Friday, April 21, 2017

What Medicare Part B Coverage Does And Doesn't Do

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.

Plan B is not free, but it is much less expensive than a regular health insurance plan. You are not required to buy this insurance, but if you do, Social Security will deduct the cost, approximately one hundred five dollars a month, out of the funds it sends you every month. The insurance does not pay one hundred percent of your expenses. It will pay up to eighty percent of approved charges once you have met your deductible.

Once you get the insurance, you can expect it to cover preventative care and medically necessary procedures. You are entitled to a wellness check when you sign up. Visits to doctor's offices, tests and hospital procedures are covered. If you need medical equipment for a specific illness or physical impairment, the insurance will probably pay most of it. Emergency room visits and emergency vehicle service is provided by the insurance, as is intensive care.

Treatment for drug and alcohol abuse is on the list of covered items. Outpatient and inpatient mental health care is covered, as are approved visits to psychiatrists and social workers.

There are a lot of things the insurance does not pay for, and you should be aware of this before you schedule procedures. It does not cover general dental expenses like checkups, dentures, bridges, or implants. The insurance does not cover eye exams or hearing tests. It will also not reimburse you for glasses or hearing aids.

You will have to make your own arrangements if you need long term, custodial, care or for any kind of cosmetic surgery or procedures. It will not cover acupuncture or routine foot care either. Unless you purchase the D section of this government plan, you will have to pay for your prescriptions out of your pocket.

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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