What Medicare Select Is
Medicare Select is a type of Medigap (supplemental insurance) plan that costs less than standard Medigap but requires you to use doctors and hospitals within a specific network. You pick from the same standardized Medigap plans — A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, or N — but the Select version of that plan will only pay its full benefit if you stay in-network. Out-of-network care is covered at a lower rate or not at all, depending on the plan.
The trade-off is straightforward: lower monthly premiums in exchange for less freedom to choose your providers. If you are willing to use the network doctors and hospitals your plan provides, Medicare Select can save you $50 to $150 per month compared to the same plan without network restrictions.
Medicare Select is sold by private insurance companies, just like standard Medigap. It is regulated by your state and must follow the same rules about what each plan letter covers — the only difference is the network requirement.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Select plans cost less than standard Medigap because they restrict you to in-network doctors and hospitals, though emergency care is covered anywhere.
- You choose the same plan letter (A through N) as you would with standard Medigap, but the Select version of that letter has a network attached.
- Out-of-network care is either not covered or covered at a reduced rate, so you need to check the network before you switch doctors or need a specialist.
- Medicare Select is available in most states but not all; availability and networks vary by insurance company and region.
- You can switch from Medicare Select to standard Medigap during open enrollment or if you move out of the service area, though you may face medical underwriting.
How Medicare Select Networks Work
Each Medicare Select plan has a list of doctors, specialists, and hospitals that are "in-network." When you use an in-network provider, the plan pays its full benefit — the same amount it would pay under the standard version of that plan letter. Your out-of-pocket cost is the same whether you use a network provider or not, as long as the provider is in the network.
If you go to an out-of-network doctor or hospital, the plan either pays nothing or pays a reduced amount. Some plans cover out-of-network emergency care at the full benefit level, but routine care, specialist visits, and planned procedures are not covered out-of-network. You will owe the full bill to the provider.
The network is managed by the insurance company that sells the plan. Networks vary by company and by region — a UnitedHealthcare Select plan in Ohio will have a different network than a Humana Select plan in the same area. Before you enroll, you should check whether your current doctors are in the network and whether the specialists you might need are available.
Medicare Select vs. Standard Medigap: The Cost and Coverage Difference
The main difference between Medicare Select and standard Medigap is price and flexibility. Standard Medigap plans have no network — you can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the country. Medicare Select plans cost less because they limit where you can go.
| Feature | Medicare Select | Standard Medigap |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Lower (typically $50–$150 less) | Higher |
| In-network care | Full coverage | Full coverage |
| Out-of-network care | Limited or no coverage | Full coverage |
| Doctor choice | Restricted to network | Any Medicare provider |
| Travel coverage | Only in-network areas | Nationwide |
The coverage for each plan letter (what the plan actually pays for) is identical between Medicare Select and standard Medigap. Plan G covers the same things whether you buy it as Select or standard. The difference is only in where you can use it.
Which States Offer Medicare Select
Medicare Select is not available in every state. It is sold in most states, but a few states do not allow it or have restricted it. Your state insurance commissioner's office or your State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) can tell you whether Medicare Select is available where you live.
Even in states where it is available, not every insurance company offers it, and not every plan letter is available as Select. For example, one company might offer Plan G Select but not Plan N Select. You will need to check with individual insurers to see what they sell in your area.
If you move to a state where Medicare Select is not available, or if you move out of your plan's service area, you have the right to switch to standard Medigap without medical underwriting. This is one of the few times you can switch Medigap plans without answering health questions.
When Medicare Select Makes Sense
Medicare Select works best if you have a regular doctor and specialists you are happy with, and those providers are in the network. If you rarely travel or move, and you do not anticipate needing care outside the service area, the lower premium can add up to real savings over time.
It also makes sense if you are price-sensitive and willing to accept the network restriction. The monthly savings can be $600 to $1,800 per year, which matters on a fixed income.
Medicare Select does not work well if you travel frequently, if you have specialists in multiple locations, or if you like the freedom to change doctors without worrying about coverage. It also may not work if your preferred providers are not in the network. Before you enroll, call the insurance company and verify that your doctors are listed.
How to Find and Compare Medicare Select Plans
Start by going to Medicare.gov and using the Plan Finder tool. Enter your doctors' names and check whether they appear in the networks of available Medicare Select plans. You can also call the insurance companies directly — most have customer service lines that can tell you whether a specific doctor is in-network.
Compare the monthly premiums of Medicare Select plans against standard Medigap plans for the same plan letter. Calculate the annual difference and ask yourself whether the savings are worth the network restriction for your situation. Remember that the premium is not the only cost — if you go out-of-network, you pay the full bill, which can be much more than the premium savings.
Your State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) offers free counseling to help you compare plans. You can find your local SHIP by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or visiting the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov.
Switching Away From Medicare Select
You can switch from Medicare Select to standard Medigap during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7). You can also switch if you move out of your plan's service area — in that case, you do not have to wait for open enrollment.
When you switch during open enrollment, the insurance company cannot deny you or charge you more based on your health. If you switch at other times, you may face medical underwriting, which means the company can ask about your health history and may refuse to cover certain conditions.
If you are unhappy with your Medicare Select plan, do not wait until open enrollment. Contact your State Health Insurance information Program to learn about your options and the best time to make a change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is emergency care covered out of network with Medicare Select?
Most Medicare Select plans cover emergency care at the full benefit level, even if the hospital is out of network. However, you should check your specific plan's rules before you enroll. Some plans define "emergency" narrowly, so read the details or call the insurance company to confirm.
Can I use Medicare Select if I travel a lot?
Medicare Select is not a good fit for frequent travelers. The plan only pays in-network, and the network is usually limited to a specific region or state. If you travel often or spend time in multiple locations, standard Medigap is a better choice because it covers care anywhere Medicare is accepted.
What happens if my doctor leaves the network?
If your doctor leaves the network, you will need to find an in-network replacement or switch to standard Medigap. Some plans allow you to switch outside of open enrollment if your doctor leaves the network, but this varies by state and plan. Contact your insurance company or SHIP to learn your options.
Do I need to get referrals with Medicare Select?
No. Medicare Select is not an HMO or PPO — it is a Medigap plan. You do not need referrals to see specialists, and you do not need to pick a primary care doctor. You just need to use in-network providers to get full coverage.
Can I switch from standard Medigap to Medicare Select?
Yes, but you may face medical underwriting if you switch outside of open enrollment. During open enrollment (October 15 to December 7), you can switch without health questions. At other times, the insurance company can ask about your health and may refuse coverage for certain conditions.