Opting Out of Medicare seems simple enough. Send in an Affidavit, give the client a Private Contract, and you’re done! Right?
That would be nice! But this IS Medicare, which means there are rules, nuances, what-ifs, and if you don’t follow each and every one, you could be heavily penalized. Medicare isn’t terribly forgiving to clinicians who don’t know the rules.
Even clinicians who are opting out still have rules to follow! But Medicare doesn’t make it clear…!
The original comprehensive FAQ with all the questions I’ve ever been asked about opting out of Medicare, now brought up to date for 2025! Includes even more considerations about opting out: everything that you never knew you needed to know and certainly didn’t know you needed to ask about.
Along with the answers, the download contains the “here’s where it’s written that…” resources in case there are any questions, problems, or challenges. Plus, links to all the affidavits, private contracts, addresses, and phone #’s of every Medicare contractor in the US.
The FAQ includes answers about Medicare “Advantage” (Medicare plans operated by private insurance companies!) You need to know about Medicare “Advantage” too – because 54% of Medicare beneficiaries in 2025 have their Medicare coverage from a private insurer under contract with Medicare.
The guide doesn’t just tell you how to opt out. It includes a comprehensive explanation of:
- Why it’s in your best interest to either opt out or enroll!
- The many hazards of not making a choice.
- Why you can’t continue to be paid by Medicaid as the primary/only payer when you’re an eligible Medicare provider and decide to opt out.
- Groups: what if some of your clinicians enroll but others don’t?
- What happens if you don’t want to take Medicare in your private practice but you work for another entity that bills Medicare for your services?
- Will your private insurance contracts be cancelled if you follow through with opting out?
Stop searching online or relying on social media discussions with only half the information. Here are detailed, comprehensive, and clear answers to your questions about opting out of Medicare!
New version June 15, 2025 – extensively updated and clarified!
