Thursday, April 20, 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.

Parts A and B are different. A will cover your expenses when you are admitted into a hospital, nursing home, or skilled care facility. It may also cover home health care and hospice. What is actually covered depends on the individual's circumstances and situation. If you have questions about A, you should contact your local Social Security office for more information.

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.

When you decide to take advantage of the benefits of the second section, you can expect it to pay for medically necessary and prevention costs. You have the right to one wellness checkup. Approved doctor's visits, hospital tests, and medical equipment you need for a specific illness or disease, are covered. It will pay for ambulance service and emergency room visits, even if you are not admitted to the hospital. This insurance covers the cost of time spent in 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.

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.

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 can be very helpful for seniors with limited or fixed incomes. It becomes available at a time in their lives when health issues are more common and frequent.




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