What Insurance plans does Mayo Clinic cover?

Laurie, this very helpful. I have traditional Medicare A and B and purchased my own Medigap supplemental policy. I did this because I knew I wanted the flexibility to choose where I go for medical care and not be limited to where I live which is a small rural community. I do not have a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans work best if you live in a larger area with lots of medical specialties available to you in network.

The Medicare Advantage plans often limit you to in network. It’s a good idea to verify insurance before going out of network. Mayo will do that before your appointment takes place.

It’s all so confusing, isn’t it?

Doesn't matter. They accepted my insurance for some tests/procedures and not for others without telling me even though they told me they had prior authorization. Upon questioning them they had originally lied and sent the prior authorization after and then re processed like it was an out of network provider though tests that same week went through fine.Business Office says it is not their problem if things change. Unless you can afford to pay entirely out of pocket go elsewhere. Otherwise you will end up without help and having to move back in with parents because it is all you can afford. I wish I had never sought help.

@roch and @loribmt and others @naturegirl5

Can you update us on current status of Medicare, used in combination with another insurance (such as BCBS FEP BLUE)?

I have a pending visit and assumed most all of the cost of sleep and orthopedic consultation were covered, I have been working on the consults for months. Today I was told by finance at Rochester Mayo that an estimate takes 7 business days, which is too late in my case.

Any thoughts? Should I expect 100s, or thousands of $ for uncovered costs? I'm tempted to cancel the sleep consult.

Thank you for any current information

@tallbackhip We aren't experts in insurance here but I will share the information I have.

I had to look up what BCBS FEP BLUE is. It appears that this is a Medicare Advantage plan in which BCBS contracts with Medicare to provide you and other retired federal employees with care. This means that any provider or clinic may or may not take your plan just as they may or may not take any private insurance plan. I know, for instance, that Mayo Clinic in Rochester takes my Traditional Medicare and my Supplemental Plan because all non-profits in the US are required to do this for Traditional Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans administered by private companies is a whole other thing.

I don't what you should expect in cost. I suggest you call the phone number on the back of your BCBS FEP BLUE card and ask the insurance company your questions. This is their responsibility to tell what is covered and what is not covered. If you continue to be concerned you could ask Mayo Clinic to revise your schedule until you get your estimate.

I have original Medicare with a BCBS supplement and my charges at Mayo Rochester campus have been covered. As others have said, it would be best to call your insurance company or the Mayo location you have appointments at. This forum is for patients and their experiences and isn’t meant to provide answers to specific questions by Mayo Clinic personnel.

@babe2004
Thanks. Yes, ideally BCBS or Mayo would be able to provide precise and timely information, however BCBS information was general in nature, and Mayo financial estimates must be more than 7 business days from the appointment, so that is why I posed the question. If nothing else it may be useful to know financial estimates should be requested far in advance.
Best wishes

@tallbackhip, Mayo Clinic Insurance and Billing (https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance) can answer your questions about insurance coverage and care at Mayo Clinic.

Patient Account Services representatives are available Monday to Friday to assist you with the financial aspects of care at Mayo Clinic. Please contact them here https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance/contact-us