Americans are living longer than ever these days, thanks in large part to improved medical care and safer living and working conditions. Yet, many seniors still develop one or more medical conditions that can limit mobility and reduce quality of life. In many cases, one issue can contribute to another, compounding the problem. We’ll take a look at some common health conditions many seniors face and how the conditions are covered by Original Medicare. We’ll also touch on the additional coverages that some Medicare Advantage plans may provide.
1: Hearing problems
Hearing loss is one of the most common sensory problems seniors encounter. Difficulty hearing can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life, impairing the exchange of information. The result for seniors can be loneliness, feelings of isolation, and frustration over having to rely on others.
What Medicare covers: All people with Medicare Part B (the medical portion of Original Medicare) are covered for diagnostic hearing and balance exams when ordered by a doctor or other health care provider. Patients must pay 100% of the cost of routine exams and hearing aids in Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover hearing tests, exams, and hearing aids, and therefore may be a better alternative to Original Medicare for some people. Talk to the experts at CA Medicare to find a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan with hearing coverage and for information about when you can enroll in an MA plan.
2: Vision problems
Another common sensory problem among seniors is vision loss. Many seniors will also develop cataracts and/or glaucoma at some point, which can further impair vision. Like hearing loss, vision problems can significantly impact quality of life, impairing a person’s independence and ability to engage in enjoyable activities like reading and watching television. This is why it’s so important for seniors with vision problems to get the corrective lenses and surgeries they need to maintain their vision and prevent further vision loss.
What Medicare covers: Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye exams for eyeglasses or contact lenses; however, it does cover an annual eye exam, glaucoma tests, and age-related macular degeneration (subject to any applicable copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles). Some Medicare Advantage plans provide vision coverage beyond what Original Medicare covers. Talk to the experts at CA Medicare to find a plan with vision coverage.
3: Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bone loss, which makes the bones fragile and susceptible to breaks. It is more common in people who have a family history of the condition, but can develop in those who don’t get enough calcium or Vitamin D, exercise too little, smoke, or consume too much alcohol. Certain medications can also increase the risk of osteoporosis. Broken bones in seniors can be devastating—especially hip fractures. This is why it’s so important to do everything possible to prevent osteoporosis or seek treatment to rebuild bone mass one osteoporosis has been diagnosed.
What Medicare covers: Medicare Part B covers bone density tests to determine whether you’re at risk for osteoporosis, once every 24 months (or more often if medically necessary), subject to certain criteria. Medicare will cover an injectable drug for osteoporosis in certain women, as well as a health nurse to inject the drug, but only if certain conditions are met, and subject to applicable copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
The experts at CA Medicare can help you understand whether Original Medicare paired with a Medicare supplement plan and a Part D drug plan is the right choice for you, or whether a Medicare Advantage plan is the better option. Call us today for more information and Medicare enrollment assistance.