Medical Billing and Coding Online

How Medicare Part D Works - Medicare Prescription Drug Costs Help

<h3>How Part D Works</h3>After you join, you will receive a membership card and materials via mail. You will pay a co-pay, co-insurance, or deductible when you use your card.<br />
Some Part D plans have a "coverage gap." A coverage gap means when you have spent a certain amount of money, you are responsible for paying the entire cost of prescriptions while you are in the gap until you reach the out-of-pocket limit. After you meet the out-of-pocket obligation, you will only have to pay a small co-pay or co-insurance for the remainder of the calendar year.<br />
<h3>Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs</h3><div class="entry-image"></img></div>If you can't afford Part D costs, you may qualify for additional help. Several programs are available to assist with covering additional costs such as Medigap or Medicaid if you meet the income and resource requirements. <br />
<br />
If you already have coverage through a previous or current employer or union, you must contact your benefits administrator before you add or change your drug coverage. Joining Part D could result in the loss of your employer or union health or prescription coverage.<br />
A prescription drug plan can really take a lot of worry out of life. You never know what tomorrow may bring. Can you afford to risk your health? Prescription medications can cost hundreds of dollars a month, or even more in some cases. It is very important that you find a plan that will suit your budget and needs to insure that you have access to the prescription drugs you need.

How Medicare Part D Works - Medicare Prescription Drug Costs Help

How Part D Works After you join, you will receive a membership card and materials via mail. You will pay a co-pay, co-insurance, or deductib...

How to Get Medicare Advantage Plan Part D Coverage?

How to Get Part D Coverage? There are two ways to join the Medicare prescription drug coverage plan. The first is by adding it to your Origi...

What is Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage)

<h1 class="entry-header"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDWFHMGfPn5QuXZWj2NXNLyrprnga6rBEfsWxjZoK6F53a_AniF3APHLJOEQ0elZ6XxqYbHfoNVGnVjSVD5L9TzCeEdcSsSstCHdCVmp-MSFu_0fSWI7xv5Lka_y-dEnpOKQaJeSxBUU/s1600/medicare-part-b.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDWFHMGfPn5QuXZWj2NXNLyrprnga6rBEfsWxjZoK6F53a_AniF3APHLJOEQ0elZ6XxqYbHfoNVGnVjSVD5L9TzCeEdcSsSstCHdCVmp-MSFu_0fSWI7xv5Lka_y-dEnpOKQaJeSxBUU/s400/medicare-part-b.gif" width="150" /></a></h1><div class="entry-content"><div class="entry-body"><h2>Explanation of Medicare Part D</h2>After reading about Medicare plans A, B and C, you might still bewondering where prescription drug coverage comes in, or how can you insure coverage for your medications. You'll find the answer in this next Medicare plan, or the final plan offered through Medicare, called Part D.<br />
<br />
<h3>What is Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage)?</h3>Part D is prescription drug coverage insurance that is provided by private companies approved by Medicare. You need to enroll when you first become eligible to keep from paying a penalty cost later. Part D was designed to help people with Medicare to lower their prescription drug costs and to protect against future costs. A prescription drug plan will also enable you to have greater access to medically necessary drugs.</div></div>

What is Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage)

Explanation of Medicare Part D After reading about Medicare plans A, B and C, you might still bewondering where prescription drug coverage c...

What Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans are available?

<h3>What Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans are available?</h3>There are several plans available for Medicare Advantage. The Part C plans include the following:<br />
<br />
<ul><li><strong>Medicare Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)</strong> - You are able to see any doctor or specialist that you choose. If they are not in your PPO network, your cost will increase. You usually can see a specialist without a referral.</li>
<li><strong>Medicare Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)</strong> - You are able to visit doctors in the HMO network only. In most cases, you will be required to have a referral to visit a specialist.</li>
<li><strong>Medicare Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS)</strong> - You are able to see any doctor or specialist, but they must be willing to accept the PFFS's fees, terms, and conditions. You do not have to have a referral to see a specialist.</li>
<li><strong>Medicare Special Needs</strong> - These plans are designed for people with certain chronic diseases or other special health needs. These plans must include Part A, Part B, and Part D coverage.</li>
<li><strong>Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA)</strong> - There are two parts to this plan:</li>
</ul><br />
<blockquote><br />
<ol><li>A high-deductible plan with which coverage won't begin until the annual deductible is met.</li>
<li>A savings account plan where Medicare deposits money for you to use for health care costs.</li>
</ol></blockquote><h3>Do You Need Prescription Drug Coverage?</h3>Most Part C plans already include prescription drug coverage (Part D). If your plan offers drug coverage, you have to take it. If you have a stand-alone drug plan, and your Medicare Advantage Plan already has one, you will not be able to keep the Part C coverage. If you already have a prescription drug coverage, then you may choose a plan that does not have the drug plan included.<br />
<h3>Eligibility for Part C</h3>If you join Part C, you will still be in the Medicare Program and will have complete Part A and B coverage. You will continue to have Medicare rights and protection and in most cases, you will have prescription drug coverage (Part D) included as well.<br />
You can join Part C if you reside in the service area where you wish to join, if you already have Medicare Part A and B, and if you do not have End-Stage Renal Disease (with minor exceptions).

What Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans are available?

What Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans are available? There are several plans available for Medicare Advantage. The Part C plans include the...

Explanation of Medicare Advantage Plan Part C

<h1 class="entry-header"> </h1><div class="entry-content"><div class="entry-body"><div class="entry-image"></div><h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIAuR1hkJCztVHD2uBTrJZIVMGNOGd5vYWGUgq_VTRNoOX15zFtymHbPt-wyJugitZD4FOm4wOqKbJPE5iXKYEOPqCkL6TpRZyx1No5RIrfVWiqxbLF8BqiZd4RhPpbXP8k6-6WDhN6k/s1600/medicare-part-b.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIAuR1hkJCztVHD2uBTrJZIVMGNOGd5vYWGUgq_VTRNoOX15zFtymHbPt-wyJugitZD4FOm4wOqKbJPE5iXKYEOPqCkL6TpRZyx1No5RIrfVWiqxbLF8BqiZd4RhPpbXP8k6-6WDhN6k/s400/medicare-part-b.gif" width="150" /></a></div><br />
Explanation of Medicare Part C</h2>When considering your Medicare options, it is easy to get confused and overwhelmed. Relax and take one section at a time to gain an overall understanding. Knowing what Medicare is and how it works will help you to make the best decision. One option is called Part C, or Medicare Advantage Plan (like HMO or PPO).<br />
<h3> </h3><h3> </h3><h3> </h3><h3>What is Part C?</h3>Medicare Part C combines your Part A and Part B options and must cover all medically needed services. The difference is that private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare provide this type of coverage. In most cases, Part C is a lower-cost alternative to the Original Medicare Plan, and providers usually offer extra benefits and include prescription drug coverage (Part D).<br />
Part C plans often have networks, and you must use the doctors or hospitals that belong to the plan. These plans help you coordinate and manage your overall care. Part C includes specialized care for people who need a large amount of health care services. If you find yourself needing medical attention while traveling out of your plan coverage area, you will still be covered for emergency or urgent care services.</div></div>

Explanation of Medicare Advantage Plan Part C

Explanation of Medicare Part C When considering your Medicare options, it is easy to get confused and overwhelmed. Relax and take one sec...

Medicare Part B Cover? Doctor, Hospital, Home Health Care, Preventive Shots

<h3><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </h3>Medicare Part B covers many services, tests, preventive treatments, etc. that are common among health care patients, but are not covered in the Part A plan. Though many services and products are covered, keep in mind that Part B is still not a 100% insurance coverage plan. So, as with any other insurance policy, you should understand the plan and coverage completely upon enrolling. Part B helps cover only the medically necessary services listed below:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Tests, Labs and Screenings</li>
<li>Preventive services include exams, lab tests, or screening inoculations that will help prevent, manage, or diagnose a medical problem.</li>
<li>Glaucoma tests are covered once per year if performed by a legally authorized eye examiner.</li>
<li>Bone mass measurement is covered every two years (or as medically necessary). This is to see if you are at risk for broken bones.</li>
<li>Lab Services such as blood tests or urinalysis are covered.</li>
<li>Colorectal cancer screenings to find any pre-cancerous growths. Tests may include (a) annual fecal occult blood test, (b) flexible sigmoidoscopy (every four years), (c) screening colonoscopy (every ten years), or (d) barium enema (every four years).</li>
<li>Diabetic screenings are covered if you have high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, obesity, or high blood sugar.</li>
<li>Diabetic supplies covered include monitors, test strips, lancet devices, and therapeutic shoes.</li>
<li>Diabetic self-management training is covered if prescribed by your doctor</li>
<li>Cardiovascular screenings to help prevent heart attack or stroke are covered. A screening consists of testing your triglyceride, lipid, and cholesterol levels every five years.</li>
</ul><br />
<h3>Doctor, Hospital and Home Health Care</h3><br />
<ul><li>Home health services include limited reasonable and only medically necessary part-time care and services such as skilled nursing care, physical or occupational therapy, home health aide service, speech language pathology, and medical social services. It also includes certain home use medical equipment such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, oxygen equipment, and other medical supplies.</li>
<li>Chiropractic services will be covered if it is to correct one or more of the bones that has moved out of place in your spine subluxation).</li>
<li>Ambulance services are covered if any other form of transportation would endanger your health.</li>
<li>Blood (pints) that you receive during an outpatient visit or another Part B covered service.</li>
<li>Clinical trials may be covered if it will help to diagnose, prevent, or treat diseases.</li>
<li>Ambulatory surgery center fees are covered for approved services.</li>
<li>Emergency room services for bad injuries, severe illness, or any time you believe your life is in danger</li>
<li>Doctor services do not include routine physical exams except the one time "Welcome to Medicare" exam.</li>
<li>Eyeglass coverage is limited to one pair of glasses and standard frames after cataract surgery.</li>
</ul><br />
<h3>Preventive Shots</h3>Flu shots are covered one time per year during flu season.<br />
Three hepatitis B shots are covered if you are at medium or high risk.<br />
Additional services covered include, but are not limited to:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Hearing and balance exams</li>
<li>Mammograms</li>
<li>Dialysis</li>
<li>Pap tests or pelvic exams</li>
<li>Mental health care</li>
<li>Medical nutrition therapy</li>
<li>Hospital services</li>
<li>Occupational therapy</li>
<li>Outpatient surgery service and supplies</li>
<li>Limited prescription drugs</li>
<li>Practitioner services</li>
<li>Physical therapy</li>
<li>Prosthetic devices</li>
<li>Transplant services</li>
</ul>

Medicare Part B Cover? Doctor, Hospital, Home Health Care, Preventive Shots

Medicare Part B covers many services, tests, preventive treatments, etc. that are common among health care patients, but are not covered i...

Explanation of Medicare Part B

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnIFzx0Rle8_sa7ggLtFXc9-LQdhaNpWxc5DEg_0T607vJpryReKA11SAGj58NmPZJEFj3CGaEAChxbxMZH212fSkh8qMO16113q_T50mfjN5TERxv87DNa90sMUBcE-MxLUrGNuGj3w/s1600/medicare-part-b.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604024072649765458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnIFzx0Rle8_sa7ggLtFXc9-LQdhaNpWxc5DEg_0T607vJpryReKA11SAGj58NmPZJEFj3CGaEAChxbxMZH212fSkh8qMO16113q_T50mfjN5TERxv87DNa90sMUBcE-MxLUrGNuGj3w/s400/medicare-part-b.gif" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 216px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<div><strong><b><span style="font-size: large;">Explanation of Medicare Part B</span></b></strong> </div><br />
<div><br />
<strong><br />
</strong></div><strong>Medicare has several parts to consider when making your health care insurance choices. Understanding Medicare and how it works will allow you to choose the best plan to fit your needs. One part of the Medicare program is called Part B.</strong> <br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<div><strong><br />
</strong><br />
<br />
<strong><b><span style="font-size: large;">Part B Premiums</span></b></strong></div><strong><br />
</strong><strong>Most people have to pay a premium for Part B. You can check to see if you are qualified to receive help from your state to pay for premiums or deductibles. Otherwise, the premium is usually deducted from a Social Security, Railroad Retirement or Civil Service Retirement check. The Part B premium can also be paid every quarter or through the electronic payment option, or Medicare Easy Pay. Premiums will be based on income beginning January of 2007.</strong><br />
<div><strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong><b><span style="font-size: large;">What is Part B?</span></b></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Medicare Part B is a medical insurance provided by the federal government to eligible beneficiaries. The coverage provided by Part B includes medically necessary doctor's services, outpatient care, and most other services that Part A does not cover such as some physical or occupational therapies and some home health care services. Part B covers preventive services as well. </strong></div>

Explanation of Medicare Part B

Explanation of Medicare Part B Medicare has several parts to consider when making your health care insurance choices. Understanding Me...

What does Medicare Part A Cover?

<strong>What does Part A Cover?</strong><br />
Before learning about what Part A covers, you should also know that Medicare does not cover everything, nor does it cover the total cost for many of the covered services or medical supplies. Coverage amounts are based on which Medicare plan you have. Part A helps cover only the medically necessary services below:<br />
<br />
<strong>Blood Transfusions<br />
</strong>This is blood (pints) that you receive during a covered stay in a hospital, critical access hospital, or a skilled nursing facility.<br />
<br />
<strong>Hospital Stays</strong><br />
Part A covers hospital stays, which includes a semi-private room, meals, general nursing, and miscellaneous hospital services and supplies. Inpatient care in critical access hospitals and mental health care (up to 190 lifetime maximum) are also covered. Hospital stays must be at least 3 days (72 hours). The time begins the first midnight after admission and does not include any hours on the discharge date.<br />
<br />
<strong>Nursing Home or Skilled Nursing Facility</strong><br />
Nursing home or skilled nursing facility stays must be related to diagnosis during a hospital stay. For instance, your hospital stay was for a stroke. Then, a nursing home or skilled nursing facility stay for rehabilitation would be covered. A nursing home or skilled nursing facility stay includes a semi-private room, meals, and rehabilitative and skilled nursing services and care.<br />
<br />
The coverage is limited to a maximum of 100 days in a benefit period. The first 20 days are paid in full, and the remaining 80 days will require a co-payment. Medicare Part A will not cover long-term care, non-skilled, daily living, or custodial activities.<br />
<br />
<strong>Home Health Services</strong><br />
Home health services include limited reasonable and only medically necessary part-time care and services such as skilled nursing care, physical or occupational therapy, home health aide service, speech language pathology, and medical social services. It also includes certain home-use medical equipment (wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, oxygen), and other medical supplies.<br />
<br />
<strong>Hospice Care</strong><br />
Hospice care is for the terminally ill who have six months or less to live. Coverage includes pain relief and symptom control drugs, medical and support services, grief counseling, and other services. Care is provided by a nearby, Medicare-approved Hospice caregiver who will visit you at your home. Medicare also provides additional care for a Hospice patient so that the usual caregiver can take a time of rest. Medicare does not cover many of the services that are provided to patients who receive Hospice assistance.

What does Medicare Part A Cover?

What does Part A Cover? Before learning about what Part A covers, you should also know that Medicare does not cover everything, nor does it...

Explanation of Medicare Part A

<strong>Medicare Part A</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWdNOP_w1Teo37xHLruXcv8yQMw0py4RisQzIeCydU7kfxBBbswTtG1rZpQ0flE3EX5f7ZZZIGQ0AY1utF9WLdNM8r80yr6zNc-AgljDOY_HAMeDATK9gLblS27oZzP8IaBRp7xO7ap0/s1600/medicare_A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWdNOP_w1Teo37xHLruXcv8yQMw0py4RisQzIeCydU7kfxBBbswTtG1rZpQ0flE3EX5f7ZZZIGQ0AY1utF9WLdNM8r80yr6zNc-AgljDOY_HAMeDATK9gLblS27oZzP8IaBRp7xO7ap0/s400/medicare_A.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Explanation of Medicare Part A<br />
<br />
Medicare has several parts to consider when making your health care insurance choices. Understanding Medicare and how it works will allow you to choose the best plan to fit your needs. One part of the Medicare program is called Part A. Most people do not have to pay a premium for Part A because the individual or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. Others can buy Part A if they meet certain criteria. Below is an explanation of Medicare Part A and the coverage received under this plan. Use this information to decide if Part A is for you.<br />
<br />
<strong>What is Part A?</strong><br />
Medicare Part A is a type of hospital insurance provided by Medicare. The coverage provided by Part A includes inpatient care in hospitals, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and critical access hospitals. Part A does not include long-term or custodial care. If you meet specific requirements, then you may also be eligible for hospice or home health care.<br />
<br />
Fiscal Intermediaries handle the claims for the Medicare Part A plan. These are private insurance companies that act as agents for the federal government in processing and paying Medicare claims.<br />
<div></div>

Explanation of Medicare Part A

Medicare Part A Explanation of Medicare Part A Medicare has several parts to consider when making your health care insurance choices. Un...

How Medicare Part D Works - Medicare Prescription Drug Costs Help

How to Get Medicare Advantage Plan Part D Coverage?