At a glance
Start with these three things.
Original Medicare
Check that your provider accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage
Confirm the exact plan’s network.
Before you choose
Check with both the provider and the plan.
Your questions, unpacked
Keeping your doctor: your questions, answered.
With Original Medicare
You can generally use doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare throughout the United States. Ask whether the provider accepts assignment and is accepting new Medicare patients.
A Medigap policy helps with certain costs of Original Medicare; it does not turn it into a Medicare Advantage network.
With Medicare Advantage
Access depends on the plan’s network and rules. Some plans include out-of-network coverage for non-emergency care, usually with different costs. Others are more restrictive.
Also check referrals, prior authorization, hospitals, and any specialists you see. A familiar carrier name is not enough to confirm a particular plan’s network.
Make a short list before comparing
Write down each doctor’s name, specialty, and practice location. Include the hospital and pharmacy you prefer.
Provider participation can change. Check again when reviewing next year’s coverage, and contact the plan if something changes during the year.
Sources & further reading
Related guidance