Mayo Clinic is sending letters to hundreds of patients enrolled in certain Medicare Advantage plans urging them to find alternative health insurance if they want to continue receiving care at Rochester's renowned medical center.
Mayo said the changes, which will take effect in 2025, are due to limited capacity to treat patients. Fewer than 2,000 people will be affected nationwide, with fewer than 600 in Minnesota.
In a message to patients this week, Mayo said seniors enrolled in non-network Medicare Advantage plans will only be eligible if they obtain new coverage that includes a doctor's office as an in-network provider. , said they can schedule care appointments for next year.
The notice says patients can use their own Medicare to receive care in Mayo, but older people could face significantly higher costs as a result. Open enrollment in Medicare begins October 15th.
“A significant portion of the care we provide every day will continue to be provided to patients enrolled in Medicare,” the clinic said in a statement to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
“Mayo Clinic in Rochester is out of network for some Medicare Advantage plans,” the statement said. “During the open enrollment period, we encourage patients seeking care at Mayo Clinic to check their Medicare Advantage plan for access before enrolling in the upcoming year.”
Officials said exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for older adults with rare conditions for which Mayo offers unique treatment expertise.
Several patients contacted the Minnesota Star Tribune this week to express their dissatisfaction with the change.
