Sorry that you had problems, especially since you're close enough to drive. I initially had insurance problems as I was in a United Health Care Advantage Plan -- which was a plan that Mayo Rochester didn't accept. I was able to change to a a different UHC Advantage plan which wasn't as quite as generous in benefits (primarily dental and OTC drugs and a $10 higher co-pay for specialists), that Mayo accepted as in-network. UHC has a relationship with Rochester Mayo only. I worked with the Mayo Billing office who were very helpful as were the UHC staff. I am going to be seen at Mayo in July, so I haven't experienced the claims processing end of it so I can't talk to that. Fingers crossed that works smoothly.

UHC has created some Advantage plans with a national network which includes Rochester Mayo and NJH. This is very new -- I think may have started just last year so there have been kinks, but UHC staff have helped me through it. I used to work in health care administration, both in HMO management and provider/hospital management, so I just kept working through the details. If you're not happy at NJH because of the travel, etc. you can change Advantage plans at open enrollment for January 1st coverage. I'd be sure to check with Mayo before I switched though.

Hopefully this will change over time. Over 50% of new Medicare enrollees join Advantage Plans, so that's a pretty big trend. Doesn't help us now, but the direction is positive. It's confusing for sure.