Can I go to any doctor I want on Medicare?

Asked by: Dedric Cronin  |  Last update: September 6, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (49 votes)

With Original Medicare, you can: Go to any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S. Find providers that work with Medicare. Join a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D) to get drug coverage. Buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy to help lower your share of costs for services you get.

Can I go to any doctor if I have Medicare?

If you have Original Medicare, you can go to any doctor who accepts Medicare patients. However, you do want to call the doctor's office and double-check that they will take new Medicare patients before you make your appointment. Depending on the type of plan you choose, you might have to pick a primary care doctor.

Can I go to any specialist with Medicare?

A person who is enrolled in Original Medicare does not need a referral from a primary care doctor to see a specialist. However, a person must check that the specialist is Medicare-approved and currently accepts Medicare assignments.

Does every doctor accept Medicare?

Physicians are not required to participate in Medicare, though the vast majority of them choose to do so.

How much is a doctor visit with Medicare?

Another thing to keep in mind is Medicare-approved amounts vary from state to state. In Los Angeles, California, the Medicare-approved amount for those same office visits ranges from $89.73 to $243.48.

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37 related questions found

How to find out if a doctor is enrolled in Medicare?

To find a list of doctors in your area who accept Medicare and agree not to bill you for more than the approved Medicare amount for your visit or procedure, go to Medicare's Care Compare website , select “Doctors & clinicians” under the Provider Type dropdown menu, and look for providers noted as charging the Medicare- ...

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

What is the best Medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?

Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.

What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?

The biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage is that you have fewer doctors to choose from when you get medical care.
  • Plans can also cost more overall than Original Medicare if you have complex medical needs. ...
  • With some plans, you don't have any coverage if you use a doctor that isn't in the network.

Can I see a doctor in another state with Medicare?

There are no network restrictions; you can see any provider that accepts Medicare.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

What is the best supplemental insurance for Medicare?

The best Medicare supplement plan providers
  • Best for extra plan benefits: Humana.
  • Best for straightforward coverage: State Farm.
  • Best for extensive medical care coverage: AARP by UnitedHealthcare.
  • Best for a range of Medigap plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield.

How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?

eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.

Is Medicare free at age 65 for seniors?

People age 65 or older, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, are eligible for Medicare Part A. You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

Why is Social Security no longer paying Medicare Part B?

There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.

Is Medicare alone enough?

Basic Medicare Coverage: Is That Enough? Summary: Original Medicare coverage generally has no out-of-pocket maximum and doesn't cover important things like prescription drugs. Additional coverage from private insurance companies can help meet your health-care needs.

Can you go to any doctor when you have Medicare?

With Original Medicare, you can:

Go to any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S. Find providers that work with Medicare. Join a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D) to get drug coverage. Buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy to help lower your share of costs for services you get.

Is it hard to find a doctor who takes Medicare?

In fact, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), 98 percent of medical service providers accept Medicare. That means your area's medical services and doctors will likely work with your Original Medicare coverage.

How do I know what doctors take Medicare?

To find a provider that accepts Medicare payments, use the Care Compare tool on Medicare.gov. This tool gives you a list of professionals or group practices in the specialty and geographic area you specify, along with detailed profiles, maps and driving directions. Find and compare doctors and other providers near you.