How does Medicare Hospice work?
Even if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, hospice care is always covered under Original Medicare and will follow Original Medicare’s cost and coverage rules. To qualify for hospice care, a hospice doctor and your doctor (if you have one) must certify that you’re terminally ill, meaning you have a life expectancy of […]
Am I covered by Medicare for ambulance services?
Medicare Part B covers ground ambulance transportation when you need to be transported to a hospital, critical access hospital, or skilled nursing facility for medically necessary services, and transportation in any other vehicle could endanger your health. Medicare may pay for emergency ambulance transportation in an airplane or helicopter to a hospital if you need […]
Are we covered by Medicare plans if we decide to start cruising again?
Original Medicare usually doesn’t cover health care while you’re traveling outside the U.S. and its territories. There are some exceptions, including some cases where Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) may pay for services that you get on board a ship within the territorial waters adjoining the land areas of the U.S. Medicare may pay for […]
Is it possible to get a Medicare plan that covers a health club membership?
There are many benefits that people often think original Medicare will cover, and health club memberships are one of those. Original Medicare, Part A, and Part B do not cover any of the costs associated with gym memberships or fitness programs. However, other Medicare plan options may cover a gym membership cost as a part […]
What is “silver sneakers” all about and is it covered in full by Medicare?
SilverSneakers is not a benefit provided under Original Medicare. SilverSneakers is a company that some Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement insurance companies use to provide a supplemental fitness benefit to their members. SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults 65+. If your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan offers SilverSneakers benefits, they […]
Will Medicare cover my funeral expenses?
No, Medicare will not cover your funeral expenses. Original Medicare Part A and Part B do not provide any coverage for burial or funeral costs. Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans also exclude funeral expenses from their coverage. If you have a Medicare Medical Savings Account plan, you cannot use those funds for funeral […]
Am I covered by Medicare if I’m traveling outside the USA?
Original Medicare usually doesn’t cover health care while you’re traveling outside the U.S. and its territories. There are some exceptions, including some cases where Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) may pay for services that you get on board a ship within the territorial waters adjoining the land areas of the U.S. Medicare may pay for […]
Is it true Medicare doesn’t cover dental, vision, or hearing aids?
Under Original Medicare Part A & Part B, the following are NOT covered: – Hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. – Most dental care, dental procedures, or supplies, like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) will pay for certain dental services you get […]
What’s the difference between “home health care” and “nursing home care”?
The most crucial difference is that home health care can be covered by Medicare, whereas long-term care services in nursing homes are not. For a long-term nursing home, care is typically defined as non-medical custodial, which is not covered by Medicare. Original Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) cover eligible […]
How can I ensure my Medicare Plan Premium’ is free – or have zero premium?
Most people qualify for premium-free Part A: This covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home healthcare. If you or your spouse have paid Medicare payroll taxes for at least 10 years while working, you generally won’t pay a premium for Part A. If you haven’t met the work requirement, […]