Medicare is a federal health insurance scheme that generally applies to people who suffer from specific ailments. You will find it directed towards seniors, especially those who have crossed 65. Sometimes, there are a few exceptions as well. For instance, it also covers a few young people with disabilities. People who are suffering from end-stage renal diseases also get benefited.
There are different parts of Medicare. They are Part A, B, and D. You should know the details beforehand. This will help you to avoid problems when hospitalization happens. Medicare A pays all the in-patient care expenses at the hospital, whereas Medicare B covers doctor visits, medicines, supplies, and miscellaneous services. Read about the coverage and ailments it covers in detail.
Medicare Part A Coverage
It is the hospital insurance part that we are talking about here. It covers in-patient care, hospital stays, nurse services, hospice, and home services. You have to make co-payments or co-insurance. The stay at the hospital often covers everything mentioned above, with some exceptions. They are acute care in hospitals, critical care, mental healthcare, and rehabilitation.
However, it does not cover home care 24 hours. It will also not cover personal expenses like physiotherapy and massages post-surgery. To qualify for hospital service, you have to stay at the hospital for at least three days. Moreover, you need to admit yourself to a skilled nursing facility.
Medicare Part B and D
As you already know, it covers doctor visits, diagnostic tests, shots, therapy, chemotherapy, and screenings, to name a few. You can avail of all Part B ancillary coverage or preventive healthcare coverage. When you admit yourself to a hospital, you can get both parts. While Part B covers expenses for tests and doctors, Part D covers your medicines. It also includes any doctor-recommended shots and vaccines.
You must pay a co-payment or deductible at the start of the year, which amounts to 20 % of the total coverage. Part D is more of a separate drug plan. Depending on the amount you are ready to shell out as a premium, you will get various plans. If you have doubts about the coverage’s parameters, you can talk to the doctor or the healthcare provider.
Treatments Covered by Medicare
At the very start, we would like to state that Medicare does not cover aesthetics like Botox treatment specials. It is an injectable treatment that irons out wrinkles. The chemical is a purified protein that has muscle-relaxing properties. The chemical has the power to erase fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet and is also used as filler. It also helps with some other bodily issues.
However, insurance companies won’t pay for it if you are using it for cosmetic reasons. Medicare considers payment for cases where there is no alternative treatment. You will be happy to know that the FDA has approved it for a few medical treatments as well. If your doctor recommends it, you will get coverage. Moreover, you will be amazed to know that it can treat ailments like spasms and muscle stiffness. Some conditions that it treats are:
- Neck spasm: Painful twitching of muscles is often a cause for the low quality of life. And, they are involuntary, too. You might get them in the neck, arms, eyes, or legs. Doctors often suggest the wonder drug called Botulinum toxin, a kind of protein for the treatment.
- Migraine: It is another ailment for which your doctor might suggest Botulinum toxin. It is a chronic disease where you can get throbbing pain in any part of your brain. Moreover, it can occur at any time and anywhere.
- Overactive sweat glands: It’s another issue that can cause dehydration problems. You may also be unable to maintain hygiene. When it gets out of hand, people often visit the doctor. Botulinum toxin is a suitable treatment option.
Medicare can aid in the treatment of the above diseases. However, it is always good to get pre-authorization from a doctor.
Chronic Diseases
Medicare also covers hospitalization due to chronic diseases. The various chronic diseases are hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and dementia, to name a few. Chronic diseases have no permanent cure. But you can control the symptoms. Apart from in-patient hospitalization and tertiary care, it also covers ancillary care services. You can add on the Medicare Advantage plan, which has some notable inclusions for you. The additional service may include rehabilitation and counseling services.
If you are under 65 and suffer from a chronic disease identified by Social Security, you can qualify for coverage too. There are various facets of Medicare that you should read about. You will get information from friends and relatives aplenty. However, your disease, the cost, plan, and the repercussions are different from others. So, talk to a healthcare practitioner or insurance provider for more clarity.
