Since the national emergency was declared on March 13, 2020 in response to the novel Coronavirus COVID-19, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expanded the coverage and services available to all Medicare beneficiaries. If you are 65 years old or older, you are at higher risk of severe illness due to respiratory viruses like the flu, RSV, and COVID-19.
The FAQs below highlight these new services including virtual access to care, offer tips to stay healthy, and reduce stress.
What COVID-19 testing does Medicare cover?
Medicare Part B covers the cost-sharing for diagnostic testing for COVID-19 when ordered by a healthcare provider and done at a lab. You can also request four free home tests from covidtests.gov.
Medicare and the COVID-19 vaccine
People enrolled in Medicare Part B will receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. Doses will be purchased by the government with taxpayer money, and Medicare will pay health care providers for the administration of the vaccine.
If you have Medicare Advantage, you must get the vaccine from a provider or pharmacy in-network before costs are covered.
If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine before, you can get a series of two doses or three doses depending on which type it is. You can also get annual boosters with your flu shot.
What about telehealth options for Medicare recipients?
The safest place for anyone during this time is in their home with others who are also self-isolating and social distancing. While going to the doctor is still a necessity, there are other options to help keep you safe from exposure to the virus. Telehealth, or telemedicine, is one of those options.
In response to the pandemic, Medicare has expanded access to telehealth services, allowing you to stay at home while still checking in with your doctor for essential appointments.
Currently, Medicare patients may use telecommunication technology for office visits, hospital visits and other services that generally occur in-person.
The telehealth expansion includes:
- Greater access via a variety of different devices
- Ability to interact with different healthcare providers
- Evaluation and management visits
- Mental health counseling
- Preventative screenings
These new telehealth options give you easy access to health care without risking exposure.
Steps you can take to protect yourself
The most important thing anyone can do to protect themselves from contracting the Coronavirus is to stay home and distance themselves from others. By staying home as much as possible and keeping at least six feet away from those who don’t live with you, you’re reducing not only your chances of infection, but also reducing the chances of infecting others.
To stay safe:
- Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
- Sneeze and cough into your elbow
- If you’re sick, call before going to your doctor or hospital
How can I protect my mental health?
Here’s what you can do to reduce your anxiety and cope while we get through this:
- Connect with loved ones online through social media, phone calls, or video chat
- Try to limit the amount of news you consume per day to reduce worry and anxiety
- Go outside for some fresh air
- Listen to your favorite music
- Read or watch your favorite television shows
- Engage in a new or old hobby
- Being kind to yourself
Overall, remember to make practical, healthy choices that will help you weather the storm.
Medicare’s response to COVID-19: Frequently asked questions
What is a Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses that resemble the common cold or flu. In more serious cases, they can cause severe respiratory issues.
Coronaviruses are named for their spike covered surfaces which resemble the points on a crown. Corona means “crown” in Latin.
The coronavirus responsible for the pandemic is called “novel” because it is a new strain never seen before in humans. This virus is thought to have jumped from animals to humans sometime in late 2019. Because it is a newly discovered virus, it is unclear if anyone is immune to it.
What is the difference between the Novel Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19?
The “Novel Coronavirus” or “COVID-19” is the common name of the disease caused by theSars-CoV-2 virus (and is related to the SARS virus that made headlines in 2002 and 2003). While this virus shares many similar traits to the 2002 SARS virus, it’s believed to be more infectious, but less deadly than its predecessor.
How does the virus spread?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states the Novel Coronavirus is spread from human to human through droplets of saliva or mucus containing the virus. Researchers believe the primary means of transmission for the disease are the droplets expelled from an infected person’s mouth during a cough or sneeze.
While not thought to be the main way of contracting the virus, researchers do believe it is possible one can get COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface followed by touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
Additionally, new research has found that the virus particles can become aerosolized and are carried through moisture when someone talks or breathes. You may not think you spit when you speak, but consider breathing onto, or speaking near a mirror; the fog left behind are the actual water droplets that could transmit the virus. This is why social distancing and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is so important.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary significantly from one person to the next. Some people are asymptomatic, meaning they experience no symptoms, while others may experience extreme and severe, respiratory flu-like symptoms.
According to the World Health Organization, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, fatigue, and a dry cough. Some infected people have also reported aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and diarrhea.
If you are experiencing trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in your chest, confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, seek medical attention immediately.
While we cannot offer medical advice, we can answer your questions about Medicare coverage. Call (855) 665-9200 to speak with a licensed insurance agent today.
