MiniMed Partners with Lakeside Medical Group to Offer Direct Billing for U.S. Insurance Plans in Panama

Panama City, Panama – July 20, 2025 — MiniMed, the largest private medical network in Panama, is pleased to announce a groundbreaking alliance with Lakeside Medical Group (LMG), a leading managed-care and medical billing provider based in Mexico. Through this new partnership, effective August 1, MiniMed can offer direct billing for Medicare Advantage, Kaiser, GEHA, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) insurance plans. They also accept all Veteran insurances. 

This historic development is thanks in large part to the efforts of Jackie Lange, founder of Panama Relocation Tours, who has been a tireless advocate for expanding healthcare access and improving insurance options for retirees living in Panama. Jackie recognized the urgent need for direct billing for Medicare Advantage plans and has spent five years collaborating with direct billing companies and hospitals to bring this service to Panama. Her dedication to improving the expat experience played a pivotal role in making this direct billing option a reality.

Ms Lange said, “Getting direct billing for Medicare Advantage in Panama may not be part of running a tour business—but it’s absolutely part of our mission to make your life easier and less stressful.

We go the extra mile to provide information like this because we know how much peace of mind it brings. When you’re living in a new country, knowing that your healthcare can be handled smoothly and affordably makes a world of difference.  Our goal is to help you THRIVE in Panama—not just relocate.”

To sign up for direct billing benefits at MiniMed, patients must pre-register for free with Lakeside Medical Group at 👉 https://www.lakemedicalgroup.com/application.

After applying, you’ll receive documents to sign electronically and must return them within 5 days to complete registration.

You will not be able to pre-register at the MiniMed locations.

This alliance means that eligible patients can now access care at any of MiniMed’s 14 clinics or its full-service hospital in Panama City without the need to prepay. Lakeside Medical Group will handle all claims directly with the insurance provider, removing the stress and financial burden of upfront payments or reimbursement paperwork.

Most notably, Medicare Advantage plans can be used for urgent care or emergencies at any MiniMed location across Panama. This gives U.S. retirees and federal employees peace of mind knowing they can get the care they need—when they need it—without worrying about billing logistics.

As part of its commitment to comprehensive emergency care, MiniMed also operates a fleet of ambulances that can quickly transport patients from the beach communities near Coronado and the surrounding areas to the MiniMed Hospital in Panama City. This ambulance service is fully covered for eligible patients using accepted insurance plans—with no additional cost.

“We’re thrilled to work with Lakeside Medical Group to expand access to affordable, high-quality healthcare for expats in Panama,” said Felipe Rameriz, Director at MiniMed. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to simplify healthcare and remove financial barriers. We’re also deeply grateful to Jackie Lange for her vision and persistence in making this service available to the community.”

To learn more about MiniMed locations and services, visit:
👉 www.hospital.minimedpanama.com

Media Contact:
Felipe Ramirez
Director, MiniMed Hospital
📧 framirez@minimedpanama.com