My mom is considering switching to a Medicare Advantage plan because her friends say it's better. She's scared of losing her current doctors. How can we check?

Question

Jon Maves · Accepted Answer

Having good, reliable doctors that you trust is really important. When looking into an Advantage plan, the first thing to consider is if a doctor is "in network". When a doctor is "in network" it means that the plan will cover those visits. If a doctor is "out of network" you will not be covered by the plan. When I meet with a person, I have a system that will narrow down plans that each doctor is covered by so that we can ensure the best coverage and benefits which is unique to each individual.

Answered by Jon Maves on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AZ, CA & 9 other states

Answered by Jon Maves Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

When it comes to Medicare Medicare plan is important to the person who is choosing their Medicare plan for themselves not what it works for someone else. The most important thing when being on Medicare advantage plan is your doctor participate with that health plan Medicare advantage plans go from January to December with that offer this year may be different the following year so it’s important to be able to work with a Medicare agent who can help you guide through and look at different options each and every year.

Answered by Gary Church on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Alexander · Answer

You should call the Doctors office and ask their billing dept what medicare advantage plans they accept, make sure you give them the Plan code on your id card.
If your mom wants to switch back to the medigap she had before she can call medicare and ask them to disenroll from the advantage plan.
Be wary of trusting the sales people, begore you sign up always call your doctors to make sure they accept that oarticular plan.
Teaditional Medicare and ia medigap is always the best option.
The advantage plana are going thru Market turmoil now and are not as stable as traditional medicare.

Mark Bilgere · Answer

You can check your doctors in a few different ways. The first way is to decide which advantage plan you are interested in then call the doctor's office and ask the billing department if they will accept that advantage plan. Be sure to tell them the complete name and number of the plan. Just telling them the carrier name is a sure way to get incorrect information.

Another way to check is to use the Provider Search on the carrier's website. All the big carriers allow you to search for network providers as a guest. You just need to enter your zip code, the plan you are interested in and the doctor's name. 

You can also call the carrier directly and ask customer service about a specific doctor. Keep in mind that the representative will use the same system that is available to you online so the information is the same.

If you are trying to help your mom please know that getting advice from her friends is not a good way to decide to move from a Medicare supplement to an Advantage plan. People choose  between supplements and Advantage plans for different reasons and no two people have all the same health needs, budget, medications, family situations, and a variety of other things that need to be considered. You should find a local broker you both can meet with and discuss several plans and how accessing health care will change for your mom.

Daniel Brechin · Answer

Your mother needs to speak with someone like me that review his plan and make sure all of her Drs and prescription drugs are covered.

Danny Brechin
Contact me.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

I’m an agent / broker of 37 years. My wife and I are on one.  We like it. There are no perfect plans are out there.  Doctors' networks are big and in outlying areas they tend to be pretty good.  The doctors' lists can and should be checked prior to signing up. Then you good to go. 

Lt Col Tim Brown 
Contact me.

William Lawler · Answer

The question is, your mother wants to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan because her friends say it's better. But she's afraid of losing her doctors. I would call your agent or her agent and ask him to do some research and see which one of her doctors accepts which plans. Not all doctors accept all health plans, so it's worth it to do the research and check which plans they take. If you have further questions, my name is Bill. I'm at 636-500-1892.

Christopher Boyd · Answer

Under most normal circumstances, she cannot enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan during this month, unless she is eligible for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period. The Oct 15 - Dec 7 Annual Enrollment Period is typically when most Medicare beneficiaries are able to look at Part C and Part D plans. During that period, Medicare.Gov is a great place to look based on her zip code to find which plans are available in her area and which ones will cover her medications. 

She may be entitled to Part B or Part D financial assistance through a variety of Federal, State, and local programs. Some Part D and Part C plans may offer no-cost mail-order prescription home delivery programs based on the medications someone is taking. After a plan is found that will cover all medications, you can go to that insurance carrier's website to verify medical and possibly dental coverage within the plan's network. It is vital to look up every single medication and health care provider to ensure availability and coverage. Last, the biggest difference between the supplement and the Medicare Advantage will be the costs of copays and an annual maximum out-of-pocket. Some seniors with complicated health conditions sometimes opt to keep their supplements. While others change and are pleased with their plan. There is no cookie-cutter answer to this question, and it requires a thorough review of all her needs.

George Ibanez · Answer

First let me start by saying that your mom's friend is wrong and if your mom has a Medicare supplement, it is a far superior product with no networks, and no pre-authorizations so she does not need to check if a doctor is in network or not, and she does not need pre-authorizations from an insurance company to get any procedures done.
The only advantage of a Medicare Advantage plan is price and if you want your mom to have the best care available make sure that you DO NOT switch her to a Medicare advantage plan or she will be sadly disappointed.

If you need good advice on Medicare insurance plans you should consult with a professional agent .

Regards

Voss Speros · Answer

Voss Speros, Greek god of Medicare. Medicare for all, Greek. You're in luck, I'm Greek. So the question is, my mom's looking to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan. A friend says it's better, and she's worried about losing her doctors. How do we check for that?

So as brokers, we double-check. We get our list of all your doctors and all your drugs. Then we cross-reference all those plans for your drugs to find what works best for you.

Now, how can you do it? Medicare.gov has a lookup tool where you can enter your drugs and your doctors to find plans that fit those criteria. Now, if you hit a back button on that, you gotta start all over every single time. It gets a little annoying. At that point, I just call a broker. We put it in our system one time, and then it pulls up all the plans. We can look to see what's going to work the best. It'll tell us which ones have the doctors and which ones don't.

So you gotta make sure you know the doctors you want to keep. Maybe not all the time that they're in there, but you never know. They might be in there under their name or maybe under the practice name. So it's always good to double-check everything on that one.

When you're making the switch from a supplemental to an Advantage plan, I saw an orb go by. But then again, we are in a funeral home. Hope that helps.

Yeah, how many questions? Give us a call. We're more than happy to send out an agent. Have a great day!

Bill Wheeler · Answer

It is possible to keep your current doctor.
I alway check the doctor and the prescriptions
to make sure that your doctor is in network and your prescriptions are offered by the plan.
If not we find another plan that will meet your need.

Pamela Masters · Answer

Each company has a website that allows you to check to see if your doctors are in network. You can also ask an agent to help check them. Remember, there are several types of advantage plans. Some allow you to go in network but also allow you to go out of network for a bit higher copay. Some advantage plans require that you stay in network.

Answered by Pamela Masters on March 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Pamela Masters Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Capraro III · Answer

Great question from one of those caretakers of parents out there. My mom is considering switching to a Medicare Advantage plan because her friends say it's better. Love that. She's scared of losing her current doctors. How can we check?

A very easy way you should be able to check is whatever plan you're on. You should be able to go on their website and see what doctors and hospitals are associated with that plan. Remember, Medicare Advantage plans change every year. The doctors can change, can be in the plan, out of the plan, in the facilities. The hospitals can be in and out of the plan depending on the year.

What we do here at my state firm agency on Kelly Street in Manchester, New Hampshire, is bring the client in, and then we do the research for them to make sure that their plan with Medicare Advantage includes their doctors and facilities. I would be glad to help you with that. It will save you a ton of time, effort, and mistakes. But again, those Medicare Advantage plans, you've got to be careful. They change every year, doctors and facilities.

Ronnie Robinson Jr · Answer

Reach out to a broker and we will be happy to check the doctors for your mom. This is what we specialize in, keeping your doctors and paying less for prescriptions.

Steven Lovell · Answer

There is that possibility that if you go to a medicare advantage. Plan that you might have your doctors this year. But other years they may not accept. Your medicare advantage and you have to go find another Doctor if you stay with a medicare supplement and then medicare supplement. Doctor continues to take medicare. You will always be able to go to that Doctor.

Answered by Steven Lovell on July 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, AL, CA & 11 other states

Answered by Steven Lovell Medicare Insurance Agent

Kerwyn Jones · Answer

Go the the Med Adv plan website and select Doctor lookup and search them one at a time to verify if they are in network.

Luke Rhoads · Answer

Medicare advantage brokers have access to a provider search tool. Any broker worth their salt will look up prescription drugs and providers during their client needs assessment when determing which plan is right for the clients specific situation.

Answered by Luke Rhoads on July 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Luke Rhoads Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Whetstine · Answer

It is important to review doctors, specialists and medical facilities within a Medicare Advantage plan as Medicare Advantage Plans operate under a network.  Networks can change each year, so it is important to review your plan each year to make sure the specific plan covered doctors, specialists and medical facilities that are important.

Each Medicare Advantage plan will be different, so you will have to check the zip code where you file your taxes each year to verify the doctors are within the network.  Each plan will have something along the lines of a "Find a Doctor" or "Provider Directory" option on their website to verify the doctors within the network.

Also, you can contact the doctor's office directly.  However, it is important to not only check if they accept the insurance carrier, but also if they accept the plan or are within the plan's network.  Some doctors may accept some plans but not others under the same insurance carrier.  Perhaps, the doctors will accept HMO plans, but not PPO plans or PPO plans and not HMO plans.

Out of network costs can be costly.  Some plans may cover out of network costs while others do not cover out of network costs at all.

Carly Cusack · Answer

You can find a local agent that can help you find a plan that has her doctor's in-network and covers her prescriptions. The agent can search for you or you can go to Medicare.gov.

Robert Lukasik · Answer

When considering changing plans there are many things that need to be considered. Checking your current doctors with the new plan is essential to ensuring the plan will work adequately.

Joseph Bachmeier · Answer

One, no one should ever pick a plan because their "friends" say it's better. I cannot tell you how many people made that mistake. Medicare insurance needs are different for everyone.

Two, she should be concerned about her doctors accepting the insurance because Medicare Advantage plans are network plans. But that is why you have me as a broker to check all the networks to make sure your doctors accept the plan you may be switching to.

Mike Odle · Answer

Make an appointment with an agent that represents several different advantage carriers, and will meet with you face to face. They should be able to plug all providers into their quoting system and show you what plans her doctors take. Make sure they show you. Do not do this over the phone

Answered by Mike Odle on December 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN & IL

Answered by Mike Odle Medicare Insurance Agent

Edward MacConnell · Answer

Any Medicare Advantage plan will provide a list of network doctors and hspitals. Usually this is done online these days as opposed to a printed directory. Your broker should be able to guide you though the process of confirming participation.

Answered by Edward MacConnell on April 13, 2026

Broker Licensed in PA, AK, AZ & 19 other states

Answered by Edward MacConnell Medicare Insurance Agent

Dutch VanHoesen · Answer

Her friends may endanger your mother. Medicare Advantage may have authorizations, Dr networks, service areas, referrals, Etc. It's easy for any Medicare broker to check her current doctors and see if they are in network for various Medicare Advantage plans.

Answered by Dutch VanHoesen on March 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Dutch VanHoesen Medicare Insurance Agent

Jason Denniston · Answer

The best thing you can do is make a list of all her current doctors, specialists, and hospitals before comparing plans. Then check each one directly with the insurance company, since provider offices may not know every network tied to a specific Medicare Advantage plan.

There are cases where doctors accept a plan but choose not to be listed publicly in the directory. That’s one reason many families like having a broker help with the research before making a switch.

Daniel Maisel · Answer

Please reassure your mom, this is the reason to use a Licensed & Certified Insurance Agent/ Broker hear to assist her find the plan she deems best for her.

We will research her Doctors, Hospitals & prescriptions are covered and which plans cover them. 

Call us for complimentary assistance.

Jennifer McDonnell · Answer

Assuming she has a Medicare Supplement that allows her to go to any doctor who accepts new Medicare clients, the change to a Medicare Advantage plan might limit her doctor choices.
Best if she works with an independent trusted Medicare advisor prior to signing up to find out which Medicare Advantage plans might be accepted by her current doctors.

Ryan George · Answer

Your moms fear is correct. Not because Advantage plans are bad, quite the opposite, they can be great! However, no one should choose a Medicare plan based on what their friends have. For your mom, I'd have her (or you) reach out to a local brokerage, that can help answer any and all questions. "PPO" gives her greater flexibility with doctors than an "HMO", but talk to a local professional for a better understanding. If you or her are adamant about checking on your own, once you have a plan chose, call her doctors and ask "if they accept (whatever insurance company) Medicare plan". Important to say Medicare plan.

Answered by Ryan George on April 6, 2026

Broker Licensed in PA, AK, AL & 49 other states

Answered by Ryan George Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Wehner · Answer

Each Medicare Advantage Carrier has an online provider search tool where you can verify if doctors are in network with that plan. The online tool is the most accurate and up to date way to confirm that providers are in network. The easiest way to find the online provider search tool would be to do a google search for the name of the carrier provider search.

Answered by Michael Wehner on January 21, 2026

Agent Licensed in IN, KY, NC, OH, PA & SC

Answered by Michael Wehner Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Turner · Answer

When it comes to leaving a medicare supplement for a medicare advantage plan there is always the possibility that one or more of your doctors are not in network.  Whether they are or not, it is easy to determine before applying.  However, a doctor can terminate their contract with a medicare advantage plan and the advantage plan can terminate their contract with the doctor so that could change while you are on the plan.

If you have always been on a supplement since you have a one time "trial right" opportunity to go on an advantage plan.  It gives you the right to try an advantage plan for up to twelve months with the ability to go back to medicare and a supplement without having to answer health questions.  If a change is made to the advantage plan during the trial right or you wait until after twelve months, you would then need to qualify if you wish to return to medicare and a supplement.  The "trial right" should help to ease any concern.

Eddie Tune · Answer

Not all doctors and hospitals participate in all plans... it's important your broker checks that prior to enrollment in any plan.

Charles Fletcher · Answer

Great question! Part of a complete review prior to making any changes is reviewing all doctors that will be potentially important for her in the future and making sure what plan, if any, they all fit into. There may be more than 1 plan to choose from once the doctors are known. I will also review prescriptions in a similar way to make sure the plans under consideration handle all current prescriptions on the formulary.

Answered by Charles Fletcher on June 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA, AZ, ID, NV & TN

Answered by Charles Fletcher Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Green · Answer

Each company she considers for her upcoming plan change should have a search tool on their website for locating network practitioners so she can check on that before making her decision. If she isn't tech savvy, you might need to help her with that. You can also call the company and ask them to help with that.

Answered by Mary Green on October 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in AL, CO, FL, GA, TN & VA

Answered by Mary Green Medicare Insurance Agent

Brady Haffner · Answer

She will need to review the providers available for the plans she is leaning towards. you can look everything up in Medicare.gov

Susan O&#039;Kelley · Answer

Medicare.gov has a Plan Finder tool online to compare insurance company plans in her area. You can also go directly to the health insurance company website, navigate to the plan's Provider Directory Search tool to confirm her doctors are in the plan's network.

Answered by Susan O'Kelley on October 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, AL, AZ & 20 other states

Answered by Susan O'Kelley Medicare Insurance Agent

Duane Everding · Answer

You need to review the plans network participation by talking to your agent or looking at the insurance company website online. A word of caution, doctor networks can change with Medicare Advantage plans mid-year with as little as a 30-day notice should the insurance company and doctor disagree on contract rates. Just because a doctor chooses to no longer participate with a certain carrier, this doesn't mean you will have a special enrollment period to switch plans. You will generally need to wait until open enrollment Oct 15-Dec 7 for enrollment starting January 1.

Answered by Duane Everding on February 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in NC, AZ, MD & 6 other states

Answered by Duane Everding Medicare Insurance Agent

Michelle de Guzman · Answer

Not all Medicare Advantage plans are suitable for all people. Your mom's doctors and medications are the most important consideration to make when choosing any medicare Plan. My advice is to ask a Medicare Agent who understands Medicare Advantage( not all agents do) which plans have your mom's doctors in network and what the best overall cost and maximum out of pocket would be for her.

Answered by Michelle de Guzman on April 8, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, CA & 10 other states

Answered by Michelle de Guzman Medicare Insurance Agent

Donna Lueders · Answer

Before you switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, it's always good to confirm if your doctor is in network. The easiest way is to contact all the providers and ask which Medicare Advantage plans they accept in your area.

Answered by Donna Lueders on April 14, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, GA, LA, NC & SC

Answered by Donna Lueders Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Bennett · Answer

Every company will have a list of doctors in their network and you can look it up online.  That being said I'd encourage her to stay where she is if she can afford what she is paying for a Medicare supplement.  

They don't always affect everyone, but Medicare Advantage plans have a lot more prior approvals than Traditional Medicare does.  A prior approval is where the doctor has to go to the insurance company to make sure they will pay for a given test, procedure, hospital stay, etc.  It sometimes looks like they are more concerned with protecting their profit than protecting your health and finances.

Matt &quot;Ernie&quot; Ernstes · Answer

every plan is different for each person. If your mom is considering switching to a different MA plan we need to find out what plans are available in her area, then check to see if her doctors are in the network. Then go over how much co pays will be in that plan. If she likes to travel, a MA plan is probably not the best choice.

Answered by Matt "Ernie" Ernstes on March 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in MI, IN, OH & VA

Answered by Matt "Ernie" Ernstes Medicare Insurance Agent

JP Richardson · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans can be a great fit. Depending on if you choose a PPO or HMO plan will impact your Dr's. Once you join a Medicare Advantage Plan you are then subject to networks the providers have for Dr's. If you find a plan that you really like, but your Dr's are not contracted with then plan you would have to choose between your Dr's or the Plan. You should have a NEEDS analysis done by a broker to help determine which is best for your unique situation. There is no "cookie cutter" process with this and every person is different and may have different needs from their plan.

Answered by JP Richardson on February 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, CO & 10 other states

Answered by JP Richardson Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Spikes · Answer

First of all, what works best for a friend or neighbor, don’t always work best for mom or anyone else. We have different doctors and different medications. I bet we even drive different cars.
If someone is wanting to go to an advantage plan, I always find a plan to fit their doctors. Most of the time there is no need to find a new doctor.
Lastly, when Considering leaving a Medicare supplement to go to an advantage plan, the customer has a one year “trial right”.  This means that they can go to an advantage plan for up to 12 months and for any reason they can go back to their Medicare supplement without any health questions. This gives the customer peace of mind they made the right decision.

Nadia Ponce Simbron · Answer

A great option is to speak with a licensed insurance broker, as they can run a comprehensive search across multiple carriers and confirm network coverage for her!

Joshua Allen · Answer

We have a computer system that compares Medicare Advantage plans for our customers. By inputting the doctors' names into the system, we can show you which plans the doctors are in-network with. It is important to note that provider networks with Medicare Advantage plans do change, but the Original Medicare program has no-network.

Answered by Joshua Allen on May 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 20 other states

Answered by Joshua Allen Medicare Insurance Agent

Sherah Beasley · Answer

So, you know somebody who wants to move to a Medicare Advantage plan because they've heard from their friends or neighbors that it's great. Listen, Medicare Advantage can be great for the right person. What's more important than wanting to move to a Medicare Advantage plan because of a bright, shiny object that's been dangled in front of you, like a commercial or even a buddy who says, "Hey, this is better because I get a food card or a grocery card," is looking at that plan and making sure it fits your needs.

Make sure your doctors are in-network and your medications will be covered appropriately. The coverage is what you need. Maybe you know that you need upcoming dental work; that's probably more important than a food card. If there's dental work that's going to cost $5,000, we need to shop plans based on those needs, not on what your friends say is better because it fits their needs. So, make sure you work with a licensed agent who can look at what that is for you and find the best plan with some really cool perks and benefits that fit your needs specifically.

Misty Scaggs · Answer

You will benefit working with a Medicare Broker as they can assist you by helping you find a plan that your Doctors will all be in network with & check your prescription medications to be sure they are also covered and at the lowest out of pocket for you.

Answered by Misty Scaggs on July 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, FL & IL

Answered by Misty Scaggs Medicare Insurance Agent

Rebecca Davis · Answer

All Advantage plans are network based so you defiantly need to check your doctors against any plan you are considering. Many others miss this step and it can be a real problem in the future. Using a reputable agent can check for you, you can also call the carriers directly and ask about the doctor specifically.

Answered by Rebecca Davis on November 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 45 other states

Answered by Rebecca Davis Medicare Insurance Agent

Angela Schubkegel · Answer

You are able to check your doctors networks on medicare.gov or by calling a Medicare broker help you find doctors that are in network. There is always a risk of them changing their contract with Medicare Advantage plans. You should look for plans that are large and have a consistent track record with your current medical system.

Answered by Angela Schubkegel on December 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in WI, IA, NE & SD

Answered by Angela Schubkegel Medicare Insurance Agent

Kevin McIntire · Answer

You can contact a local, licensed agent, and they will be able to tell you what plans are considered in-network with her providers. If you're not comfortable reaching out to an agent, you can visit www.Medicare.gov, where you can review plans and in-network doctors as well.

Answered by Kevin McIntire on March 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN & OH

Answered by Kevin McIntire Medicare Insurance Agent

Joe Graves · Answer

Each plan has a provider directory where you can check to see if the doctors are in network.

"better" depends on your needs.  Possible costs savings with nice extras?  Yes, possibly better.  On Medicare Advantage, you can easily save around half over a 5-year period over a Plan G/F supplement.  However, some people believe the Plan G/F is "better" because of the freedom away from insurance networks and insurance hoops.  

The "better" depends on which one lets you sleep better at night: 1) the cost savings/extras of Medicare Advantage, or 2) the freedom away from insurance hoops/networks of the supplement.

Scott Quintiliano · Answer

You can go to the companies website they all have doctor lookups in your zip code. Or call me I can help with Doctor look ups and medication look ups.

Carolee Turner · Answer

You can check the doctors in her network and more by contacting a local licensed agent or broker to do a thorough assessment on your mom's medical needs, expectations and assure her needs are met by comparing the plans side by side. The agent should be able to illustrate a good strategy for your mom down to every $ spent in the coming year. There is never a fee for this service and the agent or broker should be found on Medicare Agents Hub. Just use her zip code to choose an agent of your liking.

Answered by Carolee Turner on August 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, IL, MI, OH, SC & TN

Answered by Carolee Turner Medicare Insurance Agent

Harold (Rob) Thousand III · Answer

While it is possible to check if a doctor is in-network through the health plan's website, sometimes it is not accurate due to hospital contract disputes as well as a variety of other factors. A licensed agent has insight into what providers are participating as well as a direct line-of-sight to your prospective company.

Answered by Harold (Rob) Thousand III on January 14, 2026

Agent Licensed in NY, AR, AZ & 18 other states

Answered by Harold (Rob) Thousand III Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

“Friends” of your mom may have her health concerns at heart but they just don’t know how Medicare truly works. Since I am presuming that she has the opposite of an Advantage plan which is a Med. Supplement plan, (also known as a Medigap policy), there are NO networks whatsoever with that so her current doctors will never change unless she has lost faith in them. I hope that she doesn’t JUST have Parts A and B, because then she has only been covered for 80% of the health charges. When one picks up their “Secondary” insurance, by the acquisition of either a Medigap or an Advantage plan, all OR some of the remaining 20% is picked up by the choice she makes! A Medigap pays ALL of that 20% but the Advantage plan picks up part of her remainder.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

It is a good question. Call each Doctor's office and ask for the person whom takes care of the Insurance. Please ask that person if they accept that Medicare Advantage plan. Please take their name and date of your call.

Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO and PFFS) organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Timothy Brown · Answer

The best way to confirm in-network providers is to verify via the insurance carrier’s website or to call directly.

Leslie Kaz · Answer

A Medicare Advantage plan may be good for your mom's friend, but may or may not be a good fit for your mom. We'd need to find out who her doctors are first to determine if we can find a plan that covers them. Many doctors take both Medicare Supplement Plans and Medicare Advantage plans.

Answered by Leslie Kaz on February 18, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Leslie Kaz Medicare Insurance Agent

Priscilla Ramos · Answer

You can check by:

Looking at the plan’s provider directory, see if your mom’s doctors are listed.
Calling her doctors’ offices to confirm they accept that plan.
Reviewing the Summary of Benefits for in network vs. out of network rules.

This ensures she can keep her doctors while understanding what extra benefits the plan offers.

Frank Carta · Answer

Personally, I always check plans to ensure that all my clients' doctors are in that plan. It is better to be safe rather than sorry.

Kris Moen · Answer

1. Make a list of her doctors

Start with a quick list of:

Primary care doctor

Any specialists (cardiologist, endocrinologist, etc.)

Preferred hospitals or clinics

These are the providers you must verify before choosing a plan.

2. Check the plan’s provider directory

Every Medicare Advantage plan has an online doctor search.

Steps:

Go to the insurance company’s website (Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, BCBS, etc.).

Click “Find a Doctor” or “Provider Directory.”

Search by the doctor’s name.

If the doctor appears, they are in-network for that specific plan.

⚠️ Important: A doctor might accept one company’s plan but not another.

3. Call the doctor’s office (best confirmation)

Ask the front desk something like:

“Do you accept [Plan Name] Medicare Advantage for next year?”

Doctors’ offices track which plans they participate in and can confirm quickly.

4. Double-check with the insurance plan

Call the plan’s member services or broker and ask:

“Is Dr. ___ in network for this specific plan for 2026?”

You want confirmation from the insurer and the doctor because directories can sometimes be outdated.

Friends’ plans can be great for them but terrible for someone else depending on doctors and medications.

Betty McCarty · Answer

•  Get the plan name she’s thinking about switching to—each plan has its own network of providers.
•	Search the plan’s provider directory online—most plans have a “Find a Doctor” tool that lists in-network providers.
•	Call the plan’s member services—they can confirm whether her doctors are included.
•	Or ask her doctors directly—a quick call to the office can clarify which plans they accept.
A few reminders: networks can change from year to year, and plan types matter. HMO plans usually require staying in-network for regular care, while PPOs offer more flexibility but may have higher costs outside the network.

Switching plans can feel overwhelming, but with the right info, your mom will be able to make a choice that keeps her health and peace of mind intact.

Brian Kulis · Answer

Very easy. Go to the particular plan's website, call a customer service number or talk to a local agent that knows the market and keeps up with the networks.

Pauline Weiland · Answer

The easiest way is to work with a local agent who would already know most of this info. You could ask current Doctors what Advantage plans they accept.

Constance Phillips · Answer

I would suggest getting in touch with an Insurance Agent. Agents are obligated to ensure what plans your doctors accept by using computer software that is updated with this information. I don't suggest calling the doctor's practice for confirmation of acceptance in a plan as many times, this information may not be correctly updated. You can also call Medicare directly if you decide not to consult with an agent.

Answered by Constance Phillips on October 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH

Answered by Constance Phillips Medicare Insurance Agent

Rob Campbell · Answer

Most advantage PPO plans will allow her to see any doctor that accepts Medicare. She shouldn’t have to worry about losing her doctors.

Armand Smith · Answer

Always best to go to the online directory and check the doctors the carrier is contracted with. Also look at the doctors website and also call the doctors office to verify.

Staying on a medicare supplement, though can be more expensive premium wise is a safe way to know any doctor that takes medicare will take your supplement.

Always weight the pros and cons in my opinion.

Shrutep Amin · Answer

Give the doctor’s name, clinic, and location to the agent or the plan’s customer service.
They can confirm if the doctor is in-network for that specific Medicare Advantage plan.

Joanna Gebhart · Answer

You may check with the Advantage plan she is interested in.  You can access the list of physicians from the Carrier's website.  This is an important step in every review of changing plans.

Kathleen Allison · Answer

When selecting a medadvantage plan she needs to check with the plan that her doctors are in network with the plan by using a licensed contracted agent or directly with the plan as well as her prescriptions are covered.

Answered by Kathleen Allison on October 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in WA, AZ, CA & 7 other states

Answered by Kathleen Allison Medicare Insurance Agent

Katherine Sanneman · Answer

First, everyone's situation is different, so don't just go by your mom's friend. However, Medicare Advantage plans are great. A good broker will look up all doctors and prescriptions and will explain all the differences between a Medicare Supplement and a Medicare Advantage Plan to ensure switching is the right decision for your mom.

Answered by Katherine Sanneman on October 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in KS, MO & OK

Answered by Katherine Sanneman Medicare Insurance Agent

Chad Ahlberg · Answer

Get with agent to check network for her area and perception drugs. Make sure the agent does his/her due diligence and provides you this info

Fred Manas · Answer

To ensure your mom can keep her current doctors when switching to a Medicare Advantage plan, the first step is to check the plan's provider network. Medicare Advantage plans, unlike Original Medicare, have limited networks, meaning they only cover care from doctors and hospitals within their network. 
Here's how to check:
Identify the plan: Find out which specific Medicare Advantage plan your mom is considering.
Check the plan's website: Most plans have a "Find a Doctor" or "Provider Search" tool on their website. Enter your mom's zip code and the name of her doctor to see if they are in the plan's network. 
Contact the plan directly: If you can't find the information online, call the plan's customer service line and ask if the doctor is in their network.
Consider a local agent: A local licensed insurance agent or broker can help assess your mom's specific needs, compare plans, and confirm if her doctors are in-network, according to Carolee Turner on Medicare Agents Hub. 
Consult SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program): SHIP provides free counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries. 
Don't forget to check your mom's prescriptions: Some plans might cover different drugs or have different tiers for medications, potentially affecting costs. 
Important Considerations:
In-network vs. Out-of-network:
If a doctor is "in-network," the plan will cover their services. If they are "out-of-network," your mom may have to pay more, or the plan might not cover the costs at all. 
PPO vs. HMO:
Some Medicare Advantage plans, like Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), allow you to see doctors outside the network, but it usually costs more. Other plans, like Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), require you to stay within the network for coverage. 
Network changes:
Medicare Advantage plans can change their networks each year, so even if a doctor is in-network now, they might not be next year. 
Prior Authorization:
Some plans require prior authorization.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

To check if your mom can keep her doctors with a Medicare Advantage plan, you need to verify if they are in the plan's network. You can do this by contacting the plan directly, checking their website, or using Medicare's online tool. If they are not in-network, you'll need to consider whether the plan allows out-of-network care and what the costs would be.

Gary Henderson · Answer

Tell your mom to stick to her Medicare supplement plan. Medicare advantage plans are not better. You have many, many more out-of-pocket costs. They bait you with the $0 premiums and so-called free dental which is very poor coverage along with some vision and hearing coverage and they may throw in a few other perks. What they do is they take more of your money when you get sick. So don't fall for these. If she has a supplement plan and is healthy enough, we could potentially savor some money by going with another company. Contact me.
Gary Henderson

Mary Brown · Answer

List your doctors, write down their names, specialties, and ZIP codes.
Use the plan’s “Find a Doctor” tool , every company (Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Wellcare, Cigna, etc.) has one on its website.
Call the office and confirm they accept that exact Medicare Advantage plan you’re interested in enrolling in.
Contact a local licensed agent like Mary at Ardent-Liz Insurance for free, personalized help comparing plans and making sure your doctors and prescriptions are covered.

Andrew Kramer · Answer

First, never listen to friends. Are they insurance agents? Nope. Find a trusted and local agent, not out-of-state. That agent will ask for her Dr's and can check the various plans to see which, if any, accept all her Dr's.

Carol Thompson · Answer

Each insurance carrier has a network- I would advise your mom to consult with a broker who’s contracted with many plans. He or she can review the network to see if you drs are contracted with those plans. Hope this helps!!

Todd Bostic · Answer

If she switches to a PPO, she will be able to keep her doctors, but an HMO, she will need to double check to make sure that the plan accepts her doctors.  Not all HMO's accept every doctor.  My advice is to double check with the doctor to make sure that they accept the plan.

Mike Henry · Answer

Ask the agent.  The company or your Dr’s office.   If the Dr isn’t available under the new plan you might want to reconsider. Either stay with your current plan or find a different advantage plan your Dr does accept

Jack Mayer · Answer

Do not take what your friends say to heart, everybody's situation is different and many people prefer a Medicare supplement policy because there's no network associated with these plans and you know up front what your cost will be. A plan g will allow you to see any provider that accepts Medicare and cover 100% of your hospital and medical bills and the only out-of-pocket would be your part B deductible which is nominal

Jennifer Kalbach · Answer

If your mom is in KY contact me as I would like to take a comprehensive look into the plan she is on versus moving to a MA plan.  With a supplement, there is no network so you can see any doctor that takes Medicare insurance.  With MA there is a network and quite frankly, a doctor can chose to leave the network so there is no promise or guarantee on that.

Carol Conner · Answer

I’d be happy to help you with that, but each person situation is unique and some people benefit a bit more from a supplement original Medicare and some people benefit more from the Medicare advantage plan just depends on your needs and affordability

Pat Papson · Answer

I can certainly understand wanting to find a different plan.

It is so easy for me to make sure your Physician takes the new plan.

Karen Ansell · Answer

You can go to the insurance plans website and check to see if her doctors are in network. 
I would always advise to work with a broker who can check all the plans in her area. This will save you time and you will have a professional to assist you in finding the best benefits and large network of providers.

Jaye Maxx Alexander II · Answer

Medicare advantage plans have there benefits ,but it may not be the best plan for your mother overall. You must check that all her PCP - Primary Care Physician and her specialist are in the network. Keep in mind that they may also leave the network at any time . You must also make sure that the plan will fit your mother lifestyle. Your agent if they are truly a professional will check each and every doctor to make sure they accept the plan and the co-payments if any .

Mel Stevens · Answer

Medicare Advantage can be a very good option for insureds.   If there are primary care providers or specialists that are critical to your personal care, then it's a good idea to verify that docs and facilities that you like are in network.  Plans vary in network sizes.  Some insurance companies have very large networks and others have less docs and coverage available.  Always be very careful because even within the same insurance company, doctors and facilities in network can vary greatly.

Tamela Clayton · Answer

Check to see which Medicare Advantage plans are available in your mom's area using her zip code.  Then look at each plan's provider directory to see if her doctor is in network.  Also check the plans formulary (the list of covered medications) to make sure her prescriptions are covered.

Charles Borg · Answer

The best advice is don’t do it. There are lots of restrictions on Advantage plans that don’t exist on regular Medicare.

Brent Mowery · Answer

Before your mom is swayed by her friends, she needs to speak to a reputable broker. Her friends are not licensed agents. Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare are two different ways to insure yourself. There are benefits and limitations. Because her friends say that Advantage is "better", here are a few questions to ask:

1. Why do you have any insurance coverage?   What is the purpose?

2. Are any of your friends sick and using their insurance coverage?

3. Do any of your friends know what the annual "maximum out of Pocket" is? 

"Managed Care" is different from Original Medicare. This is too important of a decision to not get accurate information.

Jim Willis · Answer

Part of the process of shopping for a Medicare advantage plan is to find a good agent who will check to make sure that all of your doctors are in the plan that you have chosen.
It’s far more likely her doctors are in the plan and available and more places than the current Insurance she has.

Ken Banks · Answer

Agents usually look all doctors to make sure they are in their network before switching plans. Make sure this is done first and no worries!

Robert Remin · Answer

Hello, Robert Remin, expert Medicare plan advisor, licensed and Medicare certified, and carrier certified in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Florida. If your mom wants to switch to an Advantage plan, the reason to do so is not because her friends say it's better. Never, ever change to a plan based on information from friends or a whole bunch of other people, including doctors, the doctor's office manager, or various advisors you may work with. Only work with someone that is a Medicare plan expert, certified by Medicare and the carriers they represent. This way, you have the opportunity to understand what all your options are. If I can assist you, we'll be glad to do so. Again, if you live in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, or Florida, please reach out to me.

Glenn Alterman · Answer

Unless there’s a financial reason to get a no premium or low cost MAPD plan,  I would encourage her to stay on her med supp plan as all doctors accepting Medicare are in network and in an MAPD network, this may not be the case.  She can contact me and I will help

Jami Mead · Answer

The best way to check coverage for your doctors and medications is to review them with a trusted advisor. However, you can go on to medicare.gov type in your doctors, prescriptions, and Facilities to see who would be in network and plans available for what you're looking for. I am always available to speak with you over these options and sit down to review what you have versus what you could have.

James Wareheim · Answer

Keeping your doctors is very important.  One way of checking is ask your doctor if they accept Medicare Advantage, which carriers and are they HMO's or PPO's.  Another way is to go on the carriers website and search.  This can be complicated and frustrating.  I away's get my clients doctor information and research it for them.  If your mom has an agent my recommendation is to contact the agent and get their help.

Adam Morillo · Answer

Most agents can search the Medicare Advantage provider networks and ensure they are accepted, but it's always best to review if with an agent to ensure she is making the best choice for her. Everyone's needs are different!

Amy Jones · Answer

Before signing up with a plan, you can go to the carrier’s website or Medicare.gov and search for doctors, and find plans that accept the specific doctors you want. If none of that carrier’s plans accept the doctor, you may need to look at a different carrier. You can also call the doctors office directly to ask which plans they accept before signing up or to ask if they accept a specific plan. If you have an insurance agent, you can ask them to search the doctors for you before signing up for a plan, and you can also choose a PPO plan that will cover doctors out of network as long as the doctor accepts the plan, but a PPO typically charges a higher copay when out of network doctors are used.

Bruce Resnick · Answer

There's a few ways to check. Look them up on the Medicare. gov website, directly contact a plan sponsor company, or contact a local licensed agent.

Claudia Englert · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans have HMO's and PPO's.  With an HMO you use in network doctors, but normally I can find a plan where all of your doctors are in the network with the lowest cost for your outpatient prescription drugs. If not, you can go with a PPO plan where you can go out of network for a little higher co-pay.  Medicare Advantage plans have a lot of benefits you don't have with a Medicare Supplement and a maximum out of pocket that you don't have with a Medicare Supplement. If you're in Ohio, I can do an analysis for you where I use a special software program to figure it all out for you.  The Medicare.gov website isn't nearly as accurate and much more difficult than having an Agent/Broker to figure it all out for you as that is what we specialize in.

Charlie Fitzgerald · Answer

A Licensed Agent with Medicare certification can check to see if her doctor is available to her.  All plans have different parameters.

Robin Duffey · Answer

Whenever a Medicare agent (independant one for sure as they are not contracted with just one carrier) must review all doctors and medications, hospitals and any other concerns the potential member needs done and then after researching all carriers and plans they will reach back out to your mother, and it is always nice to have you or a family member there as well, to discuss all her options.  Our job is to do all we can, that is available, to help your mother with the right / best choice for her at the time.  robin

Robert Evans · Answer

When discussing it with an agent that should be one of the first things they check. Ensure all of her doctors are in network. This includes Primary Care Physician and any specialist she may see.

Jamie Blake · Answer

To check if a doctor is in your Medicare Advantage plan's network, visit the plan's website or call their member services for a provider directory. You can also call your doctor's office directly to ask if they participate in the specific Medicare Advantage plan you're considering.

Dennis Sullivan · Answer

The best way to check for doctors in a specific network is to reach out to an agent who will go into his or her portal and verify.  Always a good idea to follow-up with the doctors office as well.

Tonya Mowan · Answer

Your mom is smart to be concerned. Depending on her needs and wants for her coverage it will make the deciding factor. I would advise you to talk to a local licensed agent to go over her options to determine the pros and cons of changing coverage. Each person's needs are unique to their situation and what is best for her friends may not be a fit for her.

Michael Gilman · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans use networks, and each plan can be different. One plan from the same company may include her doctor, while another plan from the same company may not.

This is exactly why it helps to meet with an agent like me who takes the time to learn her situation. When someone understands her doctors, medications, and comfort level, they can compare plans side‑by‑side and show which ones keep her doctors — and which ones don’t. It turns a scary decision into a clear one.

Humara Riaz · Answer

Each MA plan (often from private insurers like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, etc.) will have a website where you can:

Use a “Find a Doctor” tool.

Search by provider name and specialty to confirm if they’re in-network.

You can also call the insurance company directly and ask if specific doctors are in-network for a particular plan.

4. Ask the doctors’ offices.
Call your mom’s doctors and ask:

“Do you accept [Plan Name] Medicare Advantage plan for next year?”

Christopher Akers · Answer

An agent or broker can search in their quoting portal or go to the carriers portal directly to verify. You can also verify by checking the doctors website, calling the doctors billing department and calling the insurance carrier direct.

Diana Muhammad · Answer

Your mom need not worry.   Each Plac, Carrier, have the ability to verify providers and prescription drugs on their website.   These tools help in the decision-making of choice.  You may also go to Medicare. Gov and research.   If I can be of assistance,  please advise.

Diana Muhammad 
Broker/Agent.

Tosha Morell · Answer

If you contact my office, I can check this for you. Please have the following information ready:

Her Medicare number

Part A and Part B effective dates

Medicaid number (if available)

Names of her doctors

Any prescriptions she is taking

Tosha, Licensed Agent

Daniel Keane · Answer

You should consult a Medicare professional. I can look up your mom’s drs, prescriptions and hospitals to make sure she would be covered.

Maurice Ellis · Answer

To see if your mom's doctors are in a Medicare Advantage plan's network, she can either directly check the plan's website, call the plan, or use Medicare's online tool. It's crucial to verify if her doctors are in-network because Medicare Advantage plans often have restricted provider networks. If her doctors are not in-network, she'll need to consider whether the plan allows out-of-network care and what the associated costs would be.

LaShonda Smith · Answer

She contacted me and we can research together. Honestly, it is always great just to call her current doctor and ask what plans he or she will accept

Lori Crivelli · Answer

I would advise to work with a licensed agent.  The agent can determine if your mom's doctors are on the Medicare Advantage plan she is considering.  If they are not, the agent can help to find a plan that the doctors are on.  If the doctors are located in different cities, finding a Medicare Advantage plan that allows all of her doctors may be difficult or impossible.

Glenn Virga · Answer

Yes you can check. Many times the agent that is selling the plan can look up all of her doctors or the plan itself can look it them up. I would make sure that you look at all factors before joining a Med Adv plan. Every service will now have a copay and you have a max out of pocket to worry about. Traveling can be an issue also. look at the plan outline or evidence of coverage to find those answers. Contacting an agent can be very beneficial for all of these needs.

Kyra Baldwin · Answer

If checking yourself, you can go to the Carriers website and search providers from there. However, it is recommended to use an agent to help with this. If you provide them with the list of current doctors they can make sure you find a plan that participates with them.

Kim Acacio · Answer

Meet with a Licensed Agent in your area, remember, there is never a fee to meet with an agent.  That agent will ask for a list of your doctors and medications, and compare them to the plans available in your area.  Together you review the plans, benefits and network of doctors to find a good fit for you.

Darko Bozic · Answer

Before switching you need to make sure that her doctors are in the new network. Every Advantage plan requires you to ise the providers in their network and you can go to the insurance company's website and use their search tool to see if her doctors are in network.

Rosanne Thompson · Answer

When looking for a Medical Advantage plan. One thing to check before choosing a plan is to make sure all doctors and medications are covered by the plan. This is part of the quoting process.

Adriana De la Cruz · Answer

That's a great question! It's definitely important to make sure your mom can keep seeing her doctors. Give me a call, and we can check the plan's network together to see if her current doctors are included. We can also explore other options to ensure she gets the coverage she needs while keeping her preferred doctors.

Amanda Holder · Answer

The way you can check to see if her current doctors are in the network of providers for the carrier that she's looking to switch to, she can reach out to the carrier who has the plan and ask for them to verify the providers name and information is contracted with that carrier. She can do this before she makes a plan change.

Troy Albrecht · Answer

Go to the carrier's Find a Doctor Tool, enter the zip code and plan, then search each doctor.

You can usually get to this easily by simply Googling "[Carrier] Find a Doctor Tool" but be sure that you are selecting a link on that carrier's official website.

Michael Pane · Answer

You can review the Medicare Advantage plan's provider network on the carrier's website to see if her providers participate in network.

Mary Rivera · Answer

You can check if your mom’s doctors are in network by calling the doctor’s office directly or using the plan’s online provider search tool. It’s important to confirm before switching, since Medicare Advantage plans usually require staying within their provider network.

Tim Measures · Answer

Lots of benefits.. Would it be ok to call you tomorrow to discuss? Would love to help your Mom navigate through the sometimes confusing Medicare world.

Otumdi Omekara · Answer

Here’s how you and your mom can check if her doctors are covered before switching:

Step 1: Get a List of Her Current Providers

Write down every primary care doctor, specialist, hospital, and clinic she wants to keep.

Include her pharmacy too, since some MA plans restrict those.

Step 2: Check Each Plan’s Provider Directory

Every Medicare Advantage plan has an online provider search tool.

Go to the insurance company’s website, search by doctor’s name or facility, and confirm they’re “in-network.”

Call the doctor’s office directly and ask: “Do you accept [Plan Name Medicare Advantage] for the coming year?” (sometimes the websites are outdated).

Step 3: Check Prescription Coverage (Important!)

Use Medicare’s Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov
 to enter her medications.

This shows which plans cover them, and at what cost.

Step 4: Compare Out-of-Network Rules

Some MA plans are HMO (only in-network, very restrictive).

Others are PPO (can see out-of-network doctors, but at higher cost).

If her doctors aren’t in-network, she could face much higher bills — or be unable to see them at all.

Step 5: Talk to a Licensed Medicare Agent

An agent can screen all the local Advantage plans at once, instead of you checking each one individually.

They’ll tell you up front if a doctor or hospital drops out of a plan (which sometimes happens mid-year).

 Key Caution:
Once she switches to Medicare Advantage, if she later wants to go back to Original Medicare with a Medigap supplement, she may face medical underwriting and be denied supplemental coverage in most states (unless she qualifies for a special trial right).

My advice: Confirm her doctors and meds before signing anything. Don’t rely only on what friends say, because the best plan for one person may not fit another.

Hollie Hittner · Answer

Each carrier has a provider tool to verify they will accept the plan. I would suggest connecting with an independent Agent, they can check across all the plans for your mom.

Marshall Orenic · Answer

All plans have tools to check what plans doctors accept.  It's easy to find, but I'd love to help in any way needed!

Al Bernotas · Answer

Your mom is right to be concerned. You can help her by gathering a list of her current doctors and verifying each with the Medicare Advantage plan she is thinking of joining. Be aware that doctors can leave a network throughout the year. Usually, the networks are pretty stable, but there is always the chance that one of her doctors goes out of network.

Terri Curcio · Answer

Your Mom should visit a local insurance agent... ask for referrals from her friends.   As an insurance agent, each of the insurance carriers I work with provides a link through which I can check if a doctor is participating in their network or not.  

Doctors/facilities usually don't accept only one type of insurance; they need financial resources to keep their doors open.    Also, your Mom can review page 78 in the Medicare and You 2025 booklet. Medicare Supplement (GAP) members are given a 12-month look period in which to try a Medicare Advantage plan.

Britania James · Answer

As an agent, I can check the providers that are in-network with that specific plan. Each carrier also has an online search tool that allows members and prospective members to see which providers are in-network.

Nydia Flores · Answer

Hello 
Your insurance agent should be able to check if her doctors participate with any plan she is concerning.  She should also make sure her prescriptions will be covered. 

Thank you
Nydia Flores

Veronique Kasbarian · Answer

Speaking with a Licensed agent is so important and to better advise, her friends needs & qualifications could be different from hers ,

Alyssa Scripter · Answer

You can go to Medicare.gov and shop plans to view the Medicare advantage options. Once you select plan details, you’ll find the direct website for the carrier. Once their website under find a provider to search or the doctors in network. You could always verify by calling her doctor's office and asking if they accept the plan. I’m available to check for you please contact me.

Karen Manning · Answer

Any website that has Medicare advantage plans whether it’s amAnthem, Aetna, Humana or United Healthcare all have a look up to see if the doctor is in network with that particular plan so it’s an easy look up and as long as the doctor is in network, there shouldn’t be any issue changing over to that Medicare advantage plan and keeping that doctor as the primary care doctor or specialist.

Josie Villa · Answer

I can help her switch. I would need her ZIP code and the doctors' names to confirm which plan is in the network.

Mark Shipman · Answer

The plan you are considering has a search tool on their website to check that information to make sure they are in network for next year.

Austyn Harris · Answer

You can check that on somewhere like medicar.gov. I would highly recommend that you meet with an agent and verify your doctors along with the pros and cons of your plan versus a Medicare Advantage plan.

Ida Lipnicky-LaCorte · Answer

Work with an independent agent and have them shop for a plan/s that includes her doctors and prescriptions.

Edward Fisher · Answer

That's an easy one. It's the agent's job to make sure the Advantage plan being considered is accepted by her current doctors. Every carrier provides access to its roster of "in network" providers.

Remember: If the plan is an HMO, you must go to an in-network doctor or they won't pay. If the plan is a PPO, you can go outside the network, but you will pay a higher co-pay.

As always, your individual situation determines the best way to go.

Brittany Garrison · Answer

People often HEAR that Medicare Advantage is better because of all of the perks it has included in it but what will really matter for your mom is the doctors that she trusts being in network. 

Here's how to check:
1) Get the EXACT name of the Medicare Advantage plan she's looking into
2) Go to the insurance companys provider directory (they're all online) 
3) Search each of the doctors names 
4) Confirm they're in the network for that specific plan and network.

Medicare isn't one size fits all!