This does not affect me. And I don't know if the following is a fact but I have told this twice. Once by a patient and once by a medical professional who works with Mayo (but is not a Mayo employee). That Mayo no longer works with Medicare Advantage plans. But if an individual who was on one moves to a different Medicare plan they can then be seen again. One was a hotel manager at one of the hotels on one of my Mayo AZ stays. He was a Mayo patient, switched to a Medicare Advantage plan because it was better in a number of ways, but was then told by Mayo he could no longer be seen there. So the next year he switched plans again to a non advantage plan and was again a Mayo patient. Can't confirm that as fact but might be worth looking into ? Best of luck.

The real issue is that advantage plans deny claims routinely.
Mayo is efficient and the hoops and preapproval barriers keep them from delivering the efficiency and quality care of their standards. Advantage plans
work best if you have everyday problems.
Once you go advantage you can go back to regular Medicare but no secondary
gap insurance has to take you back. They should warn everyone it might be a
one way street. More and more providers do not want plans because of payment issues. They are for profit so you are forfeiting freedom of go anywhere care privileges.

@seniormed and all... Mayo sent a notice openly stating they do not accept any Advantage insurance plans. In fact, many doctors and most hospitals as I understand it do not accept Advantage Plans either. They deny many claims so Mayo ends up not being paid for services rendered.

Advantage plans may be wonderful for folks who have nothing wrong. Folks who are healthy. But, if they have a serious illness and need serious, costly help, it may not be available. I researched when they first came out and stayed far away from them.

I do know if you switch to Medicare, not Advantage, just Medicare and supplement or whatever, they will accept you as a patient. I suggest you research this yourself. Contact your Advantage Insurance carrier and ask specific questions and get specific answers. They will tell you how the system works if you ask... they want to sell you their plans, but they are required to be honest and I would simply be clear about what you need to know.

Then, ask them or contact Medicare to find the best route to switch back to regular Medicare. This is not Mayo's fault. It is an insurance issue that these plans knew about from day one. As consumers, if is our responsibility to ask questions, find answers, and do our own research before we make such changes and find ourselves in a pickle.

My health care is primary for me and I check with Mayo and other doctors before considering any changes. I called my pharmacist when I was considering various pharmacy policies.. He was helpful. I have Humana and love it. I is a good plan and pays well, covers most of my needs and seems to be a good company. But, I would not consider a Humana Advantage, or any other Advantage plan.

Also, suggest you are clear to ask all companies you where you inquire if the plan is an advantage plan. It may have a different take on the name... Just be careful. Be wise. Be your own advocate. Research.

Blessings, Elizabeth

Before you switch from an Advantage plan to traditional Medicare make sure you can get and then afford the premium for medigap coverage if you so desire it. Medigap coverage is not a guarantee when you switch from an Advantage plan and you may have to pass a physical/health exam. If you reside in IL there is a free program called SHIP to help seniors navigate the pros and cons of traditional vs advantage plans. Call your local hospital since most have SHIP counselors.

Hello @retirement75 - I merged your discussion with another insurance conversation titled:

"What insurance is accepted at Mayo Clinic?"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-insurance-is-accpeted-at-mayo-clinic/