Medicare Cost Plans in Minnesota

Navigate Medicare Cost Plans in Minnesota with guidance from Barking Sands Capital. Our advisors help you compare coverage, enrollment timing, healthcare costs, and retirement impacts so you can make confident decisions. With Minnesota’s unique Medicare plan landscape and seasonal healthcare access considerations, we focus on clarity, suitability, and long-term financial fit.

Minnesota retiree reviewing Medicare plan options with an advisor

Our Medicare Cost Plans Services

Guidance for Medicare decisions, healthcare costs, IRMAA planning, and retirement coordination.

Medicare Planning

Personalized Medicare guidance to help you understand coverage options, enrollment timelines, plan differences, and healthcare costs before making an important retirement decision.

IRMAA Strategies

Strategies focused on future care needs, asset protection, and Medicare-related IRMAA considerations that can affect higher-income retirees and long-term financial decisions.

Retirement Coordination

Retirement planning that coordinates healthcare costs, income distributions, tax considerations, and coverage choices so Medicare decisions fit your larger financial picture.

Advisor reviewing Medicare plan documents with a client

Our Medicare Planning Process

Understand Your Coverage Needs

We begin by learning about your doctors, prescriptions, current coverage, retirement income, and travel patterns. For Minnesota retirees, we also consider county-specific plan availability and whether seasonal care needs affect provider access.

Compare Available Plan Choices

Coordinate Costs With Retirement

Clarify Enrollment Timing

Review Coverage Each Year

The Barking Sands Difference

Why Choose Barking Sands Capital?

Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs Minnesota Medicare cost plan expertise with financial context and personal attention to guide your coverage choices.

Credentialed

CFP® and ChFC credentials support thoughtful Medicare, retirement, tax, and insurance planning.

Local Insight

Minnetonka-based guidance reflects Minnesota plan availability, county differences, and retiree healthcare needs.

Client-First

Independent, fee-based planning prioritizes client needs rather than pushing financial products.

Integrated

Medicare planning connects with IRMAA, retirement income, and long-term care across Midwest households.

Meet The Minnesota Team

Credentialed advisors helping clients plan with clarity.

Portrait of JB L'Esperance, Principal and ChFC at Barking Sands Capital

JB L'Esperance

Principal, ChFC

JB L'Esperance is a co-founder and Principal of Barking Sands Capital (The L'Esperance Group, LLC), holding the prestigious Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation. With a career that began right out of college in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, JB has built deep expertise in investment management, retirement analysis, estate planning, and small business planning. Licensed in life and health insurance in both Michigan and Minnesota, he has maintained lasting relationships with many of his earliest clients — a testament to his commitment to delivering excellent service and real value. The oldest of six siblings, JB developed strong teamwork and family values early, qualities that define his client-first advisory approach. He and his wife Kelly reside in Independence, Minnesota, where they continue growing their Midwest financial planning practice.

Portrait of Kelly L'Esperance, Principal at Barking Sands Capital

Kelly L'Esperance

Principal

Kelly C. L'Esperance is a co-founder and Principal of Barking Sands Capital (The L'Esperance Group, LLC), bringing a strong background in investment services, fixed income investing, retirement and education planning, and investment portfolio management. With five years of experience at one of the nation's largest commercial banks, Kelly joined her husband and business partner JB to build an independent, fee-based advisory firm grounded in putting clients' needs above all else. Growing up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where her family ran small resort businesses, Kelly developed an entrepreneurial spirit and deep appreciation for personalized service. Kelly resides in Independence, Minnesota, with JB and their two children.

Portrait of Curtis Hewitt, Advisor at Barking Sands Capital

Curtis Hewitt

Advisor

Curtis Hewitt is an Advisor with Barking Sands Capital, specializing in Medicare Planning and Long Term Care. Based in Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Curtis brings a dynamic entrepreneurial career to his advisory role, having successfully started, managed, and sold multiple businesses throughout his professional life. He is also co-founder of MSIS Agency. Curtis holds a degree in Architectural Design from Lansing Community College and a Business Management degree from Colorado Technical University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He holds Life and Health insurance licenses along with Series 6 and Series 63 registrations. A dedicated community servant, Curtis has served as president of a local Women's Shelter, school board member, and co-founder of a youth mountain biking program. He resides in Marquette with his wife and four children.

Portrait of Tara Handy, Client Relationship Manager at Barking Sands Capital

Tara Handy

Client Relationship Manager

Tara Handy is the Client Relationship Manager at Barking Sands Capital, bringing more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in client service, account management, and operational support, ensuring that both advisors and clients receive responsive, accurate, and professional assistance. Tara holds Series 7 and Series 63 securities registrations, Life and Health Insurance licenses, and is a commissioned Notary Public. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University. Known for building strong, lasting relationships, Tara is dedicated to making every client interaction seamless and reliable. She resides in western North Carolina with her husband and three children, and values hard work, strong relationships, and serving others in every aspect of her life.

Portrait of Andrea Cervena, CFP® at Barking Sands Capital

Andrea Cervena

CFP®

Andrea Cervena is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with Barking Sands Capital, bringing over 20 years of financial industry experience spanning three continents and multiple sectors including banking, real estate, hospitality, and sports. She holds a BA in International Business and Business Administration from Minot State University and an MA in International Relations from the International University of Japan. Since 2020, Andrea has focused exclusively on personal finance, earning her CFP® designation and assisting clients with Tax Planning, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Education Funding, and Budgeting. Her service-oriented approach and global perspective allow her to craft creative, tailored financial solutions. Outside of work, Andrea is an active volleyball official, cycling community ambassador, and Masters Ski Racing board member.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Medicare plan in MN?

The best Medicare plan in Minnesota depends on your county, doctors, prescriptions, travel habits, and total cost exposure. Medicare Cost Plans may appeal to people who want certain network benefits while retaining Original Medicare flexibility outside the network. Barking Sands Capital helps compare Medicare Cost Plans, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D considerations in the context of your retirement plan.

What is a Medicare Cost Plan?

Who is eligible for Medicare Cost Plans in Minnesota?

How do I know if a Medicare Cost Plan is right for me?

How are Medicare Cost Plans different from Medicare Advantage?

When can I enroll in a Medicare Cost Plan?

Do Medicare Cost Plans include prescription drug coverage?

How does Barking Sands Capital help with Medicare planning?

Still Have Medicare Questions?

Get clear answers before choosing your Medicare coverage.

Credentialed Guidance

Awards and Recognition

Certified Financial Planner certification badge

CFP® Certification

Recognized financial planning expertise.

Chartered Financial Consultant certification badge

ChFC Credential

Advanced insurance and planning credential.

Life and health insurance license badge

Life Health Licenses

Licensed for Medicare-related insurance guidance.

Ready to Review Your Medicare Options?

Tell us where you are in the Medicare decision process, and our team will help you understand your next steps, coverage considerations, and planning options.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at 952-500-8854. You can also send us a quick email at jb@barkingsandscapital.com.