Finding out what insurance does the Mayo Clinic take isn't as simple as checking a "yes" or "no" box. It’s a shifting landscape. Especially right now. If you’re planning a trip to Rochester, Phoenix, or Jacksonville, you need to know that the rules for 2026 have changed significantly, particularly for those on Medicare Advantage plans.
Honestly, the Mayo Clinic is picky. They aren't trying to be difficult, but they operate on a model that prioritizes complex care, and that doesn't always mesh with every insurance provider's bottom line. You’ve probably heard stories of people being turned away at the registration desk because their "all-access" plan actually had a very small fence around it.
Let's break down the reality of getting through those doors without a massive surprise bill.
The 2026 Medicare Advantage Shake-Up
If you are a senior or helping one navigate their healthcare, listen closely. This is the biggest news for 2026. Mayo Clinic has effectively walked away from most individual Medicare Advantage (MA) networks in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
Starting January 1, 2026, the two heavy hitters—UnitedHealthcare and Humana—are largely out of luck for individual MA plans at Mayo. If you have one of these plans, you are likely considered "out-of-network" now. This isn't just about paying more; in many cases, Mayo might not even let you schedule an appointment because they don't have a contract to bill those specific plans.
There are a few survivors in the Medicare Advantage world. As of 2026, the primary in-network options for MA in the Midwest are:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
- Medica
- Certain Employer Group Retiree plans (if your former job provides your Medicare, you might still be okay, but you must call to verify).
Why did this happen? It’s basically a dispute over reimbursement rates and administrative hurdles. Humana even went on the record saying Mayo’s rates were just too high for their plans to cover. It’s a mess for patients caught in the middle.
Original Medicare vs. Everything Else
Here is the golden rule for Mayo: Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is almost always accepted.
If you have the "Red, White, and Blue" card from the government, you're in a good spot. Mayo Clinic is a participating provider for traditional Medicare in all their major locations: Rochester, MN; Scottsdale/Phoenix, AZ; and Jacksonville, FL.
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Even better? If you have a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy—like Plan G or Plan N—that works alongside Original Medicare, you are usually fully covered for the gaps that Medicare doesn't pay. Mayo loves Medigap because it follows the rules of Original Medicare without the "prior authorization" headaches that Advantage plans often trigger.
Commercial and Employer-Based Insurance
For those under 65 with insurance through work, things are a bit more stable but still require a magnifying glass. Mayo Clinic has long-standing contracts with the big names, but it depends on the type of plan (PPO vs. HMO).
Commonly Accepted Commercial Carriers:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield: Generally has the broadest coverage across all Mayo campuses.
- Cigna: Often accepted, but specific "local" or "limited" networks might exclude Mayo.
- Aetna: Usually accepted for PPO plans, but check your specific network tier.
- UnitedHealthcare: While they’re fighting over Medicare Advantage, many employer-sponsored UHC PPO plans remain in-network.
Kinda confusing, right? The trick is looking at the "tier." Many employers offer "Tier 1" or "Domestic" networks where Mayo is included, but if you're on a "Value" or "Select" plan, you might be looking at a massive deductible if you step foot on a Mayo campus.
The Medicaid Hurdle
Medicaid is where it gets really tricky. Mayo Clinic does accept Medicaid, but it is almost exclusively restricted to the state where the clinic is located.
- Minnesota: Accepts Minnesota Medical Assistance (MA) and plans from bordering states like Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
- Arizona: Accepts AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid) for very specific services, often requiring a difficult-to-get prior authorization.
- Florida: Mostly restricted to traditional Florida Medicaid for specific specialized care (like transplants); they generally do not participate in Florida Medicaid Managed Care plans.
If you have Medicaid from a state like California or New York and want to go to Mayo in Rochester, they will likely treat you as a self-pay patient. You’ll be asked for a significant deposit upfront.
International Patients and Specialized Coverage
Mayo is a global destination. They work with dozens of international insurers like Aetna International, Bupa Global, and Allianz. If you’re coming from outside the U.S., they have a dedicated "International Patient Center" that acts like a concierge for your insurance.
They also handle:
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- TRICARE: Generally accepted, but TRICARE Prime usually requires a referral from a military primary care manager.
- VA Community Care Network (CCN): Accepted, but you absolutely must have an authorization from the VA before your first appointment.
- Workers' Comp: Mayo is very hesitant here. They usually don't take new patients for initial workers' comp visits unless it’s for a highly specialized second opinion and the insurance company has pre-approved the specific cost.
How to Verify Without Losing Your Mind
Don't trust a "provider finder" website on an insurance portal. They are notoriously out of date. Instead, use these three steps to get a straight answer.
1. Get the Tax ID
Your insurance company will ask for the Mayo Clinic's Tax ID to check your specific "plan code."
- Arizona: 86-0800150
- Florida: 59-3337028
- Minnesota: 41-6011702
2. The "Referral" vs. "Authorization" Distinction
Just because your local doctor says "You should go to Mayo" doesn't mean your insurance will pay for it. A medical referral is for the doctors; an insurance authorization is for the money. You need both.
3. Call Mayo Directly
Mayo has a dedicated billing line at 833-479-5483. They are surprisingly helpful. Give them your member ID, and they can often tell you right away if they’ve had trouble with your specific plan recently.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're eyeing a visit to Mayo Clinic, don't wait until the week of your appointment to sort this out.
- Check your 2026 Summary of Benefits: If you're on Medicare Advantage and in the Midwest, verify your "in-network" status immediately. If you've been "disrupted" (the industry term for being kicked out of network), you may need to switch to Original Medicare + Medigap during the next open enrollment to keep your access.
- Request a Cost Estimate: Mayo’s financial counselors can provide a "Pre-Service Estimate." This is a written document that estimates what you'll owe based on your specific insurance.
- Update the Portal: If you change insurance, update it in the Mayo Clinic Patient Portal immediately. They run "eligibility checks" 48 hours before appointments, and if it fails, they will call you—or worse, ask for a deposit when you arrive.
Knowing what insurance does the Mayo Clinic take is about staying one step ahead of the paperwork. It’s a lot of legwork, but for the level of care they provide, most patients find the bureaucracy worth the effort.
Next Step: Call your insurance provider and provide the Tax ID listed above to confirm your "Out-of-Pocket Maximum" for out-of-network care, just in case your plan's status is "non-contracted."