Contrary to the myth that many doctors don't accept Medicare, 99% of non-pediatric physicians actually do accept Medicare. And for those that don't, there are other plans available to help fill in the gap.
Doctors who don’t accept Medicare can charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-accepted amount. As a Medicare beneficiary, there are certain tools at your disposal to be sure you’re choosing the providers who will cost you the least amount of money out of pocket.
Medicare.gov Care Compare Tool
You can find doctors near you who accept Medicare and avoid paying Part B excess charges by using the Medicare.gov Care Compare tool . Add filters to narrow down your search to Medicare-accepting providers by specialty in your area and network.
Using your location and selected provider type, the Care Compare tool searches a database of doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, inpatient rehab facilities and more. The results will give you details like quality ratings and cost estimates.
The tool allows you to save and compare your favorite providers, so you can decide which offers exactly what you need.
Medicare Supplement Plans To Avoid Excess Charges
If you use a physician who doesn’t accept Medicare, you should be aware that the maximum 15% in excess charges won’t count toward your Part B deductible, and you’ll still be responsible for the Part B 20% coinsurance.
Two Medicare Supplement plans can help offset excess charges:
If you already have Medicare Supplement Plan F, you’re covered for excess charges. But beneficiaries new to Medicare after Jan. 1, 2020, can’t purchase this plan.
In that case, Medicare Supplement Plan G
If you have Original Medicare, you can buy Medigap Plan G to avoid Part B excess charges. Call Senior Healthcare Direct to shop Medicare Supplement plans at 1-833-463-3262, TTY 711 or get your quote.
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