When I was diagnosed with cancer, I wanted to see the best possible doctor/hospital. Unfortunately I am on a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) that forces me to see doctors and hospitals only within my network. I wanted a second opinion from UT Southwestern (which is outside my network), in the event I needed surgery in the future, and offered to pay out of pocket for it, as they have some of the best surgeons in the country for my type of cancer. I was told in no uncertain terms by them, that as I was on Medicare they could NOT accept an out of pocket payment from me for any of their services. It was illegal.rotor wrote: This may work if you are not on Medicare or Medicaid but the doctors, labs and hospitals can not charge you anything but the government mandated price. You can not go outside of the system on these government programs. They can NOT balance bill or give you a discount. They can be fined quite severely if they do.
The good news is that I did have the surgery in my network at USMD Cancer Center/Hospital in Arlington, and I have been cancer free for two years. But, I was very surprised and taken aback by UT Southwestern's response.
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