take any action.
Can I get Mayo Clinic coverage through MNsure?
Mayo Clinic is generally not in-network for MNsure individual market plans regardless of carrier. Rochester-area residents who want in-network Mayo Clinic access typically need employer-sponsored insurance. Some Blue Plus PPO plans allow out-of-network care at higher cost-sharing, which could partially cover Mayo services, but verifying specific plan details with the carrier is essential before enrolling.
How do I pick between HealthPartners and Blue Plus?
HealthPartners offers significantly lower premiums ($379/month Silver vs. approximately $545/month for Blue Plus Silver) and a 4.5-star quality rating. Blue Plus is the only PPO option on MNsure, providing out-of-network coverage and the broadest network flexibility. Choose HealthPartners if your providers are in the Alpine network and you want the lowest cost. Choose Blue Plus if you need out-of-network access, see providers across multiple health systems, or travel frequently.
Why did Medica’s rates increase 30% for 2026?
Medica’s 30.76% rate increase — the highest among MNsure carriers — reflects the financial impact of absorbing UCare’s individual and family plan enrollees after UCare’s December 2025 court-ordered rehabilitation. Medica took on over 300,000 UCare members, significantly expanding its risk pool. The Minnesota Department of Commerce approved the rate after reviewing actuarial justification. Subsidized enrollees are largely insulated from the increase because premium tax credits adjust to match benchmark plan changes.
Related Minnesota Health Insurance Resources
Explore related guides covering Minnesota health insurance across the state, MNsure marketplace enrollment steps and deadlines, group and small business coverage options, and PPO plans offering out-of-network flexibility.
Plans, carriers, costs, and enrollment across the state.
MNsure Marketplace & EnrollmentHow to enroll, deadlines, and qualifying life events.
Small Business Health InsuranceGroup plans, SHOP tax credits, and ICHRA for employers.
PPO Health InsuranceOut-of-network flexibility and broader provider access.
Compare Minnesota Health Insurance Carriers for Your County
See which MNsure carriers serve your area, compare Blue Plus PPO with HealthPartners Alpine HMO, and get after-subsidy pricing from a licensed enrollment assistant.
Broker Disclosure
ForHealthInsurance.com is an independent health insurance agency serving Minnesota residents. We are not affiliated with any carrier or government agency. We help you compare plans and enroll in coverage that meets your needs at no extra cost to you.