Between us, vic83, we are giving people much food for thought over insurance, a good thing. My advantage program is: "We are a not-for-profit, physician-directed health plan licensed under Article 44 of the Public Health Law of New York State." I have a PPO as opposed to a HMO and do not require approvals and am not denied coverage as long as who and where I go accepts Medicare. Anyone who can find such an excellent insurance company - and I agree that many cannot, unfortunately - should have it. My doctors are quick to send me for tests, referrals, etc., as needed. I even got to go to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for heart surgery without a referral from them! I have not heard any complaints from other people, a high percentage in this area use this same insurance company, both the HMP and PPO plans. We are fortunate. Yes, you are right that there have been negative articles in the press and many complaints, I have read them, some of them should not be in business according to the way they treat their customers. As we are both discussing, each person needs to evaluate the options available to them and find the best one for their specific situation. I think that people concerned about insurance and Mayo should call both Mayo's billing department and their insurance provider to discuss their unique concerns. I did and they both were so pleasant and helpful.