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Does Rochester Mayo work in a multi-disciplinary way?

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: May 25 9:14am | Replies (16)
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@vic83

Thanks for again explaining the situation with Medicare Advantage plans. When one first goes on Medicare it is a bit confusing to understand the differences.
Most important to understand is that with original/traditional Medicare (Parts A, B) one can self-refer to any doctor in the US that takes Medicare. One loses choice and is restricted by Medicare Advantage to their network. And that is a problem when one gets sick.
The second biggest issue that if one thinks to change back to original Medicare because unhappy with Advantage, then it is quite difficult to find the insurance for the 20% that Medicare does not pay. In the beginning all companies have to take you, but not after. People are then stuck with Advantage plan.
I fortunately went with Original Medicare + my Medigap supplemental plan because I now really use it and I have no problems and never see a bill except my monthly insurance premium. I have been a patient at Mayo Rochester for 2.5 years with and have seen multiple doctors in several departments.

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Replies to "Thanks for again explaining the situation with Medicare Advantage plans. When one first goes on Medicare..."
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 25 9:14am

Vic, You are so right! We spend our winters with young to old retirees, and we ALWAYS (along with a number of friends) encourage people to look beyond the monthly premium, and the first few years, to make sure the policy they choose will meet their needs in the long term.

My friend and neighbor, now nearing 80, always described her premium as a "down payment on future medical bills." Like you, she (and we) never see a bill beyond the premium and our medication co-pays. My friend with her Advantage Plan paid $3200 out of pocket for an ER visit because it was not at her "preferred" hospital - and wiped out a whole year of premium savings in 6 hours.

Another thing to consider is that if you travel regularly, or spend part of the year in another place, an Advantage Plan can leave you without insurance. We have seen ER docs, specialists, and even have a family practice doc at our winter home - all accept our BlueCross Medicare plan seamlessly - just like at home. Very important as we get older. This winter, just one small wound with 2 ER visits and a doctor followup were worth more than my annual Medigap premium! Under my (pre-Medicare) plan I had a 50% copay for "out of network" emergency care, and no coverage for "routine" care - I was expected to travel home for care.

Sue

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