What does a Medicare Select policy condition the payment of benefits on?

A Medicare Select policy is a type of Medicare supplemental insurance plan that specifically requires policyholders to use a network of healthcare providers in order to receive full benefits. If the insured goes outside the established network for services, the plan may either not cover those services at all or may provide reduced benefits compared to what it would have paid if in-network providers had been used.

This reliance on a network is designed to help keep premiums lower while encouraging the use of coordinated care among providers. Network providers are typically chosen for their ability to provide quality care effectively, and patients may benefit from the cost savings associated with agreed-upon rates between the insurer and these providers.

Other choices do not accurately describe the requirement in a Medicare Select policy. Income eligibility relates to programs like Medicaid, age restrictions are pertinent to some insurance products, and geographic location can influence eligibility and benefits, but it is not a defining characteristic of Medicare Select plans. Therefore, the requirement for the use of network providers is the fundamental aspect of a Medicare Select policy.