My doctor is not in my Medicare Advantage plan. What can I do?

First, check that it is true. Then look at your choices. You may be able to change plans, and some changes have deadlines.

Last reviewed: November 11, 2026.

Step 1: Check before you worry

Call your doctor's office. Ask: "Are you in network for my plan, by name, for this year?"
Call your plan. Use the member services number on your plan card. Ask the same question.
Write down who you spoke to, the date and the answer. Keep any letters.

Step 2: Ask your plan what it will cover

In an HMO plan, care outside the network is usually not covered, except emergencies and urgent care.
In a PPO plan, you can usually see doctors outside the network, but you pay more.
Ask the plan to name in-network doctors who do the same kind of care, near you.

Step 3: Know your chances to change plans

Annual Enrollment (October 15 to December 7): Anyone can change plans for any reason. The new plan starts January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 to March 31): If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make one change: to another Medicare Advantage plan, or back to Original Medicare (and add a Part D drug plan).
Plan Finder showed the wrong network (2026): Medicare set up a special chance to change plans in 2026 for people who chose a Medicare Advantage plan through the Plan Finder on Medicare.gov, based on doctor information that turned out to be wrong. Your plan had to start between January 1 and December 1, 2026, and you must act within 3 months of the start date. Only 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048) can use it for you. As of November 11, 2026, we have not found that Medicare has offered this for 2027. Ask 1-800-MEDICARE if this applies to you.
Other special situations: Moving, losing other coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid or Extra Help can also open a chance to change. Call us and we check what applies to you.

Thinking about going back to Original Medicare?

Original Medicare lets you see any doctor who takes Medicare. But a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan may ask health questions or cost more, unless you have a special right. Read Medicare trial rights before you decide, or call us.

Next time, check first

Before you pick any plan, list your doctors and prescriptions. Use our doctor and drug list. We check every name before any enrollment.

Call 1-866-340-3441 Pick a time (opens in a new tab)

Sources: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, "New Special Election Period for Incorrect Provider Information in Medicare Plan Finder" (March 2026); Medicare.gov enrollment periods.