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Medicare and COVID-19: What’s Covered

09/01/2021
  • Medicare with Melissa

Because of their vulnerability, people ages 65 and up were the first group targeted by the healthcare industry’s effort to vaccinate the public against the coronavirus.

Medicare beneficiaries don’t have to pay to get the COVID-19 vaccine. But what if you didn’t get the shot and you become ill with the coronavirus – or you did get vaccinated, and still develop COVID?

And if you get it, will Medicare cover your care? We found some answers to these questions. But first, let’s look at how the coronavirus has affected older Americans in general and Medicare beneficiaries in particular.

COVID-19’s Impact on Seniors

As data from Statistics shows, nearly 80% of deaths due to COVID-19 in the U.S. between Jan. 1, 2020, and July 21 of this year, occurred in people 65 and up.

About 63 million Americans were enrolled in Medicare as of April 2021. Of those, 57% were in Medicare Fee for Service (Original Medicare), and 43% enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.

Last year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) conducted a study in which HHS analyzed the Medicare claims of 3.1 million residents of nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities. (Most of the residents of nursing homes are Medicare beneficiaries.)

It found in 2020, 2 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries in nursing homes were diagnosed with either COVID-19 or likely COVID-19. Furthermore, close to half of Black, Hispanic and Asian Medicare beneficiaries in nursing homes had or likely had COVID. By comparison, 41% of White beneficiaries did.

Exercise Caution Everywhere

Even if you don’t reside in a nursing home, you’re still at risk of developing or spreading COVID-19. The delta variant now moving across the U.S. is even more contagious – and dangerous – than the original coronavirus, the CDC warns.

You don’t know who else you may come into contact with that has it yet does not display any symptoms or signs of the illness.

Also, keep in mind that even fully vaccinated people can spread the delta variant to others.

Medicare and COVID-19 Vaccination

As we mentioned, Medicare covers the cost of the coronavirus vaccine. You may need to show your Medicare card, so take it with you if you go to your doctor or other location.

If you can’t get to a vaccination site due to disability or other challenges, Medicare will cover the cost of sending a physician to your residence to give you the shot.

To arrange this, get in touch with your primary care doctor first to see if they can inoculate you. If not, they may refer you to another physician or health care provider who can.

Do not accept a COVID-19 vaccine (or any vaccine) from someone you don’t know or who contacts you without invitation. Furthermore, only give your Medicare number out to providers you trust. Scammers and fraudsters have taken advantage of some beneficiaries.

COVID Treatment and Hospitalization

In addition to COVID-19 vaccinations, Medicare covers COVID lab tests and FDA-authorized COVID-19 antibody tests, if you were diagnosed with a known current or known prior COVID infection – or suspected current or previous infection.

Also covered are monoclonal antibody treatments and medically necessary hospitalizations.

Medicare Advantage plan members have these benefits as well. Medicare lets MA plans waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 lab tests.

Many plans offer telehealth benefits. Some even cover meal delivery or medical transport. Be sure to confirm what your particular MA plan covers.

In conclusion

While we’ve made progress against the coronavirus, we’re not out of the woods yet. Medicare beneficiaries should get vaccinated if they are not; be careful about who they come into contact with; and seek treatment if they believe or know they’ve become infected with COVID-19.

Taking these steps will help reduce the spread of this highly contagious and dangerous illness among people of all ages.

Learn More: Coordinating Medicare and COBRA

People Also Read: Medicare Covers the COVID-19 Vaccine at No Cost to You

What does Medicare cover: Does Medicare cover weight loss surgery?

Meet Melissa MacCalla

Medicare is not simple and can be hard, frustrating, and downright confusing for most. I love when I get someone on the phone and I am given the opportunity to explain the difference in plans to them and have Medicare make sense. I enjoy talking to clients year after year, hearing about their families growing or them asking about mine.

-Melissa

Oh my gosh!! I was so confused about the Medicare Supplement process. I am turning 65 soon and am retired and have always had insurance thru my former employer. I didn’t know a thing about going on Medicare and was struggling to sort it all out.

A friend of mine recommended contacting Senior HealthCare Solutions, so I did. Melissa was FANTASTIC!! She was professional, responsive, caring and friendly. She explained the steps I needed to take, gathered my information, helped me choose good plans for MY specific needs and took care of my applications over the phone. 1-2-3, eesy-peesy and I was done!! And it didn’t cost me a DIME!!! WOW!!! I HIGHLY recommend Senior Healthcare Solutions for anyone who’s overwhelmed with making the right choices with Medicare Supplemental Insurance and Rx coverage. It’ll take a load off your mind!

Janice W.

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