Tuesday 18 April 2017

What Medicare Part B Coverage Will And Won't Do For You

By Brenda Olson


If you have just turned sixty-five or are about to, you probably already know you are entitled to medical care through Social Security. Some senior citizens are under the mistaken impression that this health insurance is free and covers everything. These individuals are often unpleasantly surprised to learn that only a small portion of the coverage is free and that, without supplemental insurance, you will have to cover a lot of your medical expenses yourself. If you opt to get Medicare Part B coverage, you should know exactly what it covers and what it doesn't.

These two parts are very different. A is for hospital expenses, skilled care, and nursing home care that is not custodial. It also covers hospice care and some home health care. It is free for most seniors although others do pay for it if they didn't pay into it during their working years. Exactly what is covered often depends on a specific set of circumstances. To get more information, you should get in touch with the Social Security Administration.

B is the second section of the insurance plan, and there is a cost associated with it. You don't have to get the insurance, but if you do, your Social Security benefits will be reduced by about a hundred five dollars each month to cover the cost. For this amount, about eighty percent of allowable expenses you incur will be covered by this insurance. When you don't have supplemental insurance to take care of the remaining twenty percent, it will come out of your pocket.

This insurance covers doctor's visits, blood work, hospital tests, scans, and emergency room visits. It will pay for ambulance service, if you need it. When you sign up, you may be entitled to a wellness physical, assuming your doctor performs them. When you have a medical condition that requires equipment, such as a wheelchair, oxygen, or special bedroom or bathroom apparatus, the insurance provides it. Intensive care unit stays and some rehabilitation are also included in the plan.

You will be covered for certain mental health issues whether you are hospitalized or receive treatment on an outpatient basis. The insurance will pay for drug and alcohol treatment. It pays for medications that you receive in the hospital.

This insurance will not pay for dental visits, dentures or bridges. It won't cover the cost of hearing or eyesight screenings, nor will it pay for hearing aids or glasses. If you need foot care because of diabetes, you will have to pay for it yourself.

When you or a loved one requires custodial long term care, this insurance will not pay for it. It also does not cover things that are considered elective procedures such as cosmetic surgery, or any other kind of facial enhancement, laser or skin rejuvenating techniques. If you have diabetes and need to see a podiatrist occasionally, this plan won't pay for it.

This insurance is not a perfect solution for the health care many seniors need, but it does provide some protection from the rapidly rising cost of medical care and prescription drugs. Most older Americans pay the monthly premiums without hesitation.




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