11/18/2021
Everyone knows they can dial into us at 714-377-1400 for any questions or hassle-free assistance.
It's been a long while since we posted anything onto Facebook (as Facebook reminds me daily), so I thought we'd post a little about Medicare. 'Tis the season.
Medicare coverage has changed over the last few years. You may have noticed that some of your lab bills are covered less, and we have MACRA which is digging into the way we pay providers. And on the drug plans, those who are taking certain sleeping aids or opiod-type pharmaceuticals often revert to the GOOD RX options instead of their drug plan for rate relief. [We are really helpful in this department, I'm told. Having been doing this for 30 years now, we have smart clients who teach us and we know our stuff.]
On the positive, and new, Medicare has now added some items.
Many people don't know how much original Medicare Part B (medical insurance) now covers. These six benefits might surprise you:
1. Acupuncture: If you have chronic lower back pain lasting at least 12 weeks, you can visit an acupuncturist up to 12 times in 90 days. If you improve as a result, you could get eight more visits. This benefit is only available for patients with lower back pain, but it can be very effective for this condition.
2. Therapy: Medicare Part B covers medically necessary psychotherapy, including ongoing individual therapy, group therapy, or family counseling. The number of covered mental health visits varies depending on your plan, so reach out if you would like me to check on your benefits.
3. Opioid treatment programs: These treatment programs are covered for people diagnosed with opioid use disorder. Opioid use treatment programs are pretty comprehensive—they include substance use counseling, individual and group therapy, and medication (for emergency overdoses, reducing cravings, and helping patients get through withdrawals).
4. Ambulance transportation: If you need to be transported in an ambulance, the ride might be covered based on two criteria. If you’re being transported for medically necessary services, and if a different form of transportation would be medically dangerous, then you won’t need to worry about riding out of coverage.
5. Weight loss counseling: Medicare Part B covers obesity behavioral counseling for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above. These therapy sessions help patients evaluate and change their diets, start and stick to exercise programs, and lose weight to improve their health.
6. Getting a second opinion before surgery: If surgery is not an emergency, Medicare Part B will help you get a second doctor’s opinion in some cases. If you aren’t sure whether you should undergo surgery, you can ask to speak to another doctor before moving forward. If the second doctor contradicts your first doctor, then Part B will even cover a third opinion to help settle the matter.
Okay, haven't posted in a long while, and it's busy season, but let me know if you want us to do this more often, or if we should just BE HERE when you need us. We can do both :) Thank you!
