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.

B is the second section of the insurance plan, and there is a cost associated with it. You don't have to get the insurance, but if you do, your Social Security benefits will be reduced by about a hundred five dollars each month to cover the cost. For this amount, about eighty percent of allowable expenses you incur will be covered by this insurance. When you don't have supplemental insurance to take care of the remaining twenty percent, it will come out of your pocket.

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.

This medical insurance also pays for the cost of mental health care. When you have to be hospitalized with mental health issues, you will be covered. You will also be covered for outpatient care including psychiatrist and social services visits. The insurance will cover the cost of treatment for seniors who need help with alcohol or drug abuse.

There are a number of conditions, tests, and professional checkups a lot of people believe should be among the items, but are not. Most dental care including things like cleanings, implants, bridges, and dentures do not make the list. Hearing aids and glasses are not covered, nor are the screenings necessary to determine whether or not you need them.

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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