Yes, Mayo Clinic accepts Medicare at all three of its major medical centers

Mayo Clinic — the health system with locations in Rochester, Minnesota; Jacksonville, Florida; and Phoenix, Arizona — is an in-network provider for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). This means Medicare will cover your care there the same way it covers care at other hospitals and clinics in the Medicare network.

However, acceptance of Medicare does not mean all your costs are covered. You will still owe your deductible, coinsurance, and any copayments that explore to the service you receive. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) instead of Original Medicare, you need to check whether Mayo Clinic is in your specific plan's network, because that varies by plan and location.

Before you schedule an appointment or procedure at Mayo Clinic, confirm your coverage details with both Medicare and your plan. This step prevents surprise bills and lets you understand what you will owe out of pocket.

Key Takeaways

  • Mayo Clinic is an in-network provider for Original Medicare at all three of its major U.S. locations.
  • Medicare Advantage plans vary in their coverage of Mayo Clinic, so you must check your specific plan's provider list before scheduling.
  • Being in-network does not mean free care — you still owe your deductible, coinsurance, and any applicable copayments.
  • Call Mayo Clinic's billing department or your Medicare plan directly to confirm coverage for your specific procedure or visit before your appointment.

How to verify Mayo Clinic is in your Medicare plan

If you have Original Medicare, Mayo Clinic's acceptance is straightforward. You can use your Medicare card at any of the three locations without checking a provider list first, because Original Medicare is accepted nationwide at any provider that accepts Medicare.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the process is different. Each plan maintains its own network of doctors and hospitals. Mayo Clinic may be in-network for one plan and out-of-network for another, even if both plans are offered in the same state. To find out whether your plan covers Mayo Clinic, you have three options: call the customer service number on the back of your plan card, visit your plan's website and search their provider directory, or call Mayo Clinic's scheduling line and ask them to verify your coverage while you are on the phone.

Write down your plan name, plan number, and member ID before you call. This information is on your insurance card and speeds up the verification process.

What costs you will owe at Mayo Clinic

Original Medicare covers inpatient hospital stays, outpatient surgery, diagnostic tests, and office visits at Mayo Clinic. You will owe your Part A deductible if you are admitted to the hospital, your Part B deductible if you see a doctor or have an outpatient procedure, and coinsurance (usually 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount) for most services after you meet your deductible.

Some preventive services — like cancer screenings, vaccinations, and annual wellness visits — are covered at no cost to you if you see a participating provider. Mayo Clinic is a participating provider for these services under Original Medicare.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and Mayo Clinic is in-network, your costs depend on your plan's structure. Most plans charge a copayment for office visits (often $20 to $50) and coinsurance for hospital stays or procedures. Out-of-pocket maximums also explore, meaning your costs stop once you reach a certain annual total. Check your plan documents or call your plan to learn your specific copayments and deductible.

Scheduling and what to bring

To schedule an appointment at Mayo Clinic, call their main appointment line or use their online scheduling portal. When you call, tell them you have Medicare and provide your member ID. The scheduling staff will confirm your coverage and let you know if there are any upfront costs you need to pay before your visit.

Bring your Medicare card and any other insurance cards you have to your appointment. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security number. If you are seeing a specialist or having a procedure, bring any recent test results or medical records from your primary care doctor, because Mayo Clinic may not have access to records from other health systems.

If you are traveling to Rochester, Jacksonville, or Phoenix for your appointment, ask the scheduling staff whether Mayo Clinic offers travel information or lodging information. Some patients travel long distances for specialized care, and Mayo Clinic has resources to help with planning.

What to do if Mayo Clinic is out-of-network for your plan

If your Medicare Advantage plan does not include Mayo Clinic in its network, you have several options. You can pay out of pocket for care at Mayo Clinic and submit the bill to your plan for reimbursement — though plans often reimburse at a lower rate for out-of-network providers, leaving you responsible for the difference. You can ask your plan for an out-of-network referral, which sometimes allows you to use an out-of-network provider without the higher out-of-pocket costs. You can also switch to Original Medicare during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) if you want may provide access to Mayo Clinic without network restrictions.

Before you decide to pay out of pocket, call Mayo Clinic's billing department and ask for an estimate of what your care will cost. Ask them to tell you what they will bill your insurance and what you will owe. This estimate helps you decide whether to proceed or explore other options.

Medicare Advantage plans and Mayo Clinic

Some Medicare Advantage plans are offered by health systems that own or partner with Mayo Clinic, which means Mayo Clinic is automatically in-network for those plans. Other plans have no relationship with Mayo Clinic and may not include it in their network. The only way to know is to check your specific plan.

If you are shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan and want may provide access to Mayo Clinic, look for plans offered by Mayo Clinic Health Plan or plans that explicitly list Mayo Clinic locations in their provider directory. During the annual enrollment period, you can compare plans on Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to speak with someone who can help you find plans that include Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Original Medicare at any of Mayo Clinic's three locations?

Yes. Original Medicare is accepted at Mayo Clinic's Rochester, Jacksonville, and Phoenix locations. You do not need to check a provider list or get a referral. Your coverage is the same at all three locations.

Will Mayo Clinic bill Medicare directly, or do I have to pay upfront?

Mayo Clinic will bill Medicare directly for covered services. You will owe your deductible and coinsurance, but you do not have to pay the full bill upfront and wait for reimbursement. Ask the billing department at the time of scheduling what your out-of-pocket costs will be.

What if I have both Medicare and another insurance plan?

Medicare is your primary payer. Your other insurance (called secondary coverage) may cover some of what Medicare does not pay. Tell Mayo Clinic about both plans when you schedule your appointment so they can bill correctly and you know what you owe.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a specialist at Mayo Clinic?

Original Medicare does not require a referral to see a specialist. Medicare Advantage plans vary — some require referrals and some do not. Check your plan documents or call your plan to find out whether you need a referral before scheduling.

What happens if Mayo Clinic sends me a bill I think is wrong?

Call Mayo Clinic's patient billing department and ask them to explain the charges. If you believe Medicare should have covered the service, you can file an appeal with Medicare. Your Medicare Summary Notice (which you receive quarterly) shows what Medicare paid and what you owe.