UCare vs Blue Plus vs Medica: MNsure 2026 Comparison
A complete breakdown of Minnesota's top health insurance carriers—premiums, networks, rate changes, and which plan is best for your situation.
UCare Update: Coverage Continues Under Medica
On December 17, 2025, UCare was placed into court-ordered rehabilitation due to financial difficulties. Medica has acquired UCare's individual and family plans. If you're enrolled in a UCare plan for 2026, your coverage continues unchanged—same benefits, network, and premiums. Plans still carry the UCare name. Learn more at MNsure
For 2026 MNsure enrollment, HealthPartners offers the lowest Silver plan premiums in most Minnesota counties at $379/month for a 40-year-old, while Blue Plus provides access to Minnesota's largest PPO network with health systems like Allina Health and M Health Fairview. UCare, now operating under Medica following a December 2025 acquisition, covers 77 Minnesota counties with one of the broadest HMO networks available. According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, the average individual market rate increase for 2026 is 22%, with Medica seeing the highest jump at 30.76% and Quartz the lowest at just 7.4%.
Which Carrier Has the Largest Provider Network in Minnesota?
Network size and provider access vary significantly among MNsure carriers. According to carrier data from MNsure's network directory, HealthPartners' Alpine network offers the broadest access with 87,000+ providers, while Blue Plus provides the most PPO-style flexibility through regional networks.
UCare
- 77 counties (Broad network)
- 10 metro counties (M Health Fairview focused)
- Includes most major health systems
- $0 telehealth for primary care & mental health
Blue Plus
- Metro MN: 16 counties (Allina, M Health Fairview)
- Southeast MN: 18 counties (Mayo Clinic system)
- Minnesota Value: Statewide (CentraCare, Sanford)
- Includes Doctor On Demand virtual care
HealthPartners
- Alpine: 87,000+ providers, broadest network
- Peak: Twin Cities + St. Cloud focused
- Select: HealthPartners/Park Nicollet only
- 4.5-star rating (highest on MNsure)
Medica
- Statewide coverage in all 87 counties
- EPO plans (no referrals needed)
- Now includes former UCare members
- Highest rate increase (+30.76%)
What Is the HealthPartners Alpine Network?
The Alpine network is HealthPartners' broadest provider network for individual and family plans in 2026. According to HealthPartners, the Alpine network includes over 87,000 in-network providers across multiple health systems. Note: 2025 HealthPartners "Apex" plans were renamed to "Alpine" for 2026.
Alpine Network Includes:
- HealthPartners & Park Nicollet
- Allina Health
- CentraCare
- M Health Fairview
- Essentia Health
- Sanford Health
- Aspirus St. Luke's
- Avera Health
Alpine network counties: Anoka, Becker, Benton, Big Stone, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Douglas, Faribault, Freeborn, Grant, Hennepin, Isanti, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Morrison, Murray, Nobles, Norman, Otter Tail, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, St. Louis, and more.
If you need the broadest possible network and flexibility to see providers across multiple health systems, the HealthPartners Alpine network is the strongest option on MNsure for 2026.
How Does Medica Compare to UCare and Blue Plus?
Medica is Minnesota's fourth-largest health insurer and has gained significant market share in 2026 following its acquisition of UCare's individual and family plans. According to MoneyGeek analysis, Medica offers the best EPO plans in Minnesota with some of the lowest Bronze plan premiums.
Lowest Bronze Rates
Medica offers some of Minnesota's cheapest Bronze plans at $234/month for a 40-year-old.
Statewide Coverage
Medica offers plans in all 87 Minnesota counties—the only carrier with true statewide coverage.
300,000+ UCare Members
Medica absorbed over 300,000 UCare members in 2026, making it a major market force.
Medica Has the Highest Rate Increase
Medica's 2026 rate increase of 30.76% is the highest among MNsure carriers. For a detailed analysis of why rates increased and strategies to manage costs, see our MNsure 2026 Rate Shock analysis.
Is Quartz a Good Option on MNsure?
Quartz Health Plan had the lowest rate increase for 2026 at just 7.4%—far below the market average of 22%. However, according to MNsure network data, Quartz has significant geographic limitations.
Quartz Availability
Counties Served (4 only):
- • Fillmore
- • Houston
- • Wabasha
- • Winona
Provider Network:
Gundersen Health System is the primary provider network. Plans use the "Quartz Select" network with dental and vision options available on some plans.
Best For: Southeastern Minnesota Residents
If you live in Fillmore, Houston, Wabasha, or Winona counties and primarily use Gundersen Health System providers, Quartz offers excellent value with the lowest rate increase and competitive premiums. Note: Quartz exited Olmsted County for 2026, so Rochester residents must choose another carrier.
Which MNsure Carrier Is Best for Families?
Family plan premiums can exceed $2,000/month without subsidies, making carrier selection crucial. Based on network access, pediatric care coverage, and premium costs, here's how carriers stack up for families:
| Carrier | Children's Hospitals | Maternal Care | Family Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| HealthPartners | Children's Minnesota (Alpine network) | Standard coverage | Best Value |
| Blue Plus | Children's Minnesota (Select network) | Standard coverage | Best Access |
| UCare | University of Minnesota Masonic | Childbirth classes, doula, midwife covered | Best Maternity |
| Medica | Varies by plan | Standard coverage | Statewide |
Our recommendation for families: HealthPartners Alpine network offers the best combination of competitive family premiums, broad provider access (including Children's Minnesota), and the highest quality rating (4.5 stars). For families prioritizing maternity care with extras like doula services, UCare plans (now administered by Medica) provide the most comprehensive pregnancy and childbirth coverage.
Complete MNsure Carrier Comparison: 2026
| Carrier | Silver Premium* | Rate Change | Counties | Rating | Plan Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HealthPartners | $379/mo | +13-19% | 50+ | ⭐ 4.5 | HMO/EPO |
| Blue Plus | $549/mo | +18.7% | 34+ | ⭐ 4.0 | HMO |
| UCare | $363-552/mo | +27.5% | 77 | ⭐ 3.5-4 | HMO |
| Medica | $234-601/mo | +30.8% | 87 | ⭐ 3.5 | EPO |
| Quartz | Varies | +7.4% | 4 | ⭐ 4.0 | HMO |
*Premiums shown for 40-year-old Silver plan, before subsidies. Sources: MN Department of Commerce, MNsure, ValuePenguin, MoneyGeek. Ratings based on MNsure and NCQA data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which MNsure carrier has the lowest premiums for 2026?
HealthPartners offers the lowest Silver plan premiums in Minnesota for 2026, starting at $379/month for a 40-year-old. However, rates vary by county and network. Quartz has the smallest rate increase (+7.4%) but only serves 4 counties in southeastern Minnesota.
Does my doctor accept UCare or Blue Plus?
Use each carrier's provider directory to verify. UCare's broad network covers 77 Minnesota counties with most major health systems. Blue Plus Metro MN includes Allina Health and M Health Fairview. You can search providers at MNsure.org or each carrier's website before enrolling.
What is the HealthPartners Alpine network?
The Alpine network is HealthPartners' broadest individual plan network for 2026, offering access to 87,000+ providers including HealthPartners, Park Nicollet, Allina Health, CentraCare, M Health Fairview, Essentia Health, and Sanford Health. It covers the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, Duluth, Albert Lea, and central/western Minnesota.
How many stars does each MNsure carrier have?
HealthPartners has the highest rating at 4.5 stars from both MNsure and CMS. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota has 4 stars with a perfect 5-star member experience rating. Medica and UCare have historically rated 3.5-4 stars. Quartz Medicare Advantage plans have 4 stars.
Can I switch carriers during open enrollment?
Yes. MNsure open enrollment (November 1 - January 15) is the only time you can switch carriers without a qualifying life event. You can change plans as many times as you want during open enrollment; only your final selection before the deadline counts.
What happened to UCare in 2026?
UCare was placed into court-ordered rehabilitation on December 17, 2025, due to financial difficulties. Medica acquired UCare's individual and family plans. If you enrolled in a UCare plan for 2026, your coverage continues unchanged—same benefits, same network, same premiums. Plans still carry the UCare name but are administered by Medica.
Is Quartz a good option on MNsure for 2026?
Quartz had the lowest rate increase for 2026 at only 7.4%. However, it only serves 4 counties in southeastern Minnesota (Fillmore, Houston, Wabasha, Winona) through the Gundersen Health System network. If you live in those counties and use Gundersen providers, Quartz offers excellent value.
Which MNsure carrier is best for families?
For families, HealthPartners often offers the best value due to competitive family premiums and the broadest provider network (Alpine). Blue Plus is ideal if you need access to Children's Minnesota or specific pediatric specialists. UCare/Medica plans include strong maternal care coverage with childbirth classes and doula services.
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Last updated: February 16, 2026. Rate and premium data sourced from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, MNsure, ValuePenguin, and MoneyGeek. Network information from carrier provider directories. This content is for informational purposes only. Navitize is not affiliated with any insurance carrier or government agency.