The short answer
Medicare SELECT is a type of Medicare Supplement that costs less than a standard Medigap plan in exchange for one condition: for non-emergency hospital care, you generally have to use hospitals in the plan's network. In every other way it works like a regular Medigap plan of the same letter.
So it's a way to get Medigap-style coverage for a lower premium, as long as you're comfortable using specific hospitals for planned care.
How it works
With a Medicare SELECT plan, emergencies are covered anywhere, but for scheduled hospital services you use the plan's network hospitals to get full coverage. In return, the premium is lower than the standard version of the same lettered plan. It's a middle ground between a full Medigap plan and the network restrictions of Medicare Advantage.
SELECT plans aren't available everywhere, and the network is about hospitals rather than every doctor. If you value the freedom of standard Medigap, that's the tradeoff you're weighing.
Who it fits
Medicare SELECT can fit people who live near a network hospital they're happy to use and want a lower premium than standard Medigap. It's less ideal for those who travel often or want complete freedom of hospital choice for planned care.
If a network condition for hospitals is acceptable to you, the savings can be worth it. Our side-by-side plan comparison and Medicare Supplement overview can help you weigh SELECT against standard Medigap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Medicare SELECT plan?
It's a Medicare Supplement that lowers your premium in exchange for using network hospitals for non-emergency care. Otherwise it works like a standard Medigap plan of the same letter.
Are emergencies covered on a Medicare SELECT plan?
Yes. Emergencies are covered anywhere. The network condition applies to scheduled, non-emergency hospital services.
Who should consider Medicare SELECT?
People who live near an acceptable network hospital and want a lower premium than standard Medigap. It fits less well for frequent travelers or those wanting full hospital freedom.
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