Over 90% of doctors nationwide accept Medicare, to match with the 96% of age-eligible Americans receiving Medicare benefits. However, that leaves over 9,000 physicians who have decided to opt out of Medicare, according to KFF
Doctors must enroll in Medicare's program to receive reimbursement for services they provide to Medicare beneficiaries. To do this, doctors must apply with a signed agreement stating that they accept the conditions and fees set by Medicare. Once certified, most doctors are obligated to accept all patients with Medicare insurance coverage.
There are several reasons why some doctors choose not to accept Medicare patients. One of the most common reasons is that they do not feel that the reimbursements provided by Medicare cover the costs associated with providing care for these patients. Additionally, some doctors may have concerns about the paperwork or bureaucracy that comes along with treating Medicare patients. Other doctors may simply be overwhelmed with the number of patients they already have and don’t want to take on additional Medicare beneficiaries.
Some of the highest opt-out rates are among psychiatrists. According to KFF, over 40% of the Medicare opt-outs are from the field of psychiatry. This could prove challenging if you are among the growing number of seniors seeking mental health
There are some doctors that refuse insurance altogether, preferring to be on-call for private citizens willing to pay a hefty fee. These are known as concierge doctors
If a doctor decides not to accept Medicare, then they will no longer be eligible for reimbursements from the program. However, this does not mean that these doctors cannot see Medicare patients. It simply means that the patient will need to pay out-of-pocket for any services they receive from this doctor and then submit a claim to Medicare for reimbursement. In some cases, doctors may also be fined or penalized for refusing to accept Medicare patients.
The best way to find a doctor who accepts Medicare is to use the "Find a Doctor" tool on Medicare's website. This tool allows you to search for doctors in your area who accept Medicare and meets other criteria, such as their specialty and language spoken. Additionally, many hospitals and healthcare facilities have lists of doctors who are participating providers with Medicare. You can also call your local Medicare office to get more information about finding a doctor who accepts Medicare.
If your doctor doesn't accept Medicare, you should ask them why they are not participating in the program. Your doctor may be able to offer alternative solutions that would make it possible for you to receive care from them while still receiving reimbursement from Medicare. If you receive care and they have opted-out of Medicare, you could be responsible for the full cost of the treatment out-of-pocket.
You can use the "Find a Doctor" tool on Medicare's website to search for doctors in your area who accept Medicare. You can also contact your local medical society or hospital to find a list of doctors who are participating providers with Medicare. Finally, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak with a representative and get more information on how to find doctors who accept Medicare.
A growing number of doctors may choose to opt-out of Medicare. For Medicare beneficiaries, it's important to make sure your doctor accepts Medicare. Otherwise, you could pay for your treatment out-of-pocket. For all your Medicare-related questions, talk with an expert at Fair Square Medicare
Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?
Nov 23, 2022
What is Plan J?
Jul 14, 2025
How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?
Mar 3, 2023
Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65
Mar 24, 2023
How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?
May 5, 2023
Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?
Nov 22, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?
Nov 28, 2022
Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?
Dec 19, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?
Dec 5, 2022
Explaining IRMAA on Medicare
Dec 21, 2022
Medicare Explained
Jan 3, 2022
Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors
Mar 23, 2023
How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?
Jan 25, 2023
Can I Change My Primary Care Provider with an Advantage Plan?
Aug 25, 2023
Gap Health Insurance: The Secret Sidekick to Your High-Deductible Plan
Jul 14, 2025
Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?
Nov 18, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?
Dec 1, 2022
How Much Does Medicare Cost?
Jul 25, 2022
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.
20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent
2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report
2025 Medicare Price Changes
Building the Future of Senior Healthcare
Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?
Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?
Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?
Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025
Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square
Denied Coverage? What to Do When Your Carrier Says No
Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?
Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?
Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?
Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?
Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?
Does Medicare Cover an FMT?
Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?
Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?
Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?
Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?
Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?
Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?
Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?
Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?
Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?
Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?
Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?
Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?
Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?
Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?
Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?
Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?
Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?
Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?
Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?
Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?
Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare
How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?
How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?
How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?
How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?
How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?
How to Compare Medigap Plans in 2025
How to Enroll in Social Security
Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?
Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?
Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?
Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?
Last Day to Change Your Medicare Part D Plan
Moving? Here’s What Happens to Your Medicare Coverage
Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs
Seeing the Value in Fair Square
Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?
The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make
What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?
What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?
What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued
What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare
What to Do When Your Doctor Leaves Your Network
What's the Deal with Flex Cards?
Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan
Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Will Medicare Cover it?
Get the Fair Square Bulletin
Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.
Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M
Fair Square Medicare