Over 51 million adults age 65 and older are at higher risk of developing a serious illness if they become infected with COVID-19. Most of these seniors rely on Medicare to pay for medical care and many are concerned about how much Medicare will cover for COVID-19 testing and treatment. Through this article, we will present the Medicare covered services and related costs, as well as the impact of various federal coronavirus relief regulations passed by Congress.
Medicare already covers many healthcare costs, and additional regulations have expanded some of this care. Here is a list of all services now covered and their associated costs:
Through the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, (CARES) the Secretary of Health and Human Services has temporarily waived certain restrictions on Medicare coverage of telehealth service. This waiver allows all beneficiaries, regardless of geographic location, to:
This law also removes the requirement that providers of telehealth services have treated the beneficiary receiving these services in the last three years. A separate provision in the CARES Act allows federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services to Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 emergency period.
The covered services include:
These services are provided under Medicare Part B, so the standard Part B deductions and coinsurance payments still apply. The good news is that the HHS Office of Inspector General is providing flexibility for providers to reduce or waive the cost-sharing for telehealth visits during this public health emergency. It is important to note that Medicare Advantage Plans are able to offer telehealth benefits not covered by traditional Medicare.
Under the CAREs act the limitations on the amount of medication that people can receive has been adjusted. Under Part D Plans, including Medicare Advantage Plans, can now provide up to a 90 day (3 month) supply of covered Part D drugs for enrollees who request it.
In an effort to assure that Medicare enrollees receive all of the care they need, new codes have been added to allow healthcare facilities to bill for necessary services related to COVID-19.
At Alliance, we have assisted Medicare-eligible adults to consider their options in plans and supplemental insurances. Let our Medicare experts help you by reviewing your current plan and presenting options if it no longer meets your needs. If you are new to the Medicare program, you don’t have to address the enrollment challenges alone. We represent the best insurance carriers in Florida and can help you select the best option for your needs.
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