What services are covered by Medicare, and are there any services that are not covered?
Services Covered by Medicare
Medicare is divided into several parts, each of which covers different healthcare services. The services covered by Medicare include:
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Medicare Part A: Hospital Care
Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, including hospital stays, hospice care, skilled nursing facility care, and home health care.
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Medicare Part B: Medical Services
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services and supplies, including doctor visits, lab tests, diagnostic tests, outpatient care, mental health services, preventive services, and durable medical equipment.
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Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage
Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage and is offered by private insurance companies. Medicare Advantage plans provide the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and may also include additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing care.
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Medicare Part D: Prescription Drugs
Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs, including brand-name and generic drugs, vaccines, and certain medical supplies.
Services Not Covered by Medicare
While Medicare provides extensive coverage for healthcare services, there are some services that are not covered. Some of the services not covered by Medicare include:
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Long-term Care
Medicare does not cover long-term care, such as nursing home care or assisted living facilities, unless it is part of a skilled nursing facility stay or hospice care.
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Cosmetic Procedures
Medicare does not cover cosmetic procedures, such as facelifts or tummy tucks, unless they are medically necessary.
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Acupuncture
While some private insurance plans may cover acupuncture, Medicare does not cover this service.
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Routine Dental and Vision Care
Medicare does not cover routine dental or vision care, such as check-ups or cleanings. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may include dental and vision coverage. Get Medicare Advantage plans here
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Hearing Aids
Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing exams, except in certain situations, such as if you are part of a clinical study.
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Custodial Care
Medicare does not cover custodial care, which is non-medical care that helps with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
Conclusion
Medicare provides coverage for a wide range of healthcare services, including hospital care, medical services, prescription drugs, and preventive care. However, there are also services that are not covered by Medicare, such as long-term care, cosmetic procedures, and routine dental and vision care. It is important to understand the services covered by Medicare and those that are not covered, so you can make informed decisions about your healthcare needs. If you have questions about Medicare coverage, speak with your healthcare provider or a Medicare representative to learn more.