Can I Keep My Doctor on Medicare? What You Need to Know

One of the most common questions from people approaching Medicare: "Can I keep my doctor?" The answer depends on which type of Medicare coverage you choose—and understanding this before you enroll can save you frustration and money.

!A doctor greeting a patient, representing keeping your doctor on Medicare

The Short Answer

> About 54% of Medicare beneficiaries are in Medicare Advantage, where this care runs through the plan's network; the rest use Original Medicare, accepted by any participating provider nationwide. (Source: CMS / KFF, 2024.)

Yes, you can keep your doctor on Medicare—but how depends on your coverage choice:

• Original Medicare + Medigap: See any doctor who accepts Medicare (97%+ do)
• Medicare Advantage: Must use network doctors, or pay more out-of-network

Let's break down how each works.

Keeping Your Doctor with Original Medicare

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) provides the most flexibility for keeping your doctors. You can see:

• Any doctor who accepts Medicare
• Any specialist without referrals
• Any hospital that accepts Medicare
• Providers anywhere in the United States

Over 97% of physicians nationwide accept Medicare assignment. Unless you see very specialized providers, your doctors likely accept Medicare.

How It Works

With Original Medicare: 1. You show your Medicare card at any Medicare-accepting provider 2. Medicare pays its share (typically 80% after the Part B deductible) 3. If you have Medigap, it pays some or all of the remaining costs

There are no networks to check, no referrals to obtain, no prior authorizations for most services. Your doctor accepts Medicare? You can see them.

The Trade-Off

Original Medicare has cost-sharing that can add up—20% of approved amounts for most services, plus deductibles. Most people pair it with Medigap (Medicare Supplement) to cover these costs. Medigap has monthly premiums but provides predictable costs and the same doctor flexibility.

Doctor Networks in Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans work differently. They're offered by private insurers who contract with networks of providers. Your costs are typically lowest—often $0—when you see in-network doctors.

How Networks Work

Different Medicare Advantage plan types have different network rules:

HMO Plans: Usually require you to use network providers (except emergencies). You may need referrals to see specialists. Leaving the network typically means no coverage except emergencies.

PPO Plans: Let you see out-of-network providers at higher cost. No referral requirements. More flexibility than HMOs, but still have preferred networks.

PFFS Plans: May let you see any provider who accepts the plan's terms and conditions. Less common today.

Verifying Your Doctors Are Covered

Before enrolling in Medicare Advantage:

1. Get your doctor list: Primary care, specialists, any providers you see regularly 2. Check each plan's provider directory: Online or request a printed copy 3. Call your doctors directly: Directories can be outdated—confirm directly 4. Ask specific questions: - Are you accepting new patients through this plan? - Are you a "preferred" provider (lower costs) or just "participating"? - Will you be in the network next year?

Don't just check your PCP—verify specialists, hospitals, and any facilities you use regularly.

What If Your Doctor Isn't in Any Network?

If your preferred providers aren't in Medicare Advantage networks, you have options:

Option 1: Choose Original Medicare with Medigap

With 97%+ of doctors accepting Medicare, Original Medicare likely covers your providers. Compare the total cost (Medigap premiums plus Part D) against Medicare Advantage.

Option 2: Find a Different Medicare Advantage Plan

With 50+ options in most Florida counties, another plan might include your doctors. Keep shopping.

Option 3: Decide If Other Benefits Outweigh the Switch

Some people find Medicare Advantage's extra benefits (dental, vision, fitness) worth changing doctors. Only you can make that value judgment.

Option 4: See Your Doctor Out-of-Network

If you have a PPO, you can see out-of-network providers at higher cost. For an important specialist you see occasionally, this might be acceptable.

What Happens If Your Doctor Leaves the Network?

Networks change. A doctor might leave your Medicare Advantage plan's network mid-year. If this happens:

• You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to switch plans
• You can continue seeing that doctor out-of-network (if your plan type allows)
• You can find a new in-network provider

This is one advantage of Original Medicare—no networks means no worry about providers leaving.

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

1. Are all my current doctors in this plan's network? 2. Is my preferred hospital in-network? 3. Do I need referrals to see specialists? 4. What happens if I need to see an out-of-network provider? 5. What are my costs for typical visits?

We'll Verify Your Doctors Are Covered

Checking doctor coverage across multiple Medicare plans takes time. Our free Medicare review verifies your specific providers across all available plans, comparing costs so you can see which options cover your doctors at the lowest total cost.

Schedule your free Medicare review and we'll check your doctors across all plans.

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This article is for educational purposes. Provider networks change annually. Always verify coverage before enrollment.

Next steps: Take our 2-minute Medicare plan quiz, book a free Medicare review, or see our Medicare Advantage vs. Supplement comparison.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.