FAQ's about Medical Billing
Q. How do I sign up for Medicare?
A. Any individual who is receiving Social Security benefits are automatically enrolled in Medicare, or will be enrolled when applying for benefits at the age of 65.
Q. Am I eligible for Medicare?
A. Most people become eligible upon reaching the age of 65. In addition, you may be eligible if you are disabled or have end-stage renal disease.
Q. Does Medicare cover long-term care, nursing home care, or skilled nursing care?
A. Medicare pays only for medically necessary skilled nursing facility care. Usually , skilled care is available only for a short time after hospitalization.
Q. What is a Medicare deductible?
A. A deductible is the amount you must pay each year, before Medicare will begin to pay it’s portion of your medical bills. Your deductible will be taken out of your claims when Medicare receives them. Remember, Medicare will not start paying your medical bills until you have met your annual deductible.
Q. Does Medicare pay for dental, hearing aids or eye glasses?
A. The Medicare program does not cover routine dental care, hearing aids or eyeglasses. There are a few exceptions to the exclusion for dental care:
- A non-covered dental service may be covered if it is:
- A. the result of a covered dental service.
- B. a necessary part of the same covered dental service.
- C. performed by the same Medicare approved dentist.
- Extraction of teeth to prepare the jaw for radiation treatment for cancer.
- Dental examination prior to a kidney transplant.
Q. Will Medicare cove Glaucoma screenings?
A. Medicare will cover once yearly, glaucoma screening for people with Medicare at a high risk for glaucoma. Medicare will cover eighty percent of the Medicare approved amount for glaucoma screening after you have paid the deductible for Part B services.
Q. Does Medicare cover ambulance transportation?
A. This service is covered only if transportation in any other vehicle could endanger your life. Medicare does not pay for ambulance service to a doctors office. Medicare will help pay for necessary ambulance transportation to get you to the closest facility out side your local area. Air ambulance is covered only in emergency situations.
Q. How will Medicare decide if a service is covered?
A. Your doctor must decide if a particular service or procedure is covered. Medicare items and services covered are broadly defined in the Social Security Act. In some cases, even if your doctor has prescribed a certain procedure or service, Medicare may not cover it.
