Lower-cost care: community health centers, rural clinics and urgent care

Federally Qualified Health Centers (community health centers)

These centers, in both rural and urban areas, offer primary care, chronic condition care, mental health care and more, often where doctors are scarce. With Medicare:

• There's no Part B deductible. You usually pay 20% of the charges or the Medicare-approved amount.
• Most preventive services cost nothing.
• Many offer lower fees based on your income (a sliding fee scale).

Find one near you at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

Rural Health Clinics

Outpatient primary and preventive care in rural areas short on providers. You generally pay 20% of the charges after the Part B deductible, and nothing for most preventive services.

Urgent care

For a sudden illness or injury that isn't an emergency, Medicare covers urgently needed care. You pay 20% for the provider's services after the Part B deductible, plus a copay in a hospital outpatient setting. For true emergencies, see ambulance and ER coverage.

Other ways to keep costs down

• Choose providers who accept assignment.
• You may pay more at a hospital outpatient department than at an independent doctor's office for the same care.
• Use free preventive services, like your yearly wellness visit. See preventive care.
• If your income is limited, see whether you qualify for help paying costs.