Could You Lose Access to Major Hospitals? Here's the Truth

Mayo Clinic has announced that starting January 1st, 2026, it will leave most UnitedHealthcare and Humana Medicare Advantage networks. For thousands of seniors across the Midwest, Mayo will no longer be “in-network.”

In today’s episode of In Good Company: Eldercare in Your Backyard, host Spencer Ernst breaks down exactly what this means—clearly and without the noise.

🎙️ In This Episode, We Cover:

✔️ Who’s affected by Mayo’s network exit ✔️ Why Mayo and insurers are splitting ✔️ How top hospitals like Johns Hopkins, MD Anderson, and Cleveland Clinic handle Medicare Advantage ✔️ A simple refresher on Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage ✔️ Five essential steps to protect your access to care ✔️ Why these changes signal a bigger shift in the healthcare system

Whether you’re a senior, a caregiver, or someone planning ahead, this episode gives you the insights you must know before the next Medicare enrollment period.

🏥 What’s the Bottom Line?

Top hospitals—including Mayo—are pulling away from many Medicare Advantage plans due to rising costs, tight reimbursements, and heavy prior-authorization requirements.

But the good news? Original Medicare + Medigap continues to be accepted almost everywhere, including every major specialty hospital in this episode.

Your healthcare access shouldn’t be a guessing game.

🧭 What You Should Do Next

🔍 Review your Annual Notice of Change 📞 Call your plan to confirm hospital access 🗓️ Use October 15–December 7 to switch plans if needed 🛡️ Consider whether a Medigap plan fits your needs and budget 💵 On Advantage? Explore critical illness coverage for added protection

If you want real, practical guidance for navigating Medicare, eldercare, and the healthcare decisions that matter most, you’re in the right place.

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