Why it matters
The same procedure — for a lot less
Many common procedures — like colonoscopies, cataract surgery, and joint replacements — can be done at an outpatient surgery center instead of a hospital. Both settings deliver high-quality care, but surgery centers cost Medicare significantly less.
When you choose a recommended specialist and surgery center, it saves the health care system money. If you have a qualifying Medigap plan, we pass part of that back to you as a reward.*
The process
How SaveWell works
Search your procedure
Enter your procedure and ZIP code to see what it costs at a surgery center versus a hospital in your county — or call a care guide and we’ll look it up with you.
Compare your options
See recommended specialists and outpatient surgery centers near you, with costs explained in plain language.
Choose the right care for you
The choice is always yours. You’re never obligated to use any particular provider.
Complete your procedure and save money or earn a reward
With Medicare only, you save on your 20% coinsurance at a surgery center. With a qualifying Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, completing your procedure at a recommended surgery center earns a reward that accrues automatically and is paid once at the end of the year — no claim to file.
Why surgery centers
Less hassle, lower cost
Surgery centers cost less
Medicare pays surgery centers about 44% less on average than hospital outpatient departments for the same procedures. Your 20% coinsurance is lower too, so you save more.
Source: MedPAC, ASC payment status, January 2026 (preliminary)Home the same day
Surgery centers handle procedures that don’t need an overnight hospital stay, so you go home the same day.
Source: 42 CFR 416.2; MedPAC Payment Basics, 2026Easier scheduling
Surgery centers can offer more convenient locations, shorter waits, and easier scheduling than hospital outpatient departments.
Source: MedPAC Report to the Congress, March 2025, ch. 10Patients rate them highly
Patients rate surgery centers higher than hospital outpatient departments: 87.6% would recommend their surgery center, versus 82.1% for hospital outpatient departments.
Source: Leapfrog Group, Patient Experience Report, 2021
Questions
Good to know
Is SaveWell free?
Yes. Searching, comparing, and talking with a care guide are free for Medicare patients.
Do I have to use a SaveWell specialist?
No. You may choose any qualified provider. We show recommended specialists to make the choice easier.
Who can earn a reward?
Members with a qualifying Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan who complete their procedure at a recommended surgery center. With Medicare only, there’s no reward, but your 20% coinsurance is usually lower at a surgery center.
When is my reward paid?
Rewards accrue after you complete care at a recommended surgery center and are paid once at the end of the year.
Is SaveWell available in my area?
Enter your ZIP code in the search. If we don’t have data for your county yet, we’ll tell you — and a care guide can still help.
Is there paperwork?
No claim forms. Your reward is tracked and paid automatically.
Ready to get started?
Search your procedure, or let a care guide find top-rated specialists and surgery centers for you — at no cost.
Search your procedureOr call 855-507-7283