Which health insurance network does Medicare use?

Dear Toni: In September, I retired at age 70, and my Medicare Part B begins Dec. 1. I will no longer have employer health insurance, but one option I have is COBRA. I do have health issues, which is why I retired. My cardiologist informed me last week that the only thing that will improve my health is having heart surgery.

I would like to know what Medicare’s health network is so I can make sure that all of my doctors are in it. I’m confused about which Medicare option to enroll in and cannot lose my cardiologist.

Should I enroll in Medicare’s network with a Medicare supplement, go with a Medicare Advantage plan or stay with my current COBRA plan until it ends in about 18 months? — Kellie, Dallas

Dear Kellie: Since you are retired and are enrolled in Medicare with your Part B beginning Dec. 1, I have good news for you. There is no network of hospitals, doctors or any other medical providers for original Medicare. You will be completely in charge of your Medicare.

You do not have to worry about finding a network provider because almost all providers accept Medicare and it’s available nationwide. Your Medicare adventure is beginning Dec. 1, and your concern about your health issues will be taken care of because you will be in your Medicare supplement/Medigap open enrollment period. This means you can enroll in a supplemental Medicare policy without having to answer any underwriting questions for the next six months.

This is the best time for to purchase a Medicare supplement, and the six-month window began the first day of the month in which you enrolled in Medicare Part B for the first time, like you have done retiring at 70.

My advice would be not to enroll in the COBRA plan, because after you are enrolled in Medicare for six months, then you are out of the Medicare supplement open enrollment period and will have to answer health questions.

If you wanted to change from original Medicare with a supplement to a Medicare Advantage plan, the annual Oct. 15-Dec. 7 open enrollment period would be the time to make that switch.

Toni King writes about Medicare and health insurance issues. If you have a question, email [email protected] or call 832-519-8664.