The coronavirus is a respiratory illness that has initiated a worldwide pandemic. The virus easily spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. The virus has affected thousands of people throughout the United States but has impacted the elderly and people with underlying health conditions the most.
Medicare wants to ensure that all of America’s senior citizens can receive the healthcare they need throughout the pandemic. Medicare has made changes to ensure that you will receivesufficient healthcare coverage during these pressing times. Let’s look into further detail on how Medicare will cover you and the coronavirus.
Medicare and coronavirus
Medicare beneficiaries who become critically ill from the coronaviruswill have coverage for their inpatient (Part A) and outpatient (Part B) services. Part A covers inpatient hospital and skilled nursing facility stays. While physician visits, emergency room visits, and ambulance transportation are listed under Part B.
If you take a coronavirus test, you will not have to pay the Part B deductible or any coinsurance. Typically, you would have to meet the $198 Part B deductible and pay a 20% coinsurance for outpatient services. However, due to the pandemic, Medicare will cover both the coronavirus swab and antibody test at 100%.
Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, beneficiaries can also receive coronavirus testing-related services through an associated physician visit, hospital observation, online digital evaluation, or emergency department services without cost-sharing, according to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Coronavirus and hospital coverage
Many seniors are and have been hospitalized due to the coronavirus. If you were to be admitted to the hospital for treatment for the coronavirus, you would be subject to the Part A deductible, which is $1,408 in 2020. After you have met this deductible, Medicare will cover the remaining balance up until 60 days.
Now, if you are in the hospital for more than 60 days, on days 61-90, you would pay a copayment of $352 per day. However, if you are discharged from the hospital as an inpatient, but you are asked to quarantine inside the hospital, you will not be responsible for an additional deductible or copayment for your extended stay.
Many seniors must stay at a skilled nursing facility (SNF) after their inpatient hospital stay to continue recovery. Original Medicare will cover your SNF for 20 days. After day 20, you will be subject to a copayment of $176 per day for days 21-100.
Coronavirus vaccine
There has yet to be a coronavirus vaccination established and released to the public in the United States. Many people believe that Medicare Part B will cover the future coronavirus vaccine, since Medicare Part B covers many vaccinations, such as influenza, pneumococcal, and the hepatitis B vaccine. However, if a coronavirus vaccination becomes available, Medicare Part D will cover the vaccination – not Part B.
Telemedicine and Medicare
Telemedicine has been heavily used during the coronavirus pandemic. Telemedicine is an online communication that brings a healthcare physician and a patient together using a smartphone, computer, or tablet with two-way audio and an internet connection. The healthcare physician can treat and diagnose a patient without coming into direct contact with them.
Before the pandemic, telemedicine was only available in rural areas. Now, beneficiaries can utilize telemedicine services and receive coverage from Medicare. You can use telemedicine for virtual check-ins, regular doctor’s visits, preventative health screenings, and mental health counseling.
Medicare covers all telemedicine visits under Medicare Part B. With that said, you will still be responsible for the Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance. However, many providers are being flexible and reducing the price of service or waiving the cost-sharing all together.
Social distancing, washing your hands, and wearing a mask is highly recommended throughout the pandemic. Take care of your mind and body to ensure you stay safe and healthy during these difficult times. If you would like to learn more about the coronavirus’s Medicare coverage, contact a trusted Medicare broker or visit Medicare.gov for more information.
