Medicare Parts A and B provide essential hospital and medical coverage. Part D is designated for prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans can combine some or all of these parts into a single plan offered by private insurers.
Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, help fill the gaps left by Original Medicare. These plans cover out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. One specific type of Medigap plan is Medicare SELECT.
Explain Medicare SELECT
Medicare SELECT is a Medigap policy that limits your choice of local hospitals and doctors. By restricting the provider network, SELECT plans can negotiate lower rates, often resulting in more affordable premiums.
Like other Medigap plans, Medicare SELECT helps cover costs Original Medicare doesn’t, such as:
- Medicare Part A deductible for inpatient care ($1,632 per benefit period in 2025)
- Coinsurance payments for Parts A and B
- Hospital costs for up to 365 days beyond Original Medicare
- First three pints of blood
- Foreign travel emergency coverage
How Medicare SELECT Differs
Medicare SELECT covers the same benefits as the standard version of the plan letter. For example, SELECT Plan G offers the same out-of-pocket protection as standard Plan G. The difference is provider access: SELECT plans limit you to in-network hospitals and doctors.
Other restrictions may include:
- Coverage only at network hospitals and facilities (except emergencies)
- Possible referral requirements from a primary care doctor for specialist visits
- Availability limited to specific regions and insurers
Out-of-network care is usually not covered. If you visit a provider outside the SELECT network, you may be responsible for the 20% of Medicare Part B costs and other expenses not covered by Original Medicare.
Pros and Cons of Medicare SELECT
The biggest advantage is cost savings. Premiums may be significantly lower — sometimes by $10 to several hundred dollars per month — compared to standard Medigap plans.
The main drawback is limited provider choice. For example, if you need advanced cardiac or dementia care and your preferred hospital is out of network, you may face higher costs or have to switch providers.
Who Offers Medicare SELECT?
Medicare SELECT plans are offered by private insurers, but not in every state. Each company decides where to sell them and which hospitals are included in the network. Coverage details vary by region and insurer.
To see options in your area, browse state-specific Medigap plans or use our Medigap policy finder.
Enrollment Rules
The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan, including SELECT, is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts when you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this window, you have a guaranteed issue right — insurers cannot deny coverage or charge more due to health conditions.
You may also cancel a Medicare SELECT plan within 12 months of first enrolling if you decide it is not right for you.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing
- Can you afford a Medicare Supplement plan, including SELECT?
- Do the SELECT plans in your area cover the services you need?
- Do the savings outweigh the loss of provider choice?
Next Steps
Considering Medicare SELECT? Compare options with standard Medigap plans to decide if the savings are worth the network limitations. A licensed insurance agent can help you review premiums, benefits, and provider networks in your area.