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What’s the Difference Between Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B?

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Greg Wilson, Founder
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What's the Difference Between Medicare Part and Medicare Part B?

When you qualify for Medicare, usually it’s Medicare Part A and Part B that you’re first enrolled. Original Medicare consists of two components: Medicare Part A and Part B. If you get admitted to a hospital, Medicare Part A will help pay your costs. Medicare Part B may help pay for doctor visits, preventive services, lab tests, medical equipment and supplies, and more.

What is Medicare Part A?

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice care, and limited home healthcare services. You’ll typically pay a deductible and coinsurance and copayments.

Do you have to pay a Part A Premium?

Many people don’t pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A. For example, if you worked at least ten years (40 quarters) while paying taxes, you don’t pay a premium for Part A. If you worked for fewer than 30 quarters, you generally pay $471 per month in 2021. If you worked more than 30 but fewer than 40 quarters, your premium is $259 per month in 2021.

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What is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It generally covers services and items such as:

  • Doctor office visits
  • Preventive services, such as specific tests and screenings
  • Flu shots
  • Pneumococcal shots
  • Mental health care (outpatient)
  • Alcohol use counseling
  • Chemotherapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Diabetes screenings, supplies, and self-management therapy
  • Durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs

This list is not complete. Part B could still cover many other services and items, but specific coverage rules apply. For example, providers must accept Medicare assignment (a payment agreement with Medicare), and certain items and services must be medically necessary.

Under Part B, in most cases, you will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for each item or service. A deductible may also apply.

Do you have to pay a Part B premium?

Your Part B premium may be the “standard” amount.

You might pay a higher Part B premium if your income is above a certain amount (based on your income tax returns from two years ago).

Can you ever get both Part A and Part B coverage at the same time?

When you’re an inpatient in a hospital, you can get Part A and Part B coverage simultaneously. For example, while Part A generally covers medically necessary surgery and certain hospital costs, Part B may cover doctor visits while you’re an inpatient.

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Did you know there’s another way to get your Part A and Part B coverage? A Medicare Advantage plan delivers these benefits and often more. Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage. Learn more about Medicare Advantage plans. You must pay your Medicare Part B premium when you have a Medicare Advantage plan and any premium the plan might charge.

5 Easy Ways Seniors Can Improve Their Home Now

By
Greg Wilson, Founder
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5 Easy Ways Seniors Can Improve Their Home Now

For many seniors and boomers approaching the glory days, the desire to stay in their homes and age gracefully and comfortably is a primary concern. 

In this Senior Affair article, we did some research and found some simple ways to improve your home and quality of life.

Remodeling Your Bathroom

Access to your bathroom and the ability to bath yourself and use the toilet may sound trivial but become struggles as we get older.

Remodeling a bathroom and shower can be a significant investment; it immediately makes your home more enjoyable, and over the long term, will raise your home’s value by thousands of dollars. 

When we think about remodeling, we imagine a time-consuming or costly event, but there are many small, low-cost projects you can tackle over time to make a huge impact. 

Were you thinking about upgrading a bathroom? Here are a few projects you can consider. 

Upgrade the Shower or Add a Walk-in Tub

Walk-in tubs offer the benefit of having easy access in and out of the tub; if you have mobility issues currently, this retrofit could be the item that keeps you aging at home. You can also get these walk-in tubs with hydrotherapy options, including jacuzzi jets, relaxing music, sounds, and lights.

Also, adding therapeutic options like built-in storage or seating has become functional and practical.

Improve your Lighting 

As we age, your eyes aren’t the same, and upgrading the lights in your home should also progress with age. Sometimes changing the fixture to smart lights or using LCD bulbs for extra value and convenience. Learn more about the latest in smart home technology here.

Heating and Cooling Upgrade

If you’ve lived in your home for 10+ years, it may be time to upgrade the heating and HVAC systems. Hiring a contractor for the installation is probably a good idea, but if you’re the DIY type, you might want to explore new solutions and install one on your own. 

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What are Senior Dental Savings Plans? 7 Things to Know.

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Greg Wilson, Founder
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What are Senior Dental Savings Plans? 7 Things to Know.

Since Medicare supplement insurance plans don’t cover routine dental care facilities, you could choose another option for dental coverage for seniors and boomers to avoid paying out of pocket for expensive procedures. According to an estimate, about 50 million medical care beneficiaries want help paying for their oral and dental procedures.  

Coverage for regular care for your gums and teeth isn’t generally included in most medical insurance policies. Unfortunately, the government has very little financial assistance for seniors’ dental care for those who cannot afford these services.

 Moreover, there is no coverage for these procedures included in Original Medicare plans; it is by law.

As far as this guide is concerned, the main goal of Senior Affair is to help you identify and decide which dental plan suits your needs.

What Are The Best Dental Plans for Boomers and Seniors?

Most people want to have a single solution for this, but there isn’t one. Two factors will weigh heavily on your decision of what plan to choose:

The budget you have: When we retire, for the most part, our income becomes fixed. So, before considering any healthcare policy, you need to consider the following things:

  • Cost of your plan (monthly and annually)
  • The amount you can pay easily for the deductible.

Also, you could end up paying less when you visit the dentist, but you have to pay every month for the policy. As per the calculations, dental insurance will not be a big deal. There is also an alternative to this insurance, and that is the dental discount card. This, not insurance, but it is a plan in which prices or rates are pre-negotiated.

The Need to have Dental Work

The other factor is that how much you need dental work and when needed. If you think that there is a need that you need to visit the dentist, do not wait; show your card and get a saving of up to 20-60%.

There are some options for seniors and have four choices:

  • Paying the total amount each time on every visit to the dentist
  • Joining a Dental Savings Plan & paying up to 20-60% of the total cost
  • Dental insurance limiting the coverage

It is not an intelligent thing to pay the total amount for dental care. If you cannot afford dental insurance, you can enroll yourself in a Dental Saving Plan (DSP). And if you can afford it, then understand the limitations that dental insurances have.

Choosing a Dental Insurance Plan

Dental saving plans are clear and straightforward, but dental insurance is not the same thing. Dental insurance usually contains the limits (lifetime or annual), work class limits, and co-insurances. It’s not hard to find the perfect plan for your dental care. Still, it takes some time and research, and it starts with understanding the different policies that the companies offer.

Classification of Dental Insurance Work 

Most dental plans have their coverage divided into various classes, making it easy to understand what is being covered and what isn’t. The standard categories or classes are as follows:

Class 1: This is preventive dental care, including the basic dental checkup, cleaning, and radiographic imaging. Most of these plans cover up to 100% of the costs of these procedures.

Class 2: In this case, primary restoration dentistry is done, and it has dental fillings, dental root canals works, and other oral work. Mostly these plans cover up to 80% of the expenses of these procedures.

Class 3: Basically, this is a primary restorative dental care most needed by seniors and boomers and includes the bridges, crowns, fillings, and denatures. Some of the plans cover up to 50%, while some plans do not cover it.

Class 4: This includes orthodontic services, implants, braces, and pulling out of teeth. Some plans cover only a fraction of the total cost of these procedures.

Compare Prices and Coverage

It would be best if you compared the various plans to get the best policy. If you want the best plan, focus on the coverage and cost of visiting the doctor and hospital. 

Research Your Local Networks

When you decide on the plan that you want, reach out to your local dentist to see if they will accept it or not. Because dental insurance is not universal, your dentist may not accept the plan. So you may want to verify with him first before switching to any particular dental plan. 

Read the Fine Print

Every insurance plan related to dental health is different because these are not as standardized as the Medicare plans are. Hence, it’s critical that you thoroughly read the terms and conditions of the coverage and fully understand what the programs are offering. Moreover, it is also essential to understand the limitations that a policy has.

Medicare Advantage Plan Dental Options

A few national Medicare Advantage plans and a growing number of regional plans offer dental coverage. It’s most commonly found in HMO and PPO plans as an option, with a corresponding uplift in your monthly premium.

Other Available Resources:

There are specific clinics that will see them for seniors and boomers who can’t afford insurance and cannot pay but still need dental care services.

  • Medicaid: In some areas, Medicaid usually supports some dental services; to qualify for Medicaid, your income must be lower than the primary poverty line.
  • Cheap or Free Clinics: There are some dental clinics in many states, mainly in the rural areas, that offer the subsidized or free dental services.
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): These also offer care to seniors. These are clinics usually located in less developed areas. Individuals having the basics Medicare advantages are eligible for services from them.
  • Community Health Centers: – These institutions are funded by private agencies or government administrations like the Health Resources and Services Administration. They provide cheaper or free dental care services.
  • Dental Schools: These also provide cheaper dental care services by the students, but the licensed dentists strictly supervise these.

DentalPlans.com happens to be one of these companies that offers dental savings plans. This would be considered a savings plan which is NOT insurance. The discounts only apply to dentists who participate in the program. If you want to check if your provider participates, you can check it here.

There is no paperwork or reimbursement; you still have to pay for the service when it’s provided; you will recieve a discount off the provider’s usual or customary fees when you pay. We encourage you to check with your provider before getting treatment. Not all plans are offered in every market.

Senior Affair “the Internet Affiliate”) is an independent contractor for Dentalplans.com, Inc., and provides internet affiliate services via the internet. They may earn financial compensation from Dentalplans.com, Inc.

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Does Medicare Cover Podiatry? 5 Fast Facts

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Greg Wilson, Founder
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does medicare cover podiatry

Did you know the average person walks 100,000 miles over a lifetime? No wonder foot problems should cost the U.S. $3.5 billion in health care costs every year.

The excellent news is podiatrists can help. Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in problems of the foot and ankle.

If you’re dealing with a foot problem, you may wonder, does Medicare cover podiatry? Today, we’re answering that question and more in this article. 

Ready to finally get the care you need to get back on your feet? Then keep reading for everything you need to know about podiatry, routine foot care, and what Medicare covers.

Does Medicare Cover Podiatry?

The first thing to understand about Medicare and podiatry is the difference between podiatry and routine foot care.

Podiatry requires a specialized physician to perform medical foot care. Meanwhile, routine foot care includes filing down calluses, treating flat feet, and clipping nails. 

Medicare tends to cover medically necessary treatments performed by a specialist. Medicare only covers routine foot care in some instances. 

Medicare Coverage For Routine Foot Care

Routine foot care you receive unrelated to an underlying foot condition is routine care. Medicare does not cover most types of routine foot care. 

Medicare may cover the care if routine foot care is a part of managing or treating a medically necessary foot condition. However, a podiatrist must perform the treatment in both in-patient and out-patient settings. 

Medicare Coverage For Podiatric Care

You can receive in-patient and out-patient podiatric care coverage under Medicare Part A and Part B, respectively. 

You must see a physician at a Medicare-approved healthcare facility for the former. If you choose to visit a specialist’s office or receive care in your home, Medicare Part B will cover the care.

Medicare Part B provides coverage for:

  • Diabetes -related nerve damage
  • Foot injuries
  • Foot diseases, including hammertoe, bunion deformities, and heel spurs

Remember that your doctor must deem any outpatient podiatric services medically necessary to qualify for Part B Medicare coverage. You must also have seen a doctor at least six months before your first podiatric treatment and have documents to prove it. 

Once you submit the required documentation, Medicare Part B will cover any foot exams and treatments you need. 

You’ll pay 20% coinsurance once you meet your Medicare Part B deductible for in-patient treatments. Out-patient treatments like those in a doctor’s office or at your home will also require a copay. 

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So, does Medicare cover podiatry? The answer to this question depends on defining podiatry correctly. 

Medicare covers medically necessary treatments for foot injuries, diseases, and nerve damage related to a diabetes diagnosis. Medicare doesn’t cover routine foot care for bunions, flat feet, and other non-medically necessary foot services.

Now you should know if Medicare covers your foot condition, injury, or diabetes-related nerve damage.

Want to Contact an Agent about Medicare?

If you qualify for Medicare but don’t know where to start, we have licensed insurance agents ready to answer your questions and help you enroll in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement Insurance, and Prescription Part D plans.

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Does Medicare Cover Chemotherapy? 5 Things to Know.

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Greg Wilson, Founder
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does-medicare-cover-cancer-treatment.

People new to Medicare and recently diagnosed with cancer wonder about their coverage. In this Senior Affair article, you’ll find out how Medicare covers chemotherapy.

1.8 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women more than men. 

With cancer being so common, you aren’t alone in wondering: does Medicare cover chemotherapy? What about other cancer treatments and cancer drugs? Wonder no longer because we’re answering those questions for you today.

Ready to learn more about Medicare cancer coverage? Then keep reading because this one’s for you.

Does Medicare Cover Chemotherapy?

Yes, Medicare does cover chemo! Whether you have Original Medicare or a private Medicare Advantage plan, you can get coverage for inpatient and outpatient chemo treatments.

Inpatient Chemotherapy

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Part A will cover chemotherapy treatments you receive in a hospital. However, you must meet your deductible before Medicare starts paying out. 

Outpatient Chemotherapy

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Part B will cover outpatient chemotherapy treatments if you have cancer.

Part B covers 80% of the cost of chemo treatments you get at a freestanding clinic or a doctor’s office. Treatments you receive in your home or another outpatient setting will require a copay. 

Part B also covers the chemo treatments you get at a skilled nursing facility. Medicare will only pay for 100 days of professional nursing facility chemo treatments per benefit period. You’ll have to pay out of pocket if you need chemo treatments for more than 100 days. 

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Other Cancer Treatments Covered Under Medicare

Chemo isn’t the only approved technique for treating cancer. Radiation therapy and immunotherapy are also common today. 

Here’s what you need to know about Medicare coverage for radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and cancer drugs. 

Radiation Therapy

Radiation is a cancer treatment that targets cancer cells helping to slow the growth of tumors or prevent them from metastisizing. 

Medicare Part B does cover radiation services you receive in an outpatient setting. For example, Medicare Part A will cover the radiation services you receive at a hospital. 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a modern cancer treatment that uses your immune cells to fight off cancerous cells. 

In some cases, Medicare will cover immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is covered by Part A if you receive it at home or in a doctor’s office. While Part B covers immunotherapy, you receive it at a hospital. 

Cancer Medications

Part B Medicare does cover some cancer medications. For example, Part B will cover 80% of anti-nausea medications and IV cancer treatments. However, most other drugs aren’t covered under Medicare Part B.

The good news is that Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover many of the medications Part B doesn’t, including injections you need at home and medicines that could prevent or reduce the spread of cancer. 

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Get Coverage For Your Cancer Treatments

So, does Medicare cover chemotherapy? Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits for cancer treatments. But if you want to avoid paying out-of-pocket costs, Medigap may be for you. 

Are you looking for a Medigap plan that will have you completely covered in cancer? Contact a licensed insurance agent today and get the coverage you deserve!

Does Medicare Cover Annual Physicals?

By
Greg Wilson, Founder
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Does Medicare Cover Annual Physicals

Having your health checked regularly is an essential part of staying healthy. However, you might wonder, “Does Medicare cover physicals?”

The good news is that preventive care is an integral part of every health plan, thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) passed in 2010. When you have Medicare, they emphasize these annual visits.

However, asking for a “wellness visit” rather than a “physical” is essential to ensure that you get appropriate coverage.

Discover more about annual wellness visits and coverage under Medicare!

The Welcome to Medicare Visit

When you first sign up with Medicare Part B — the part covering doctor visits — you’ll be invited to do a Welcome to Medicare visit.

This appointment is designed to document the care you need and plan the future. There is no cost for the exam, but it needs to be completed within 12 months of signing up for Medicare Part B.

What is included in the Welcome to Medicare visit?

Your healthcare provider will check your vital signs, including blood pressure, height, and weight. The doctor will also review your health history and ensure your preventive services and tests are up to date.

From there, you’ll work together to create a personalized plan for your healthcare needs, which will include Medicare physicals on an annual basis.

Annual Medicare Wellness Visits

Each year you’ll have the option to schedule a Medicare wellness visit to review your current health, which is included in your Medicare Part B coverage, and there is no charge to you as long as the provider accepts Medicare.

Wondering what to expect from a Medicare Wellness Visit? The doctor will recheck your vital signs and evaluate you for cognitive impairment. Based on your results, the doctor will offer advice on improving any medical conditions and staying healthy in the future.

Sometimes the medical provider will order tests covered under the wellness visit. For example, if you have Original Medicare, you’ll have to pay your Part B deductible and 20% of the cost for those tests.

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Annual Wellness With Medicare Advantage

Many seniors don’t have Original Medicare and prefer to get additional benefits using a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Advantage plans must have cost-free coverage for annual wellness exams, just like Original Medicare. However, you may have to visit one of their preferred medical providers.

As long as your medical providers are within the Medicare Advantage plan’s network, it would help if you didn’t have trouble with your wellness visits.

So Does Medicare Cover Physicals?

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Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover annual wellness visits. In most ways, these are like physicals, but you have to ask for them as “wellness visits.”

Now that you know the answer to “Does Medicare cover physicals,” you can rest easy knowing that this annual preventive care is covered.

You deserve the peace of mind about your health insurance.

Does Medicare Part A Cover Outpatient Surgery? 5 Interesting Facts.

By
Greg Wilson, Founder
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MEdicare PArt A

When it comes to outpatient services, you’re probably wondering does Medicare Part A covers outpatient surgery. Find out here if your surgery gets covered.

How Does Medicare Part A Cover Outpatient Surgery?

The number of outpatient surgeries was 129 million in 2018 and is expected to grow to 144 million by 2023. If you’re one of the millions who need surgery this year, you might wonder if your Medicare coverage applies.

Does Medicare Part A cover outpatient services? Many people know Medicare Part A as “hospital insurance,” so it’s common to think that outpatient surgery is covered under this section.

However, when you look at outpatient surgery, you’ll see that it’s more like a doctor’s visit than an inpatient stay.

Let’s take a look at outpatient services and how Medicare covers them.

What is Outpatient Surgery?

When you get surgery, you stay in the hospital. Right? 

Not anymore. Outpatient surgery is widespread for many procedures.

What is outpatient health care? You can leave the hospital on the same day with an outpatient procedure. Advances in medical processes and medication are making that more possible than ever.

You’ll be monitored in a care unit when you have outpatient surgery as you wake up from anesthesia. You’ll be discharged when you can perform various simple tasks, including using the restroom.

You cannot drive yourself home after an outpatient procedure. You’ll need to have someone drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours to prevent complications.

Coverage for Outpatient Surgery With Original Medicare

Because you’re not staying in the hospital for one or more nights, the surgery isn’t considered an inpatient service. That means that Medicare Part A won’t cover this.

Instead, you’ll find coverage under Medicare Part B. This part also covers other medically necessary services and preventive care.

Remember that outpatient surgery must be medically necessary to have coverage from Original Medicare. You will pay your Part B deductible and the 20% copayment, and Medicare will cover the rest.

There is no annual limit to out-of-pocket expenses with Original Medicare, so costs can add up quickly.

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Outpatient Hospital Services Coverage With Medicare Advantage

Another way to use Medicare to cover your health needs is with Medicare Advantage. Private health insurance companies administer these plans. They are an all-in-one replacement for Original Medicare.

Depending on your plan, your out-of-pocket costs for outpatient surgery could be much less than with Original Medicare. For instance, you may pay a set copayment instead of a percentage.

Another advantage is that many Medicare Advantage plans have an annual maximum out-of-pocket limit. Once you hit that limit, your care is covered 100%.

Remember that Medicare Advantage plans generally have a specific list of approved medical providers, and outpatient hospital services might require preauthorization.

Find the Coverage You Need for Outpatient Services

Medicare helps you with medically necessary outpatient services. However, this coverage is under Part B rather than Part A of Original Medicare.

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You may have more benefits if you have a different type of plan, such as Medicare Advantage. However, outpatient professional services may need preauthorization before they can move forward.

Does Medicare Cover Cancer Treatment?

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Greg Wilson, Founder
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does-medicare-cover-cancer-treatment.

It’s been suggested that 33 percent of people in the U.S. may develop cancer in this lifetime. Does Medicare cover cancer treatment? Find out here and get help.

People over 65 years old account for 60% of newly diagnosed cancer cases. Their risk of developing this disease is ten times higher than those under this age. 

Medicare is the preferred health insurance plan for Americans aged 65 and older, offering nearly 60 million individuals coverage. The program features several coverage options at different rates. Knowing which one to choose can be confusing, at the least.

If you have a family history of cancer, you may wonder about your options regarding health insurance. Does Medicare cover cancer treatment? What about palliative care?

The answer is yes — Medicare does cover cancer treatment under certain circumstances. What you’ll pay out of pocket depends on whether you have a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan for extra coverage.

Does Medicare Cover Cancer Treatment? Get the Facts Straight

Cancer treatment is very complex and requires constant adjustment. Depending on your needs, it may include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation, surgery, and everything else. The average cost for these services is around $150,000.

Medicare covers most options except for holistic treatments. How much coverage you get depends on the type of plan.

With Medicare Part A, your insurance provider will pay some of the costs associated with cancer-related services. These include but are not limited to:

  • Inpatient hospital care
  • Hospice care
  • Home health care, such as physiotherapy
  • Surgically-implanted breast prostheses
  • Blood work

Medicare Part B covers most services and treatments provided on an outpatient basis. These may include diagnostic tests, mental health services, medical equipment, and more. 

Feeling confused? That’s why we’re here. Read on to learn more about Medicare and cancer treatment so you can make an informed decision.

It also pays for screening tests and other preventive services aimed at those at risk for cancer. If you have diabetes or kidney disease besides cancer, your insurance plan may also cover nutritional counseling.

Take radiation therapy, for example.

Medicare Part A covers this service for hospitalized patients. You’ll need Medicare Part B if you prefer to stay home and go to a clinic for treatment. This plan will cover some of the costs of treatment in freestanding clinics.

Another option is to enroll in Medicare Advantage plans to pay out of pocket. Unlike Parts A or B, this coverage has out-of-pocket maximums for cancer treatment. Part D also pays for some chemotherapy drugs.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage cover palliative care for cancer patients. However, Part A includes limited home health care.

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What Medicare Doesn’t Cover

As mentioned earlier, Medicare doesn’t pay for dietary supplements and other holistic therapies. The coverage also excludes adult daycare, medical food, and long-term care in a nursing home.

Medicare Advantage plans offer the most comprehensive coverage. What you’ll pay out-of-pocket depends on the type of insurance, coinsurance, deductibles, and other factors.

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Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Still wondering, “Does Medicare cover cancer treatment?” As you see, the answer is yes, but you’ll still have to pay out-of-pocket.

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Supplies, 6 Facts to Know.

By
Greg Wilson, Founder
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Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Supplies, 6 Facts to Know

Did you know that over 34 million Americans have diabetes? Type 2 Diabetes is more common and affects about 32 million U.S. residents. About 1.25 million people in America have Type 1 diabetes.

Each person needs diabetic supplies to manage their disease. These supplies are expensive, and most people rely on insurance to afford their needs. Keep reading to learn more about Medicare coverage for diabetic supplies.

What Is Diabetes?

There are two types of diabetes. A type 1 diabetic’s body doesn’t make insulin. Insulin moves glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into the cells. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, causing a metabolic imbalance.

Type 2 diabetic bodies make insulin, but the body can’t use it properly, and it can also cause glucose to stay in the bloodstream.

Treatment for Diabetes

The treatment is different for each type of diabetes. Type 1 diabetic treatment involves:

  • Monitoring carbohydrates, fat, and protein intake
  • Checking blood sugar regularly and as needed
  • Taking insulin
  • Healthy eating
  • Keeping a healthy weight
  • Regular exercise

Some type 2 diabetics control their blood sugar levels with diet and exercise, while others need medications to help their insulin work properly. Providers may order insulin to manage the disease.

Diabetic Supplies

There are many types of supplies needed to manage diabetes. Type 1 diabetics need insulin daily to keep blood sugar levels within a set range. They also need glucagon with them to treat severe hypoglycemia.

Many people with diabetes use insulin pumps that deliver a continuous baseline amount of insulin. Users put their carbohydrate count in the pump, which calculates and provides the insulin needed.

People with diabetes must also check their glucose levels using test strips and glucose monitors. Continuous glucose monitors check glucose constantly. Alarms sound if the blood sugar gets too high or too low. 

Plans for Medicare

“Original Medicare” includes Part A and Part B. Part A covers hospitalization and skilled nursing care. Part B covers outpatient services, including doctor visits, lab tests, and outpatient procedures.

You also have the option of buying extra coverage. Private insurers offer Medicare Advantage (Part C), covering prescriptions and vision and dental care.

Medicare Part D covers prescription medications. Many Medicare beneficiaries use these and other supplements to cover their medical costs.

How Medicare Works

Original Medicare enrollees pay a deductible for each enrollment period. Then, Medicare pays for part of your care, and you pay a co-pay. Part B usually charges a monthly premium.

It would be best if you used Medicare-approved healthcare providers and businesses that sell supplies. There’s no limit on the amount you pay out-of-pocket each year. The gap plans pay their part after Medicare pays.

Medicare Coverage for the Cost of Diabetic Supplies

Medicare Part B covers about 80% of diabetic supply costs, which means you pay 20% plus any deductibles or co-pays that apply. Medicare requires a prescription from your provider before it will cover diabetic supplies.

Part B covers the following supplies when bought from Medicare-approved suppliers:

  • Blood glucose testing monitors
  • Glucose test strips
  • Lancets
  • Glucose solution
  • Blood sugar control solution
  • Insulin pumps
  • Therapeutic shoes or inserts

Part B doesn’t cover insulin, but Part D pays for certain types of insulin. Part D covers syringes, needles, alcohol swabs, gauze, and inhaled insulin devices.

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Are You Looking for Answers to Your Medicare Questions?

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Medicare-eligible diabetics need to know how Medicare pays for diabetic supplies. In addition to Original Medicare, there are many different gap plans available.

Senior Affair provides information about Medicare plans without any bias. 

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Supplies, 6 Facts to Know.

By
Greg Wilson, Founder
-
1
Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Supplies, 6 Facts to Know

Did you know that over 34 million Americans have diabetes? Type 2 Diabetes is more common and affects about 32 million U.S. residents. About 1.25 million people in America have Type 1 diabetes.

Each person needs diabetic supplies to manage their disease. These supplies are expensive, and most people rely on insurance to afford their needs. Keep reading to learn more about Medicare coverage for diabetic supplies.

What Is Diabetes?

There are two types of diabetes. A type 1 diabetic’s body doesn’t make insulin. Insulin moves glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into the cells. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, causing a metabolic imbalance.

Type 2 diabetic bodies make insulin, but the body can’t use it properly, and it can also cause glucose to stay in the bloodstream.

Treatment for Diabetes

The treatment is different for each type of diabetes. Type 1 diabetic treatment involves:

  • Monitoring carbohydrates, fat, and protein intake
  • Checking blood sugar regularly and as needed
  • Taking insulin
  • Healthy eating
  • Keeping a healthy weight
  • Regular exercise

Some type 2 diabetics control their blood sugar levels with diet and exercise, while others need medications to help their insulin work properly. Providers may order insulin to manage the disease.

Diabetic Supplies

There are many types of supplies needed to manage diabetes. Type 1 diabetics need insulin daily to keep blood sugar levels within a set range. They also need glucagon with them to treat severe hypoglycemia.

Many people with diabetes use insulin pumps that deliver a continuous baseline amount of insulin. Users put their carbohydrate count in the pump, which calculates and provides the insulin needed.

People with diabetes must also check their glucose levels using test strips and glucose monitors. Continuous glucose monitors check glucose constantly. Alarms sound if the blood sugar gets too high or too low. 

Plans for Medicare

“Original Medicare” includes Part A and Part B. Part A covers hospitalization and skilled nursing care. Part B covers outpatient services, including doctor visits, lab tests, and outpatient procedures.

You also have the option of buying extra coverage. Private insurers offer Medicare Advantage (Part C), covering prescriptions and vision and dental care.

Medicare Part D covers prescription medications. Many Medicare beneficiaries use these and other supplements to cover their medical costs.

How Medicare Works

Original Medicare enrollees pay a deductible for each enrollment period. Then, Medicare pays for part of your care, and you pay a co-pay. Part B usually charges a monthly premium.

It would be best if you used Medicare-approved healthcare providers and businesses that sell supplies. There’s no limit on the amount you pay out-of-pocket each year. The gap plans pay their part after Medicare pays.

Medicare Coverage for the Cost of Diabetic Supplies

Medicare Part B covers about 80% of diabetic supply costs, which means you pay 20% plus any deductibles or co-pays that apply. Medicare requires a prescription from your provider before it will cover diabetic supplies.

Part B covers the following supplies when bought from Medicare-approved suppliers:

  • Blood glucose testing monitors
  • Glucose test strips
  • Lancets
  • Glucose solution
  • Blood sugar control solution
  • Insulin pumps
  • Therapeutic shoes or inserts

Part B doesn’t cover insulin, but Part D pays for certain types of insulin. Part D covers syringes, needles, alcohol swabs, gauze, and inhaled insulin devices.

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Medicare-eligible diabetics need to know how Medicare pays for diabetic supplies. In addition to Original Medicare, there are many different gap plans available.

Senior Affair provides information about Medicare plans without any bias. 

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