10/20/2025
The news out of Minnesota should stop every Medicare Advantage enrollee in their tracks. The Mayo Clinic, one of the most respected hospitals in the world, is walking away from UnitedHealthcare and Humana’s Medicare Advantage networks starting January 1, 2026.
Mayo’s statement was simple, they’ll keep accepting Original Medicare. Translation, if you want guaranteed access to Mayo, you need traditional Medicare with a Medicare Supplement, not an Advantage plan.
Let that sink in. Two of the biggest private Medicare insurers couldn’t make the numbers work with one of America’s best hospitals.
This is not a Minnesota problem, this is a warning shot.
Advantage plans may still look cheaper on paper, but the fine print, prior authorizations, narrower networks, and reduced benefits, keeps getting worse.
The Mayo decision exposes the flaw baked into Medicare Advantage. These plans depend on negotiated contracts and cost controls, not patient freedom. When hospitals or doctors can’t afford the deal, the door closes on the patient.
Original Medicare, paired with a solid Med Supp plan, doesn’t play that game. No networks, no pre-approvals, no surprises when you need world-class care.
Agents should pay attention. This story will be repeated in other states, with other major hospitals. The message for your clients is clear, if they want the freedom to choose their care, especially from places like Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, or MD Anderson, they need to stay in control of their Medicare, not turn it over to a private insurer.
The Mayo Clinic didn’t change, the math on Medicare Advantage did!
