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BCBS Advantage no more Mayo
I received a letter from BCBS stating that my Advantage policy will no longer be available in my zip code, Olmsted County. Rochester, MN in 2026. Has anyone looked at other plans? Mayo website for insurance is not updated, still shows it there. I was grandfathered in when I got medicare in 2015. Has anyone found a comparable plan? Way too many options now vs back then. Any help will be appreciated.
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@vic83 I currently have United Healthcare Advantage and tried to get Medicare with United Healthcare supplement for 2026 and they would not accept me because I had diabetes and a DVT issue 35 years ago. If United Healthcare would have accepted me I would need to get a stand alone drug plan, which usually has acceptable premiums for everyone. However, even though Mayo would take the supplement plan, United would NOT accept me for a supplemental plan. I never had to deal with such a mess in my life!
@2trd2wrk Sorry to hear you have these issues. Yours is the "classic" issue with Advantage plans. In the initial enrollment period for Medicare, all insurance supplemental plans must accept you regardless of your preexisting conditions. AFTER INITITAL ENROLLMENT, THEY CAN REFUSE YOU! One can go back to Original Medicare but one has no guarantee of finding a supplement plan to cover the 20% not paid by Medicare. Part D plans for drugs range from $0 to $100+ monthly premium. One can change every year with no issue.
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1 Reaction@2trd2wrk ...AND ADDITIONALLY, I discovered why there is such a big difference in Part D drug plan premiums. 1) Higher premiums for plans that offer a better selection of drugs including brand names and Specialty drugs
2) If you go with a low premium and then after need a drug that is not in their formulary, you can request an exemption - who knows how long that takes - and maybe they will cover it. Otherwise you pay out of pocket the ....and that may not be a reduced price....AND THE KICKER??? Well 2025 has a $2000 CAP on out-of-pocket drug costs (compared to previous $8000). In 2026 it will be $2100. BUT....if your drug is not in your Plan D's formulary, and you can't get an exemption, THEN the cost of that drug DOES NOT APPLY AGAINST THE $2100 CAP of out-of-pocket costs!!! This year I had to take an expensive plan D plan because I know I am at high risk of needing very expensive drugs Tier 5 drugs
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1 Reaction@2trd2wrk -- I know that's the problem. I've already decided to stay with my Advantage Plan with United Health Care. I just went to Mayo for a second opinion so I'm not planning to continue care there. I've found a new home at the University of MN and I'm satisfied with the care they give.
Hope you can figure your situation out.
Jeanne
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