Does Medicare Cover an EEG? 

Electroencephalograms (EEGs) are tests that calculate the brain’s electrical activity. These tests are non-invasive and performed by medical professionals who attach electrodes to the patient’s scalp. These sensitive metal discs pick up electrical impulses in the brain and send them through wires connected to a computer that documents the results.  Physicians use the information collected from EEGs to find irregularities in brain activity and to help them diagnose or rule out medical disorders such as: Epilepsy Sleeping disorders Brain tumors Brain damage caused by a…

How and When to Apply for Medicare 

In the United States today, there are more than 65 million people enrolled in Medicare because they meet the age requirement or have qualifying disabilities.  When you reach the age of 65, you can enroll in any of the following four parts of Medicare:  Part A (hospital insurance) covers inpatient stays in hospitals, skilled nursing care facilities, and hospices.  Part B (medical insurance) covers outpatient health care services and medical supplies.   Part C (Medicare Advantage) are policies sold by private insurance companies that are affiliated…

Will There be Changes in 2024 for My Dual-eligible Benefits? 

Medicare and Medicaid are both vital healthcare programs for seniors and retirees in the United States as well as individuals and families with low incomes. Typically, Medicare is only available to American citizens 65 or older, but some people can qualify for Medicare under the age of 65 with a qualifying disability. Medicaid is a state-run program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This is an income-based health insurance program that provides coverage for a huge range of healthcare items, including…

What Isn’t Covered by Medicare? 

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare insurance is relied upon by over 65 million people in the United States. The program provides benefits for all kinds of medically necessary services, including doctor visits, surgery, inpatient care and even prescription drugs. Unfortunately, despite the wide range of covered items available under Medicare, the program does have limitations. Understanding the limits of Medicare is important for seniors to find the right coverage options and plan for the future. What isn’t covered by…

Is Long-Term Care Covered by Medicare? 

In the United States, statistics show that around 70 percent of seniors will need some sort of long-term care during their lives. There are over 65,000 long-term care facilities in this country ready to provide that care.  A person who relies on long-term care typically needs help with personal (custodial) care like bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as medical care like taking medications and having wounds treated. While long-term care in nursing facilities is often associated with old age, many people need this type…

Do You Need all Four Parts of Medicare? 

In the United States, Medicare has been the national health insurance program for millions of beneficiaries over the age of 65 or those under 65 with qualifying disabilities since 1965. In the beginning, Medicare had two parts. Part A covers health care services in hospitals, and Part B covers outpatient health care services like doctor’s visits.  In 1999, Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, came into existence after the Balanced Budget Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1997. And finally, the fourth…

How Does Medicare Work for Veterans? 

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is available to all U.S. citizens at age 65. Medicare beneficiaries who have the required credits, earned through employment and tax payments, are eligible for premium-free Part A. While you serve in the military, your Social Security (SS) and Medicare taxes are automatic payroll deductions. Veterans can get both SS and military retirement benefits. If you receive SS benefits when you turn 65, your enrollment in Medicare is automatic. Otherwise, you can enroll in Medicare through the Social…

Does Medicare Cover Lab Work? 

Medical professionals and health care providers commonly use laboratory tests to diagnose diseases or medical conditions, identify health changes, plan and evaluate treatment options, and monitor disease progression. Without these valuable diagnostic tools, your health could be at serious risk, so it’s fortunate that Medicare covers many of them.   How Medicare Part A covers lab work  Medicare covers many different types of clinical diagnostic laboratory tests if your physician orders them because they are medically necessary to diagnose, rule out, or treat a medical condition. …

Five Things You May Not Know Medicare Covers 

Whether you’re new to Medicare, or you’ve been enrolled for years, you might not be aware of all the benefits available to you through your Medicare coverage.  Here’s a look at five important benefits that you should know about: 1. Telemedicine services  If you live in a rural area or you can’t leave home easily, Medicare provides telemedicine services so you can access medical care like psychotherapy, speech therapy, doctors’ visits, and others via audio or video communication with a medical professional.  If you’re enrolled…

Does Medicare Cover Ketone Test Strips? 

If you need to monitor your ketone levels, test strips can be a convenient and easy way to check. If your doctor suggests using ketone test strips due to a medical condition, or if you’re dieting and checking if you’re in ketosis, you may be wondering if your Medicare insurance will help cover the costs.  If you have diabetes or another medical condition that puts you at risk for developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), you may need to make sure your ketone levels are not too…