Wisconsin & Minnesota | Winter | 2010 | Health Plan Analysis

Health plans nationwide have been struggling to retain membership amid the ongoing economic crisis. Minnesota state health plans have responded by rolling out new plan designs targeting the growing individual market as well as lower-cost options for struggling businesses. Wisconsin health plans have suffered membership losses, though the state's unique geographic landscape has kept some plans better insulated than others. Medicare Advantage private fee-for-service plans have been the product choice for seniors in Wisconsin, but more are beginning to gravitate toward networked PPO options. Minnesota seniors, meanwhile, favor the HMO and Cost product options available in the state. On the pharmacy front, Minnesota is continuing a value-based program for state employees suffering from diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.