FAQs
Here are some examples of what is not covered by Medicare Part A and Part B:
1. Prescription drugs: Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover most prescription drugs you take at home, with a few exceptions such as medications administered during a hospital stay or certain injectable drugs.
2. Long-term care: Medicare does not generally cover long-term care, including services provided in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or at-home care for activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, and eating.
3. Routine dental care: Basic dental services, such as cleanings, fillings, dentures, and extractions, are not covered under Medicare Part A and Part B. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited coverage for dental visits.
4. Vision and eyewear: Routine eye exams for prescribing glasses, contact lenses, and eye refractions are not covered by Medicare. Additionally, Medicare does not cover eyeglasses or contact lenses, except following cataract surgery.
5. Hearing aids: Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover hearing exams or hearing aids. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer hearing aid coverage.
6. Cosmetic procedures: Procedures done solely for cosmetic purposes, such as most plastic surgeries, are not covered by Medicare.
7. Acupuncture and alternative therapies: Medicare generally does not cover acupuncture, chiropractic services, acupuncture, or other alternative therapies.
**It is crucial to review your specific Medicare coverage and understand the exclusions and limitations. Additional coverage options, such as Medicare Advantage plans or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), may help fill some of the gaps and provide additional benefits.
Tricare is a comprehensive healthcare program provided by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to military members, their families, and eligible retirees. It is designed to ensure that these individuals have access to affordable and high-quality medical services.
Tricare offers various health plan options, including Tricare Prime, Tricare Select, and Tricare For Life. Tricare Prime operates similarly to a health maintenance organization (HMO), wherein beneficiaries are required to select a primary care manager and obtain referrals for specialty care. Tricare Select, on the other hand, is a preferred provider organization (PPO) that allows beneficiaries to have greater flexibility when choosing healthcare providers without the requirement of referrals.
Tricare For Life is a supplemental program that works alongside Medicare for eligible retirees aged 65 or older. It provides additional coverage and serves as a secondary payer for healthcare services not covered by Medicare.
Under the Tricare program, beneficiaries can access a wide range of medical services, including hospital care, preventive services, prescription medications, mental health services, maternity care, and specialty care. The coverage extends to both civilian healthcare providers and military treatment facilities.
Tricare also offers options for dental and vision coverage, known as Tricare Dental Program (TDP) and Tricare Vision Program (TVP), respectively. These programs provide comprehensive dental and vision benefits for eligible beneficiaries at additional costs.
It is important to note that Tricare is available to various groups, including active duty service members, National Guard/Reserve members, retired service members, and their families. The program aims to ensure that military-affiliated individuals receive the necessary healthcare they need to maintain their well-being.
If you have Veterans' Benefits, it is still important to evaluate whether or not to sign up for Medicare Part B. While having Veterans’ Benefits may provide you with some healthcare coverage, it may not cover all your medical needs. Also, it is crucial to consider your future healthcare needs, as well as potential changes in your Veterans’ Benefits coverage.
Medicare Part B primarily covers outpatient services, such as doctor's visits, preventive care, and medical equipment. It can supplement your Veterans' Benefits by providing additional coverage for services not fully covered by your veterans' plan. Furthermore, having both Medicare Part B and Veterans' Benefits can often give you a broader range of healthcare options.
If you choose not to enroll in Medicare Part B when you are first eligible and later decide you need it, you may face a late enrollment penalty. This penalty increases your monthly Part B premium, and you will have to pay this penalty for as long as you have Medicare Part B.
To make an informed decision, it is recommended that you consult with both the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation and help you determine whether signing up for Medicare Part B is right for you.
Remember, it is essential to carefully evaluate your options and consider your current and future healthcare needs before making a decision about Medicare Part B, especially if you have Veterans' Benefits.
To change your name and address for Medicare purposes, you need to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here's how you can reach them:
1. Online: Visit the official website of the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov.
2. Phone: Call the SSA's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
3. In-person: Locate your nearest Social Security office using the SSA's Office Locator tool on their website. Visit the office in person to make the necessary changes.
When contacting the SSA, make sure to have your Medicare number or Social Security number ready, as well as any supporting documents that may be required, such as proof of name change or address verification.
Remember, updating your name and address with the SSA will help ensure that your Medicare records are accurate and that you receive important communications regarding your benefits and coverage.
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!