Top 20 Medicare Benefits You Didn’t Know About
Medicare provides a variety of benefits that many seniors may be unaware of. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into 20 lesser-known Medicare benefits so you can make the most of your coverage.
Inside each element of Medicare are hidden gems of coverage you might not be aware of. From traditional Medicare to Part C and Part D, there are some great benefits seniors from Boca Raton to Port St. Lucie should know about and take advantage of.
1. Acupuncture Treatments
Acupuncture for chronic lower back pain is something you probably didn’t realize was covered. This includes up to 12 sessions in a 90-day period, with an additional eight sessions if the treatment shows improvement.
2. Obesity Counseling
Intensive behavioral therapy for obesity is covered if you have a BMI of 30 or higher. This includes face-to-face counseling sessions with a qualified primary care provider.
3. Smoking Cessation
Smoking cessation counseling is covered for those who want to quit smoking. This includes eight face-to-face sessions with a qualified healthcare provider per year.
4. Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling
Medicare benefits cover alcohol misuse screenings annually for all beneficiaries. If you’re found to be misusing alcohol, it also covers up to four brief counseling sessions per year.
5. Diabetes Screenings and Prevention Program
Two diabetes screenings per year for at-risk seniors is a Medicare benefit many people don’t know about. Additionally, the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) provides a structured lifestyle change program for those with pre-diabetes.
6. Nutrition Therapy
Medical nutrition therapy for individuals with diabetes or renal disease is another hidden benefit. This includes assessments, counseling, and follow-up visits with a registered dietitian or nutrition professional.
7. Cardiac Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation programs are covered for beneficiaries with specific heart conditions. These programs include exercise, education, and counseling to help improve cardiovascular health.
8. Mental Health Services
Mental health services, including inpatient and outpatient care, partial hospitalization, and psychotherapy sessions with a licensed mental health professional are covered as well.
9. Depression Screening
Coverage includes annual depression screenings for all beneficiaries. These screenings can help identify and treat mental health issues early.
10. Vaccinations
A variety of vaccinations, including the flu shot, pneumococcal vaccine, and hepatitis B vaccine is covered with a Part B plan.
11. Home Health Services
Services such as intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, for eligible beneficiaries are a form of coverage many seniors should take advantage of.
12. Telehealth Services
Can’t make it to the doctor? Telehealth services allow beneficiaries to access healthcare providers through videoconferencing or other remote communication methods.
13. Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Part B covers DME, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen equipment, when prescribed by a healthcare provider.
14. Chiropractic Services
Some chiropractic services are covered, specifically spinal manipulation, to help treat subluxation or misalignment of the spine.
15. Ambulance Services
Medicare covers ambulance services when medically necessary, such as transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility.
16. Hospice Care
For those with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less, the cost of care is covered under Part A.
17. Prosthetic Devices
Part B also provides coverage for prosthetic devices, such as artificial limbs and breast prostheses, when prescribed by a healthcare provider.
18. Kidney Dialysis Services
Kidney dialysis services, including inpatient and outpatient treatments, as well as home dialysis equipment and supplies are covered. After your annual deductible, you only pay for 20% of the costs.
19. Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea treatment is something most wouldn’t think is covered, but it is. This includes continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices and oral appliances when prescribed by a healthcare provider after a sleep study confirms the diagnosis.
20. Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Coverage is available for beneficiaries with chronic lung diseases, such as COPD. These programs include exercise, education, and counseling to help improve lung function and overall health
Absolute Best Insurance Can Help You Get Coverage
Learn which Medicare plans cover the best of the 20 hidden benefits you should take advantage of. Our team of licensed health insurance agents can help you get signed up at no extra cost to you!
From Boca Raton to Greenacres and onward up to Port St. Lucie, eligible seniors rely on Absolute Best Insurance to get the right coverage at a price that will fit your budget. Click here or call our team at (561) 420-0280 to learn more.