The OE Brief: What’s Changing, What Matters brings together insights directly from Take Command’s carrier partners ahead of Open Enrollment. We asked each carrier the same six questions about what’s new for 2027, from affordability and network access to member experience and ICHRA. Here’s what BCBS of Minnesota wants benefits consultants, employers, and employees to know as they prepare for the year ahead.
The Questions & Answers
Blue Cross has served Minnesotans for more than 90 years and highlights its position as Minnesota's largest health plan and a trusted healthcare brand. Blue Cross is committed to maintaining a statewide presence in Minnesota with plans in all 87 counties with coverage options members can count on from Minnesota’s #1 health plan. Blue Cross is a local non-profit with highly rated customer service teams.
The 2027 Individual product portfolio remains stable with no significant plan changes other than year over year changes. No material changes to the drug list or pharmacy network. All plans will continue to have embedded deductibles and out of pocket maximums. All plans will remain the same on and off exchange. The Bronze plans are HSA compatible, and this is going to be reflected in the plan name for 2027.
Please see nonparticipating provider change under the network section of this questionnaire.
We are not anticipating a large impact with this change since very few members see nonparticipating providers, but it is very important to be aware of.
Blue Care Advisor is the member portal available on desktop, tablet, and via a mobile app. Members can also access personal plan information, resources and tools at bluecrossmn.com/BCA.
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Claims and Explanation of Healthcare Benefits (EOBs)
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Deductible and out of pocket spending totals
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Easily access and share their member ID card
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Search in-network doctors, clinics, and hospitals
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See medical spending account balances and transactions
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Access care management and wellness resources
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Connect with member services support
Blue Cross offers network options designed to balance cost and access.
ACO product networks feature specific care systems: Blue Plus Metro MN Network – features Allina Health. Blue Plus Southeast MN Network – features Mayo Clinic Health System. The Minnesota Value Network does not include all providers but does have a larger statewide network.
New for 2027, services accessed at nonparticipating providers will not be covered. Nonparticipating providers are providers that do not have an agreement with Blue Cross. The volume of nonparticipating providers is low and most members do not use nonparticipating providers.
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Individual plans use the BasicRx drug list at bluecrossmn.com/individualdruglist2027
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Individual plans use the Essential Pharmacy Network at bluecrossmn.com/EssentialPharmacyNetwork
Many improvements have been made over the past couple of years to improve the ICHRA process. Agent reports now include information on how to assist third party administrators and agents in managing their ICHRA business from billing to tracking membership. We have a dedicated ICHRA support area to assist in addition to our general Agency Services line. Electronic enrollments can be submitted year-round.
- Members can get deals on products and services that complement your health with Blue365. Discover exclusive discounts on fitness center programs like Fitness Your Way as well as personal care, fitness gear, hearing and vision, healthy meal kits and more. Visit blue365deals.com/bcbsmn to register.
- Learn to Live is an online behavioral health program that is available anytime to help support members as they navigate through their healthcare journey. Learn to Live provides solutions related to stress, depression, social anxiety, insomnia, panic, resilience, substance use, and trauma.
- Omada offers online programs that provide members with the tools and support needed to reach their health goals, whether that’s improving overall health, controlling weight or managing diabetes or hypertension. These personalized programs include one-on-one health coaching, tailored curriculum, and connected devices to help members develop sustainable healthy lifestyle habits.
- Virtual care and e-visit options
The Bottom Line
Open Enrollment readiness is about more than knowing what’s changing. It’s about understanding your options and what matters most: cost, coverage, doctors, and care. We’re bringing carrier insights directly to you so you can head into 2027 informed, prepared, and ready to choose with confidence.
See What Carriers Are Saying
Every carrier brings a different perspective to Open Enrollment.
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