Major Medicare Changes | Medicare is the federal health insurance program for: People who are 65 or older, Certain younger people with disabilities, People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD). Read The Most Significant Medicare Changes in 2024
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About Major Medicare Changes
Medicare covers nearly 63 million people in the United States at a low cost.1 Whether you have chronic illnesses or a sudden health problem, you can select the Medicare health plan that best meets your needs. While your plan may remain relatively unchanged year after year, Medicare is making some changes for 2023. Seniors can use an online search to find out what changes Medicare is making to its coverage.
Read more opportunities
If you want to make changes to your plan, you can only do so during open enrollment. Find out when open enrollment is taking place by searching online.
Here are some of the biggest changes for Medicare in 2024.
COVID-19 Item and Service Coverage:
Because many Medicare customers are at high risk of contracting a serious case of COVID-19, there are more COVID-19 coverage options available. You can get help with prevention, testing, and some treatments for this virus.
Medicare will pay for FDA-approved vaccines that reduce your risk of coronavirus. The vaccine is free as long as you bring your Medicare card to the doctor’s office or pharmacy where you get it. The vaccine works in conjunction with the body’s natural defenses to provide immunity to the virus.
If you suspect you have COVID-19, Medicare will cover FDA-approved tests. These tests are available in your area. You will not be charged anything to find out whether your test was positive or negative.
Finally, if you have COVID-19, Medicare may cover monoclonal antibody treatments. This is for people who test positive and have mild to moderate symptoms. You must meet certain criteria to receive this treatment, so consult with your doctor to see if it is appropriate for you.
Cognitive Assessment and Care Plan Services are covered.
When you go to the doctor for a wellness check, they may also perform a Medicare-covered cognitive assessment. Doctors and specialists conduct these examinations to look for signs of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Medicare now covers a comprehensive evaluation of your cognitive function. This appointment can be used to establish or confirm a diagnosis as well as to develop a treatment plan. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be referred to a specialist or to community resources.
Doctors must assess potential symptoms and rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety. They look for a number of symptoms associated with cognitive impairment. Among them are the following:
- Remembering things;
- Learning new things;
- Concentrating;
- Managing finances;
- and making daily decisions
Colorectal Cancer Blood-Based Biomarker Test Coverage:
Medicare is introducing new coverage for colorectal cancer screenings. The goal is to assist customers in receiving early diagnosis, when treatment is more effective.
You can now have a blood-based biomarker test performed. In some cases, this test is covered once every three years. If your doctor or another health care provider determines that you are eligible, you will not be charged.
In order to qualify, you must:
- Be between the age of 60 and 85;
- Show no symptoms of colorectal disease, and;
- Carry average risk for developing colorectal cancer
Price Increases Are Possible
It is critical for Medicare customers to understand that their coverage may face price increases. These changes may have an impact on your coverage and the amount you pay for health insurance. According to Yahoo, the following price changes will take effect in 2022:
- Part A deductible rises by 3.2 percent, from $1,364 to $1,408;
- Part B premium rises by 6.7 percent, from $135.50 to $144.60; and
- Part B deductible rises by 7%, from $185 to $198.
Another increase to be aware of is Medicare Part D. This coverage is expected to increase by 4.9 percent, from $31.47 to around $33. According to Healthcare Finance News, this is based on projected per capita drug spending in 2022. 6
Customers can anticipate these additional costs and changes during open enrollment.
Prepare for Open Enrollment
The time has come for Medicare beneficiaries to review their health-care coverage. Open enrollment, which runs from October 15 to December 7, allows you to make changes to your health plan as needed. 7 You can reassess your needs, modify your current plan, or purchase new policies.
Start reviewing Medicare policies and how they compare to your current plan to ensure you have the coverage you require in 2022. Examine the potential price increases to see how they will affect what you will pay. If you require additional assistance, speak with a Medicare representative to see how they can help you personalize your plan to its fullest potential.
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