What's an underrated benefit of Original Medicare that many people overlook?

Question

Linda Bolan · Accepted Answer

The most underrated benefit of Original Medicare is freedom of choice. With Original Medicare you can see any provider as long as they take Medicare. no referrals are needed and it travels well. The coverage is Nation wide.

Answered by Linda Bolan on March 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN

Answered by Linda Bolan Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

If you are only on original Medicare, with or without a Gap plan, you can see any doctor, anywhere that accepts Medicare for medical reasons.

Charise Karjala · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/whats-an-underrated-benefit-of-original-medicare-that-many-people-overlook#charise-karjala

Brian Krantz · Answer

Freedom to see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare — no networks, no referrals. That kind of flexibility is easy to take for granted until you really need it.

Robert Pennington · Answer

The fact that don’t have copays when using their Plan.

Bill Green · Answer

An underrated benefit of Original Medicare is the flexibility to see any doctor or specialist in the U.S. who accepts Medicare, without needing referrals or staying in a network. This level of access is especially valuable for snowbirds, frequent travelers, or anyone wanting care at top hospitals across the country. But what many people overlook is that while the access is great, Original Medicare only covers 80% of approved services, and there's no cap on what you pay out of pocket. That means you're potentially responsible for an unlimited 20% of the costs unless you add a Supplement (Medigap) plan. For people who want both freedom and predictable costs, pairing Original Medicare with a Supplement can be a smart move. It’s not ideal for everyone, but for those who value nationwide access and lower financial risk, it’s definitely worth considering.

Answered by Bill Green on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 19 other states

Answered by Bill Green Medicare Insurance Agent

Jay Larshus · Answer

Original Medicare does not have any Network restrictions.  Cost of Original Medicare is often less expensive then what individuals were paying prior to Medicare elgibility.

Karen Boudreaux · Answer

Just having to pay a premium and no copays. And  you can  go to any doctor and hospital that takes Medicare.

Tyler Dalton · Answer

Most poeple would say the number one feature of original medicare is choosing your own doctor... which I agree is incredilbly important. 

But here’s something nobody talks about.

Home health and skilled nursing coverage that actually works.

Not just a flashy promise. 

Real help. 
Wound care, physical therapy, recovery support. 

If your doctor says you need it and you meet the rules, it’s covered. 

No begging for approval. No waiting on hold. No network games.

Same with rehab after a hospital stay. 

Original Medicare doesn’t nickel and dime your recovery.

It’s not flashy, but when you’re coming out of surgery or caring for a loved one, this kind of support matters. 

And most folks don’t realize it until they’re already in the thick of it.

By then, switching plans might not even be an option.

David Rubinstein · Answer

Original Medicare isn’t really subject to networking questions or issues like some other insurances are. There’s not really any restrictions in that sense. It’s easy to travel with in the US, it’s portable from one location to another.

Answered by David Rubinstein on March 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, FL, MD & 7 other states

Answered by David Rubinstein Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Mental health coverage is one of the lesser known benefits of Medicare. Yet, there
are folks who don't realize that there is coverage. When one sees a psychologist, it would be advisable to ask her/him if there is anything they can add to their visits that would complement them through the Medicare system at no added costs? Depending on the plan they picked up at age 65, additional counseling can be very helpful.

Gregg Matheny · Answer

The ability to go anywhere that Medicare is accepted is a huge benefit of original Medicare. Another underrated benefit is that if you have worked for more than 40 Quarters then Medicare part A is premium free.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Pyers · Answer

No network on Medicare you can see any healthcare provider as long as they accept Medicare. With an Advantage Plan you have a network of doctors. If you have an HMO, you can only see the Doctors on the Plan or you pay then entire bill.

Answered by Michael Pyers on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH & MI

Answered by Michael Pyers Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Peck · Answer

You can go anywhere in the country to be taken care of. The doctor only needs to accept medicare, which about 98% take medicare. So no worries about being in the network or if they will accept your insurance.

Answered by Joseph Peck on May 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in MI, AL, CO, KS & TN

Answered by Joseph Peck Medicare Insurance Agent

Julie Joyce · Answer

FREEDOM of network!  You can take it anywhere in the US that accepts Medicare.  It will work in another state the same way it works in your home town.

Alicia Hoilman · Answer

I think many people forget that referrals and pre-authorizations are not required with Original Medicare. This makes for an easier, more efficient way of doing business for the medical staff and the patient. It can eliminate a potential headache while anxiously waiting to see if you are approved to see a specific specialist you would like to see or have a surgery you were recommended to have. Less red tape makes for an easier use of your benefits.

Answered by Alicia Hoilman on June 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, DE, FL & MD

Answered by Alicia Hoilman Medicare Insurance Agent

Ryan Raphael · Answer

I would say one of the most underrated benefits of original Medicare is a person can see any doctor in the country that accepts Medicare.

Karen Marriner · Answer

The rehabilitation/skilled nursing benefit. On Original Medicare, you can choose your rehab center (which is highly preferable to being told by an Advantage Plan which facilities are in-network). Additionally, Original Medicare will pay all costs for the first 100 days, which is far better than Advantage plans which typically only pay for the first 20 days and then charge a copay of over $200/day.

Answered by Karen Marriner on March 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Karen Marriner Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Brauer · Answer

Probably the most underrated benefit of Medicare is the Annual Wellness Visit which can also include "end-of-life" care planning and assistance in completing the Advanced Directive

Marcie Barnes · Answer

Original Medicare is basically hospital and medical coverage.  That's not any special about the coverage.  Adding a Medicare Advantage gives you additional coverage

Glenn Alterman · Answer

There will be no bills after your yearly deductible and you can go to any doctor in the country who accepts original Medicare without a referral 

If you have specific questions please call me at 800-891-5151 toll free

Andre Cabral · Answer

It's freedom to choose your health care providers without a referral or prior authorization for procedures, exams, etc, as long as they accept Medicare and the medical needs are covered by the Original Medicare.

Answered by Andre Cabral on April 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in NJ

Answered by Andre Cabral Medicare Insurance Agent

Mitchell Nunn · Answer

The national network of Medicare is the greatest benefit of Original Medicare. People don’t realize this until you really need to go to a specific well known specialist, but when it comes down to the wire you want to be able to go wherever you can to receive the best care.

Answered by Mitchell Nunn on June 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, MA & NC

Answered by Mitchell Nunn Medicare Insurance Agent

Justin Hundley · Answer

An underrated benefit of Original Medicare is the flexibility to see any doctor that accepts Medicare. This gives you the freedom to see any doctor or specialist that participates with Medicare. This could be different if you are enrolled in a Medicare advantage plan however, so it is important that you work with a licensed Medicare agent to understand your options.

Answered by Justin Hundley on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in WV, FL, KY, OH & VA

Answered by Justin Hundley Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Pane · Answer

Hospice Care and Ambulance Rides. Many people do not know that Emergency Medical Transportation is covered under Original Medicare. Additionally, Hospice Care for End-of Life is covered under Part A.

Raymond Arce · Answer

Flexibility-Original Medicare has an open network, you can any doctor or provider you wish, as along as they accept Medicare.

What's an underrated benefit of Original Medicare that many people overlook?

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What's an underrated benefit of Original Medicare that many people overlook?

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Related Questions

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