10/25/2025
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.
Tens of thousands of seniors who counted on Mayo’s care will find themselves locked out unless they change plans.
UnitedHealthcare confirmed the split for its individual Advantage members but kept its employer retiree plans intact. Humana blamed Mayo’s “significantly higher reimbursement rates” for making costs unsustainable. 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.
Across the country, insurers are tightening networks, raising out-of-pocket costs, and switching to HMOs to control rising expenses.
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.
