الخميس، 20 أبريل 2017

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

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.

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.

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 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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