Can I show my Original Medicare Card instead of my Medicare Advantage card, if my provider doesn't take my advantage insurance?

Question

Joshua Ruiz · Accepted Answer

No, you cannot use your Original Medicare card if you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

When You’re on a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C):
Your Medicare Advantage plan takes the place of Original Medicare for your medical and hospital coverage.

You must show your Medicare Advantage card when receiving care, not your red, white, and blue Medicare card.

Original Medicare will not pay for your services while you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

 If a Provider Doesn’t Accept Your Advantage Plan:
You cannot use your Original Medicare benefits to bypass the Advantage plan’s network or billing rules.

You would either need to:

Pay out of pocket, or Find a provider who is in-network or accepts your Advantage plan, or

Switch plans during an eligible enrollment period (like the Annual Enrollment Period or Special Enrollment Period if applicable).

Bottom line: If you have Medicare Advantage, that plan is your primary coverage. Your red, white, and blue card no longer applies unless you disenroll from the Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

No and you must stay enrolled in medicare, but you only show your medicare advantage plan card.  You do need to go to the doctors in the network for your plan to pay, otherwise its out of your pocket.

Gary Church · Answer

You could! You may end up paying the bill. You have allowed your Medicare Advantage plan to manage your healthcare. If you want to have control over your healthcare, consider going back to Medicare and purchasing a Medicare supplement. Then, you will have control over your healthcare.

Answered by Gary Church on May 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Nope. The Medicare card only confirms your having acquired Parts A & B. The Advantage plan is Part C. So, if your provider does not take your MA plan, if you insist upon seeing that doctor, you are going to pay the retail price for the treatments from that visit! What should have happened when you turned age 65, was in finding what insurance company network that preferred doctor was in?That would have eliminated the tough predicament you now find yourself in!

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Becki Jennings · Answer

When someone has Medicare Advantage, the provider will only need to see your Medicare Advantage ID card.

Clare Burley · Answer

No. When you have an Advantage Plan, that is your Primary insurance and Original Medicare moved to the back burner. The doctors you see will need to be in-network with your chosen plan. If you have a PPO Medicare Advantage you will have access to in and out of network doctors, but the office will need to be willing to bill a PPO out of network. You may also have higher co-pays for seeing an out of network doctor. 
Luckily the Medicare Advantage networks are very large and continue to grow, so my clients usually do not run into these issues.

Fred Manas · Answer

No, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you cannot use your Original Medicare card to get services. You must use the membership card provided by your Medicare Advantage plan. If your provider doesn't accept your Medicare Advantage plan, you will need to find a provider who does or, if you are eligible, switch back to Original Medicare. 
Elaboration:
Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare:
Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare, offering coverage through private insurance companies. 
Using the Correct Card:
When you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you use the card provided by your plan to access covered services, not your Original Medicare card. 
Provider Networks:
Medicare Advantage plans often have a network of providers, and you typically need to use those providers to get services. 
Switches to Original Medicare:
If your provider doesn't accept your Medicare Advantage plan, you may need to switch back to Original Medicare or find another provider. 
Enrollment Periods:
You can switch back to Original Medicare during specific enrollment periods, such as the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31).

Gary Henderson · Answer

Once you change to an advantage plan, you have left original Medicare completely. Everything is done by your insurance provider 
You cannot use Medicare ID card for medical treatment as result

Marcie Barnes · Answer

No, once you have a Medicare Advantage plan you present that card as your insurance.

If a provider is out of network and you don't have out of network coverage.  You will be responsible for the entire bill.

Linda Davies · Answer

When enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will receive your Part A and Part B benefits through your Medicare Advantage plan except for hospice care which you will continue to receive through Part A.

Answered by Linda Davies on May 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL

Answered by Linda Davies Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Merwin · Answer

No. When you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, original Medicare is no longer handling your claims. The provider you visit must be in network or you will be responsible for possibly the total cost depending if you have an HMO or PPO plan. With an HMO you must always be in network except for emergencies. With a PPO plan you can visit our ot newwork providers under 3 conditions: #1 that provider accepts Medicare. #2 that provider is willing to accept the terms and conditions of your PPO. And #3 that provider is accepting new patients.

Answered by Tony Merwin on May 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AR, AZ & 28 other states

Answered by Tony Merwin Medicare Insurance Agent

Alaina Hunt · Answer

Yes, you can use your Original Medicare card to get covered services if your provider doesn’t accept your Medicare Advantage plan. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is your foundational coverage, and most providers accept it.

However, if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you generally need to use that plan’s network and follow its rules to get coverage under that plan. If your provider isn’t in your Advantage plan’s network, you may have to pay more or the full cost if you use your Advantage card there.

Showing your Original Medicare card can help you get services covered outside your Advantage network, but it means you’re using Original Medicare benefits, not your Advantage plan benefits. It’s a good idea to check with your provider and your plan before your visit to understand what costs you might be responsible for.

Can I show my Original Medicare Card instead of my Medicare Advantage card, if my provider doesn't take my advantage insurance?

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Can I show my Original Medicare Card instead of my Medicare Advantage card, if my provider doesn't take my advantage insurance?

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