How to Find Kaiser Permanente In-Network Doctors

It’s commonplace for health insurance companies to use a network of participating providers to deliver covered care to plan members. But Kaiser Permanente’s unique business model brings the use of in-network doctors even further into play. 

Below we take a look at Kaiser Permanente’s in-network doctors, including why it’s important to use them and how to find them. 

If you’re looking for a Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan that accepts your doctor, or if you want to compare plans in your area and their coverage networks, costs, benefits and more, you can compare plans online or call to chat with a licensed insurance agent.

How Do I Find a Doctor in the Kaiser Permanente Medicare Network?

You can search for Kaiser Permanente in-network doctors and other providers using the Kaiser online provider search tool.

Start by selecting your region, and then search by provider type, location, plan type, name, specialty or by keyword.   

What Is a Kaiser Permanente In-Network Doctor?

Health insurance companies typically contract with doctors, hospitals and other health care professionals to create a network of providers who honor the terms of the given plan. 

Kaiser takes it a step further by actually owning its own hospitals and medical facilities which make up the Kaiser Permanente network. A Kaiser Permanente “in-network doctor” refers to a doctor who practices at a Kaiser-owned facility and can be used to refer to general doctors, nurses, specialists, lab technicians, pharmacists, suppliers and more.

Why Should I Visit a Kaiser Permanente Medicare Provider?

If you have a Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plan or other health plan, you’ll typically get the most out of your benefits by visiting in-network doctors. 

• With a Kaiser Permanente HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plan, you will be restricted to only seeing Kaiser Permanente in-network providers for covered care except for urgent or emergency care. 
  
  
• With Kaiser Permanente PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans, you’ll be able to receive care from out-of-network providers but will receive less coverage from your plan when doing so and will be responsible for higher out-of-pocket costs.

As with HMO plans, urgent and emergency care is again an exception and will be covered at the same rate whether administered inside or outside of the Kaiser Permanente network. 

Are Kaiser Permanente Medicare Plans Available in All 50 States?

Medicare Advantage plan availability, costs, benefits and other key details can vary from one location to another. Kaiser Permanente Medicare plans are only available in the following states:

• California
• Colorado
• District of Columbia
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Maryland
• Oregon
• Virginia
• Washington

If you do not live in one of the above states, you may not be able to enroll in a Kaiser plan or receive care from a Kaiser in-network doctor.

However, if you live in one of the above states and are enrolled in a Kaiser Permanente plan, you may use your coverage at a Kaiser in-network facility in any of the other above states for most services. Call Kaiser’s Away from Home Travel Line at 951-268-3900 to arrange for your care in another state. 

What If I Don’t Live in a State With Kaiser Permanente In-Network Doctors?

Whether you live in a state where Kaiser Permanente offers a Medicare Advantage plan or not, you can contact a licensed insurance agent to learn about plan options available where you live.  

A licensed agent can help you explore the network of participating providers associated with the plans in your area so you can find coverage that best fits your needs.