← Return to Keys to a Successful Doctor's Appointment

Discussion

Keys to a Successful Doctor's Appointment

Visiting Mayo Clinic | Last Active: Oct 4 10:56am | Replies (57)

Comment receiving replies
@vic83

I would be careful about that. Advantage plans have a poor reputation and are being dropped in many places. With Original Medicare one can self-refer to any doctor in the US that takes Medicare (as in original Medicare). Doctors that take "Medicare Advantage" plans are something else! They are part of the network of the Advantage Plan. And what do you have to pay when you see those doctors? With my Original Medicare and my Medigap/supplemental plan I do not need to check each year to see if my doctors are still in the plan. I have no bills except my premium. And in the last 2.5 years I have really gotten my money's worth and made up for the extra cost in the years before!!!! Not to talk about the stress free time since I had no insurance issues!!!!
Mayo Florida and Arizona do not take Advantage plans, and Mayo Minnesota only certain ones from comments here.......

Jump to this post


Replies to "I would be careful about that. Advantage plans have a poor reputation and are being dropped..."

Thank you for your input, Vic83. Yes, many Advantage Plans do have a poor reputation and work the best when near home. With my PPO I can self refer to any doctor in the USA that accepts Medicare as I stated before. In the area covered by my plan it would be a major feat to find a doctor that is not covered by my plan and I think I would be unsuccessful. I pay anything from $0 to $10, usually $0, at appointments, all lab work, mammograms, echocardiograms, .., are $0 copay. My former employer pays 95% of my premium, my share is under $200 a year. I, too, have absolutely no insurance issues. My surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester along with all of the other services were covered, in fact the insurance company customer service with the Mayo billing department always had good results. The insurance company promotes preventive care big time, wellness, and is rated top by US News and World Report. That said, your explanation is one to bear in mind and we should all be aware that changes happen. People need to study their individual unique situations. For now, there is nothing better out there than the Advantage Plan I have and I would change if necessary.