What Medicare Part B Coverage Does And Doesn't Do

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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.

Hospital insurance is Part A. This covers your bills if you are admitted to a hospital. It also takes care of hospice costs and some home health care. There are specifics regarding what exactly it covers and what it doesn't. If you are confused about the insurance, your local Social Security office may be able to clarify it for you.

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.

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.

Senior citizens who depend on the medical insurance that goes along with Social Security, should clearly understand their options. There are many different plans available. You just have to decide which one is right for you.




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