Medicare Coverage for COVID-19

If you turn on your television, listen to the radio, or read your newspaper, most every headline involves the coronavirus. Although the coronavirus was first discovered in the 1960s, this will go down in history for the 2019-2020 years. The coronavirus is affecting older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions. Immune systems respond to age, which is a reason many doctors and professionals are asking Medicare beneficiaries to beware of traveling or even exposing themselves to larger groups. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, read more to find out what Medicare will cover related to COVID-19.

Medicare Coverage on COVID-19

Medicare has responded to the coronavirus and has taken measures with coverage options for beneficiaries. Medicare will cover 100% of lab tests for COVID-19 if the test was done on or after February 4, 2020. If hospitalized due to the coronavirus, Medicare will cover all costs if it is medically necessary, whether discharged from hospital or quarantined in hospital. Medicare has released that if a vaccine becomes available for COVID-19, then it will be covered under your Medicare Part B. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan will waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 lab tests.

Medicare will also cover communication with your doctors without going to the office in person. In addition, some virtual checkups will be covered, and are recommended by doctors and officials to be used under certain circumstances. If considering using the telemedicine program through your Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan, please visit the link provided to learn more. Please review all terms and conditions for this service.

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/telehealth

Recommended Safety Precautions

• Avoid close contact with others. Use the six feet away rule.
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds minimum.
• Stay away from touching surface areas such as light switches, elevator buttons, and door handles. Avoid handshakes with others.
• Practice disinfecting specific areas around your home. Clean tables, doorknobs, desks, toilets, faucets, and cell phones.
• If using hand sanitizer, make sure it is at least 60% alcohol.

If you have any further questions about Medicare’s coverage of COVID-19, please give us a call at (877) 759-5760.