COVID changed the game for people around the world, especially for insurance carriers and Medicare. Many people have questions about how cost-sharing works for COVID testing, treatments, and vaccinations. You can look to Secure Insurance Group for answers to all your Medicare questions, including coronavirus inquiries. Read on to learn more!
A Quick List of Things to Know
- COVID vaccines are safe.
- Your provider can’t charge you a fee to give you the shot.
- According to CNCB, over half of Medicare beneficiaries are comfortable taking a COVID vaccine.
- Medicare will also cover a COVID-19 antibody test at no cost to you.
- Don’t share your info if someone contacts you guaranteeing access to the vaccine.
- Watch out for scammers who may try to steal your Medicare number.
Will Medicare Cover the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine will be covered under Medicare Part B, your medical insurance.
The CDC recommends two vaccines: the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna’s vaccine. If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket to get either one.
Remember to bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card so your provider or pharmacy can bill Medicare for the vaccine. Even if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) program, you’ll need your card. You can visit this page for more information.
Should You Get a COVID-19 Test?
If you have flu-like symptoms, have been in close contact with someone who has the virus, or have a doctor’s recommendation for testing, you should get a COVID-19 test. Testing isn’t necessary for everyone. The CDC suggests that you quarantine while waiting for the test results.
How to Get a COVID Test with Medicare
You can visit your doctor or other approved testing facility. Medicare will cover you at an approved testing site. For your convenience, CVS has an option where you drive up to get tested.
Is Medicare Changing Because of COVID?
COVID has increased patient access to telehealth and mental health services. Medicare had expanded telemedicine and telehealth services due to the public health emergency. This allowed patients to get therapy and care for the stress caused by the global pandemic—while still maintaining social distancing guidelines.
As the deaths and number of cases continue to decrease nationwide, a top priority will be to provide more access to mental health care. It’s not healthy for seniors (or anyone) to live in isolation for that long.
Medicare acknowledges the hardship that many people faced due to COVID-19. There’s coverage available for preventative mental health care.
What Is Telehealth?
In case you didn’t know, telehealth is a remote clinical setting where doctors use live, real-time audio, and video connections to serve patients. Most mental health care services can take place through telehealth now.
No location restrictions exist for doctors, but patients must be in their homes or in an accepted facility during the time of service.
Note: Medicare reimburses telemedicine that happens through a live videoconference, and telemedicine currently has coverage through Medicare Part B.
What Telehealth Is Covered by Medicare?
These days, telemedicine and Medicare benefits keep expanding. Part B covers more telehealth services than it used to. When virtual care became more necessary, doctors and patients started to look to Medicare to cover the services.
Searching for a Medicare Plan?
Due to COVID-19, more Medicare beneficiaries are going online for guidance. Secure Insurance Group can help you identify a plan that suits your needs and offers real value. We make it easy. Just contact us through our form, and we’ll respond within 24-48 hours! You can also call (417) 883-9300 to reach our office in Springfield, MO.
