There are over 60 million Americans covered by Medicare and virtually all of them are in the high-risk category for being negatively impacted by the coronavirus that causes the respiratory illness COVID-19.
Medicare Part B (the insurance portion) will cover the costs of testing regardless of whether it was ordered by your health care provider. If you experience symptoms indicative of COVID-19 (coughing, fever, shortness of breath, headaches and fatigue) then you can be tested for the virus by your medical doctor or through a drive-through testing site and Medicare will cover all related testing costs. You will not incur any co-pay expenses.
Medicare will also cover in- patient hospitalization, ambulance fees, skilled nursing facility stays and some home health care services. It will not cover extended stays in nursing home facilities; however, it will cover additional hospital stays required because of the mandatory quarantine period.
Medicare has expanded its telehealth services so that patients do not have to travel and risk exposure with in-office visits. These services include online/telephone screenings by nurses, psychologists and social workers.
There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19, but once one becomes available, Medicare will cover the costs associated with getting vaccinated. At Stouffer Legal, we will continue to monitor developments on these issues and provide updates for our clients and the Baltimore community. Please call 443-470-3599 to speak with an attorney today!
