What to Look for in a Medicare Healthcare Provider

Medicare provides great coverage for a lot of necessary medical services; one of the other great things about it is that it also covers most doctors. The question, then, is how to choose a Medicare provider who is right for you. Whether you are new to Medicare and need a doctor, or are looking to change providers, there are some important things to consider. Otherwise, you could not only get stuck with a doctor who doesn’t suit your needs or who you don’t get along with, but with an unexpected bill as well. 

clipboard with information on it and a medical cross
First you will want to make sure your doctor is licensed and accepts Medicare.

Are They Licensed & Qualified?

If you like your current doctor, great! But if you are looking for a new doctor, or are new to Medicare and are looking for an approved provider, the first thing you will want to do when checking out providers is to make sure they are licensed and qualified to handle your specific needs. Ask the provider how they would coordinate your care and what services they offer. 

Do They Accept Medicare?

As a Medicare beneficiary, you can receive care from any doctor and hospital that accepts Medicare, so the next thing you will need to make sure of is that they accept Medicare assignments. This is just as important as knowing what services they provide, because if they don’t accept Medicare, all of their fees will come solely out of your pocket. 

How Much Will Medical Services Cost You?

Again, Medicare is great, but the coverage it provides is not actually free, unfortunately, You will have monthly premiums and copays to pay, as well as deductibles to meet. Not only that, but with Medicare Part B, you will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount of services. It’s important to remember that some doctors – especially specialists – will charge more than others, so you should check how much the provider you are looking into charges for their services. 

Are They Easily Accessible?

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to get an appointment with a doctor who is constantly booked for weeks on out. Before choosing a provider, take a look at their reviews online, paying special attention to what people say about their accessibility and wait times. 

scheduling calendar
Make sure that you can get in to see the doctor and they aren’t booked all of the time or too far away.

In addition, make sure the doctor’s office is close to where you live, so it won’t be a hassle to get to them, or a long drive to each appointment.

Your doctor is an important part of your care plan as you get older. You want to make sure that you have someone who listens to you, will give you the card you need, and will not cost a fortune. Make sure to do some research before choosing a Medicare provider, and remember that, although Medicare will cover the majority of costs when you seek medical services, it doesn’t cover everything. 

So if you need help covering your 20% coinsurance, consider a Medicare Supplement Plan. Medicare Supplement Plans can cover your Part A deductible, and coinsurance costs, as well as your Medicare Part B copayment, coinsurance, and deductible. There are 10 different plans to choose from, and depending on which plan you choose, you could get anywhere from 75% coverage of your medical expenses, all the way up to 100%. Each plan offers a range of coverage at different price points.

EZ can compare all 10 Medicare Supplement Plans and find the one that will meet your financial and medical needs. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, which makes comparing plans easy, quick, and free – our services come at no cost to you because we just want to help you save money so you can focus on your health. To get free instant quotes on plans that cover your doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.