What Does Medicare Cover?
Find Out if Medicare Covers Your Item, Test, or Service
Medicare consists of five main types of coverage: Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D, and Medicare Supplements (Medigap). These choices offer several options to meet your needs.
- Part A provides basic coverage if you’re hospitalized.
- Part B covers outpatient care, such as doctor’s visits and diagnostic tests.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a private option combining Part A and Part B coverage, and offers extra benefits.
- Part D is the prescription drug benefit.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) is private health insurance that helps with copays, coinsurance, and deductibles not covered by Medicare.
It’s important to know what’s covered by Medicare and what isn’t. Since there are many different plans, it can be hard to know which one will provide the right coverage for you. Oak Haven Insurance Agency is here to make it easier.
Medicare Overview
Medicare is the federal insurance program for people aged 65 and older, as well as those with disabilities and people who have ESRD, a kind of kidney failure. There are four parts to the plan: A, B, C, and D. Each part covers different elements of healthcare. You can enroll in one or more of these parts, but the most common parts are A and B — known as Original Medicare — which cover the bulk of services.
What Part A Covers
Medicare Part A covers inpatient costs when you’re admitted to a hospital per doctor’s orders. It provides benefits for:
- Hospice care
- Blood transfusions
- Walkers and wheelchairs
- SOME home healthcare services
Part A also provides some coverage for skilled nursing facility care.
Get the right coverage at the right price.
What Part B Covers
Medicare Part B covers outpatient medical services and preventative healthcare, like annual doctor visits and tests. It covers many tests and services, including:
- Diabetes supplies
- Ambulance services
- Durable medical equipment (DME)
- Influenza and hepatitis vaccinations
- Screening for cancer and depression
What Original Medicare Does Not Cover
While Medicare covers a broad range of care, not every item or service is covered. For example, the following are not typically covered by Parts A and B:
- Dentures
- Hearing aids
- Acupuncture
- Long-term care
- Massage therapy
- Cosmetic surgeries
- Routine dental and vision care
- Health care outside the U.S.
Depending on your health and financial situation, consider a separate long-term care policy, a Medicare Supplement plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes additional benefits.
What Part C Covers
Medicare Part C, better known as Medicare Advantage, is privately sold health insurance options that offer the same benefits as Part A and Part B — in addition to extra coverage for dental, vision, and hearing care. Most Advantage programs also include prescription drug coverage. You must be enrolled in Parts A and B to purchase an Advantage plan.
What Part D Covers
Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs that you get from a retail pharmacy. These are drugs not covered under Part B. Part D is an optional plan, but it would be wise to have it so you know your medications will be covered.
Contact a Professional
Medicare covers many medical services, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. However, there are services it doesn’t cover.
Medicare can be confusing, but not when you have an Oak Haven Insurance professional at your side. If you have questions about whether a specific service is covered by Medicare, give us a call today!
This website and its contents are for informational purposes only. Nothing on the website should ever be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider regarding diagnosis or treatment for a health condition, including decisions about the correct medication for your condition, as well as prior to undertaking any specific exercise or dietary routine.
