Do I have to get a Part D (Rx coverage) Medicare plan?

You are not required to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. However, without Part D or other creditable prescription drug coverage, you’ll be responsible for the full cost of most prescription medications. Additionally, delaying enrollment may result in a late enrollment penalty if you choose to sign up later. The late enrollment […]
How often can I change Medicare plans?

Original Medicare Part A & Part B Outside of your initial open enrollment period, when you first turn 65 or become eligible for Medicare, there is an annual General Enrollment Period. The General Enrollment Period runs from January 1st through March 31st every year. Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) You can change Medicare Supplement plans anytime during […]
What’s included under “durable medical equipment” from Medicare?

Medicare Part B covers medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME) if your doctor prescribes it for use in your home. DME that Medicare covers includes, but isn’t limited to: – Blood sugar monitors – Blood sugar test strips – Canes – Commode chairs – Crutches – Hospital beds – Infusion pumps & supplies – Nebulizers […]
Are dentures covered by Medicare?

Original Medicare does not cover dentures or most routine dental care. Medicare Part A only pays for dental services received during a hospital stay in very limited circumstances. However, many Medicare Advantage plans offer supplemental dental benefits that may cover dentures either partially or in full. Coverage varies significantly between plans and insurance carriers, with […]
What diabetic medical treatment is covered by Medicare?

Generally, Medicare Part B covers the services that may affect people who have diabetes. Part B also covers some preventive services for people who are at risk for diabetes. Part B covers services like the following: – Diabetes Screenings – Prevention Programs – Self-management training – Equipment and supplies – Foot Exams and Treatment – […]
Are the shingles vaccine and shingles treatment covered by Medicare?

Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B do not cover the shingles vaccine. Generally, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover all commercially available vaccines (like the shingles vaccines) needed to prevent illness. Please check your Medicare Advantage or Part D Summary of Benefits or call your insurance company to ensure the shingles vaccine is […]
Are mental health services included in coverage from Medicare?

Medicare covers mental health services in several different settings. Medicare Part A covers mental health care services you get in a hospital that require you to be admitted as an inpatient. Medicare Part B may provide partial hospitalization coverage if you meet specific requirements, and your doctor certifies that you would otherwise need inpatient treatment. […]
Is a “Home Agency” allowed to decline me as a patient with a Medicare plan?

Yes, a home health agency may decline you if it doesn’t have the ability or resources to meet your medical needs as long as it is consistent and does not accept other patients with the same needs. They are not required to accept you as a patient because your doctor has prescribed, and you qualify […]
Am I covered by Medicare if I’m traveling outside the USA?

Original Medicare usually doesn’t cover health care while you’re traveling outside the U.S. and its territories. There are some exceptions, including some cases where Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) may pay for services that you get on board a ship within the territorial waters adjoining the land areas of the U.S. Medicare may pay for […]
Is it true Medicare doesn’t cover dental, vision, or hearing aids?

Under Original Medicare Part A & Part B, the following are NOT covered: – Hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. – Most dental care, dental procedures, or supplies, like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) will pay for certain dental services you get […]