Seeing doctors or other providers in a disaster or an emergency

If you have Original Medicare, you may always see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Some rules may change for an emergency or disaster area in certain instances—for example, you may be able to get Medicare-covered services at an airport from a military provider

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) or other Medicare health plan, contact your plan to see if it temporarily changes its rules during an emergency or disaster.

I have Original Medicare

• You may be able to see certain doctors or go to certain hospitals that accept Medicare patients, even if the doctor or hospital isn't in your plan's network and your health care need isn't an emergency. If you have problems using an out-of-network doctor or provider, contact your plan for help.
• You may not have to meet your plan's prior authorization rules for out-of-network services.
• If you usually pay more for out-of-network or out-of-area care, your plan may apply the in-network rate during the emergency or disaster period. If your plan agrees to apply the in-network rate and later on you go to an out-of-area or out-of-network provider and pay more for the service, save the receipt and ask your plan if it'll give you a refund for the difference.

I have a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan

Contact your plan for more information. Get your plan's contact information.