People who are eligible for Medicare have many concerns and questions about the coronavirus outbreak that is spreading throughout the country. Medicare eligibility begins at age 65, which is within the higher risk age group for the virus. Older people may be twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness, according to Medicare.org.

If you are a Medicare recipient or are approaching eligibility, you are probably wondering how Medicare will cover the illness. Here's what you should know:

WHAT MEDICARE COVERS

Medicare covers a number of needs related to the coronavirus, including the lab test for COVID-19. Medicare beneficiaries pay no out-of-pocket costs. All medically necessary hospitalization is covered through Medicare, including during hospital quarantine that extends past when you might typically be discharged.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19, but if one becomes available, it will be covered by Medicare Part D. Medicare Advantage Plans grant access to the same benefits, and some may offer additional telemedicine benefits.

Medicare.gov warns that scammers may be taking advantage of the coronavirus emergency. Remembers to keep your Medicare card protected and check Medicare claims forms for discrepancies. Never share your Medicare Number over the phone.

EXPANDED TELEHEALTH SERVICES

Because of the public health emergency, Medicare has temporarily expanded its coverage of telehealth services, giving you more options to visit with your doctor from home through your smartphone, tablet or computer.

From Medicare.gov:

• You may be able to communicate with your doctors or certain other practitioners without necessarily going to the doctor’s office in person for a full visit. Medicare pays for “virtual check-ins”—brief, virtual services with your established physician or certain practitioners where the communication isn't related to a medical visit within the previous 7 days and doesn’t lead to a medical visit within the next 24 hours (or soonest appointment available).
• You need to consent verbally to using virtual check-ins and your doctor must document that consent in your medical record before you use this service. You pay your usual Medicare coinsurance and deductible for these services.
• Medicare also pays for you to communicate with your doctors using online patient portals without going to the doctor’s office. Like the virtual check-ins, you must initiate these individual communications.
• If you live in a rural area, you may use communication technology to have full visits with your doctors. The law requires that these visits take place at specified sites of service, known as telehealth originating sites, and get services using a real-time audio and video communication system at the site to communicate with a remotely located doctor or certain other types of practitioners. Medicare pays for many medical visits through this telehealth benefit.

With the additional stress that the coronavirus outbreak has placed on daily life, AAA is proud to offer free Medicare reviews with a licensed in-house agent. We'll take you step-by-step through the process of signing up and selecting a plan.

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