A cancer diagnosis changes everything. Suddenly, questions about doctors, treatments, and costs take center stage. And if you’re on Medicare, the type of coverage you have makes a big difference in how much choice and flexibility you’ll get.

The Challenge with Cancer Treatment

Cancer care often involves:

• Specialists across multiple facilities

• Advanced testing and treatments

• The need for second opinions at centers of excellence

If your insurance limits where you can go or requires referrals, it can feel like one more hurdle at an already overwhelming time.

How a Medicare Supplement Helps

A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can ease the stress by:

• Letting you see any doctor in the U.S. who accepts Medicare — no networks to worry about

• Covering the gaps Medicare doesn’t pay — like coinsurance and hospital costs

• Providing predictability — fewer surprise bills during an already stressful season of life

For people facing cancer, that freedom can mean the difference between staying local or traveling to a renowned facility for care.

What About Mayo Clinic?

Many people consider the Mayo Clinic when exploring advanced treatment options. Here’s an important distinction:

• Mayo does not accept Medicare Advantage plans.

• With a Medicare Supplement, you’re not tied to a network. If the provider accepts Medicare, you can be seen. If Mayo isn’t taking Medicare assignment at the time, having a plan like Plan G protects you from unexpected excess charges.

Why We Recommend Adding a Cancer Policy

Even with strong Medicare coverage, there are unexpected expenses that health insurance doesn’t cover, such as:

• Travel and lodging near specialty hospitals

• Lost income if a spouse takes time off to provide care

• Childcare or help with household needs

• Alternative treatments not covered by Medicare

That’s why we recommend that everyone carry a cancer policy. It provides a cash benefit that you can use however you need it—whether that’s for travel, bills, or peace of mind.

• Learn more about this vital protection on our page: Cancer, Heart Attack, and Stroke Coverage.

• You can also check out our related blog entry on Why Cancer and Heart Attack Coverage Matters.

Bottom Line

When it comes to cancer care, having the freedom to choose your doctors—and having financial protection for the costs Medicare doesn’t touch—gives you confidence in the middle of uncertainty.

Call our team at 904-654-5450 or visit www.merebenefits.com to make sure your Medicare and supplemental protection truly cover what matters.

Next Step: Read our blog on Understanding Medicare Part B Excess Charges to see why having the right Supplement plan matters at facilities like Mayo Clinic.

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