Ad 2

Are you confused with the parts of Medicare? Which covers what? Are prescriptions covered along with medical expenses? How much are out-of-pocket costs?

You are not the only one who asks these questions.

It is essential to understand what Medicare covers to avoid unwanted expenses. Also, it is of great importance to know the exact costs in advance. If you are unsure about your monthly premium, call the Medicare office. They will eagerly help you.

In this article we will discuss the following:

  • What does Medicare cover?
  • What is not covered by Medicare?
  • Where can I get more info on Medicare?
  • Can I change my coverage?

Read more about the truth behind the most common Medicare myths.

What Does Medicare Cover?

The answer to this question depends on which part of Medicare. There are four parts: A through D.

There are similarities among these four parts, but each one is unique and covers different aspects of healthcare.

Part A

Part A is also known as the original Medicare. It covers a variety of services, including:

  • hospital inpatient costs
  • nursing facilities
  • hospice care
  • blood transfusion
  • wheelchairs
  • walkers

Medicare Part A also covers home healthcare services to some extent.

The premium depends on your income. You might also need to pay deductibles or co-payments.

Ad 6

Part B

Medicare Part A is usually combined with Part B. This enables complete coverage. The monthly premium also depends on your income, but last year most of people had to pay a premium of $134 per month.

Part B covers the following:

  • annual doctor visits
  • EKG
  • certain medications
  • cancer, diabetes and depression screenings
  • vaccines for hepatitis and flu
  • ambulance services
  • medical equipment.

medications

Ad 5

Part C

To be able to enroll for Medicare Part C, you already need to be covered by the “original parts” – A and B. Part C is an advantage plan that covers the services the first two parts omit.

Part C covers:

  • drug prescriptions
  • dental care
  • eye exams

The monthly premium depends on the chosen plan.

Part D

For Medicare Part D, you need to pay a premium, and there are possible copayments and a deductible. This part covers drug prescriptions which are not covered by the other parts. (We have already discussed Medicare Part D in a previous article).

What Is Not Covered by Medicare?

The bottom line is Part A and Part B don’t cover services such as dental care, eye exams, and hearing aids. Apart from these services, you need to know that cosmetic surgeries are also out of coverage.

If your older adult needs long-term care, it is better to search for another insurance policy.

For more info on what Medicare covers and doesn’t cover, see the video below.

Where Can I Get More Info on Medicare?

The Medicare website is a very useful source of information. There you can see everything in detail. However, if you need additional explanations, call their office and ask everything you want to know. They would gladly help you solve all the problems you have.

Can I Change My Coverage?

There is a period every year from October to December where you can change your chosen plan, called the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.

During this period you are allowed to make adjustments to your plan in case your health condition has changed. The costs of switching to a different plan should be minimized, and you can get more appropriate coverage.

We also have an article where you can learn more about the exact difference between Medicare and Medicaid.