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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Timothy Brown · Answer

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

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.

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.

Answered by Mel Stevens on April 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Mel Stevens 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.

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.

Answered by Darko Bozic on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Darko Bozic Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

Answered by Britania James on April 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in AL, CA, FL & 7 other states

Answered by Britania James Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

Veronique Kasbarian · Answer

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

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?

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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?

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