Wednesday, 19 April 2017

What You Can And Can't Expect From Medicare Part B Coverage

By Brenda Olson


Until recently retiring and receiving Social Security and affordable health care were things most older workers took for granted. These entitlements may be on the way out, but until changes are made, workers who turn sixty-five still get government health care options, if they paid into the system. Some mistakenly assume all their medical expenses will fall under the insurance plan, but that is not the case. The first section of the plan is free, but only covers a limited number of situations. Medicare Part B coverage is not free and covers a fairly extensive range of expenses.

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.

The second section of the plan, covers much more, but it is not free. You will have to agree to allow Social Security to deduct a set amount each month in order to get this medical insurance. The deduction for most people is about one hundred five dollars a month. This amount does not give you total coverage. It will only pay about eighty percent of the approved costs. The patient is responsible for the rest, and many people purchase supplemental insurance to cover this cost.

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.

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 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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