Wadena, MN — September 2025 — Astera Health has announced it will no longer be an in-network provider for Humana Medicare Advantage plans, effective January 1, 2026. The decision follows a review of insurance partnerships to ensure patients receive the best possible care. Humana’s administrative requirements and claims practices created challenges that no longer supported patients’ needs.
“Providing accessible, high-quality care is at the heart of what we do,” said Kim Agaard, CFO at Astera Health. “While Humana will no longer be in-network, patients have many other choices to continue care with their trusted providers.”
Patient Options
· Switch Plans: Choose another Medicare Advantage plan that includes Astera Health.
· Original Medicare: Continue care with Astera Health under Original Medicare.
· Stay with Humana: Patients may still see Astera Health providers, but usually at higher, out-of-network costs.
Patients currently in treatment may qualify for “continuity of care” exceptions, allowing them to stay with their provider for a limited time at in-network rates.
Enrollment Help
Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 – December 7, 2025, giving patients time to review options. Resources include:
· Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
· Minnesota Senior LinkAge Line: 1-800-333-2433
· Local insurance brokers in Wadena for free enrollment support.
Astera Health will also host a free Medicare Matinee Q&A at The Cozy Theater in Wadena on October 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Registration for the event is required at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/bitesizeconversations/event/medicarematinee/.
For questions, patients may call (218) 631-7498 or visit AsteraHealth.org.
ABOUT ASTERA HEALTH Astera Health is a private, not-for-profit health care system based in Wadena, Minnesota. It offers care services such as primary health, surgery, cancer care, diagnostic imaging, obstetrics, orthopedics and rehabilitation. Astera Health operates a hospital and medical clinic in Wadena, and serves the counties of Wadena, Todd and Otter Tail through five satellite clinics in Bertha, Henning, Ottertail, Sebeka and Verndale. Visit asterahealth.org.