The policy likely violated an existing agreement with the state which protects MN citizens against abusive debt collection practices.

Southern Minnesota patients face a particular challenge if they lose access to Mayo, said Henehan, a partner with Kain-Henehan in Mendota Heights.

"Mayo has got such a hold on all of those towns in southern Minnesota," she said. "When you get cut off from Mayo, you really get cut off from health care."