Medicare is a federal health insurance plan available for people over 65, those with disabilities, and individuals with ESRD. It ensures that people needing high-quality, inexpensive healthcare coverage receive it. However, the various regulations involved in Medicare can make it confusing. If you are eligible to receive its benefits, you should know its coverage and, more importantly, its limitations. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Medicare that might help clear confusion.
I spent more than six months in a nursing home after a crucial surgery. Will Medicare cover my medical costs?
The Original Medicare, a fee-for-service health plan provided by the federal government and Medicare Advantage, does not cover long-term care expenses. Unfortunately, this also includes long-term stays at nursing homes. Usually, long-term care involves some of the highest healthcare costs, especially for retirees. Basically, Medicare does cover limited stays in rehab facilities. For example, Medicare will cover your costs if you undergo hip surgery and need inpatient therapy for multiple weeks. However, the prices of long-term stays at a nursing home are beyond Medicare. To address this, you can consider buying private long-term care insurance. Or, if you have limited savings and income, you can check if other federal health programs can assist you.
Will Medicare cover my chiropractic treatment expenses?
Original Medicare will not cover almost any chiropractic services, including X-rays or tests that a chiropractor asks patients to undergo. Medicare Part B covers chiropractic manipulation only if any bones in your spine are dislocated. This therapy, known as the correction for a spinal subluxation (the movement of a spinal vertebra from its natural position), is covered when the chiropractor deems it medically necessary. When that happens, 20% of the approved expenses are covered by Medicare. Specific plans in Medicare Advantage can cover chiropractic medical expenses. Therefore, if you opted for Medicare Advantage, you can check with your insurance provider about the chiropractic expenses covered according to your plan. Also, you can check if the clinic or surgeon you visited offers any plans of their own.
Will I receive coverage for the callus removal surgery I underwent?
Medicare does not cover chiropody or the medical care to diagnose or treat foot-related diseases. Therefore, routine foot care treatments such as callus removal don’t fall under Medicare. On the other hand, the Part B of Medicare covers certain treatments or tests conducted for diabetes-related nerve damage or injuries on the feet. Also, some plans may cover foot ailments such as bunion deformities, hammertoe, or heel spurs. However, you should set up a savings program to compensate for expenses incurred due to chiropody treatments or diagnoses to stay safe.
I had a tooth extracted last week at a local clinic. Will my dental expenses be covered?
Medicare does not cover the costs of teeth cleanings, fillings, most tooth extractions, or routine dental visits. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, then certain basic cleanings or X-rays may be covered. So, you can check with your Medicare Advantage insurance provider regarding this detail. However, purchasing a separate dental insurance policy or discount plan is the best option.