Medicare and Coronavirus: What You Need to Know
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: February 21, 2023
With the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), being informed about your Medicare coverage is more important than ever.
Medicare recently expanded its coverage of telehealth services. Telehealth enables beneficiaries to receive a wider range of healthcare services from doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility. It also helps frontline clinicians stay safe themselves while treating people.
If your doctor orders a COVID-19 test for you, Medicare covers all of the costs. You should not have any co-pay, no matter what Medicare plan you’re enrolled in. There’s no vaccine for COVID-19 at this time, but when one becomes available, Medicare will cover it.
Medicare also covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes extra days in the hospital for in-patients who were on the verge of being discharged, but were diagnosed with COVID-19 and had to stay longer under quarantine.
Doctors, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers can deliver telehealth services. Medicare beneficiaries can receive telehealth services in their home, as well as in any healthcare facility, a physician’s office, hospital, nursing home, or rural health clinic.
Telehealth services can include routine office visits, mental health counseling, and preventive health screenings for cancer and other illnesses.
By helping healthcare institutions across the nation offer medical services remotely, telehealth helps free up hospital emergency departments and doctors’ offices to deal with the most urgent COVID-19 cases.
During this emergency, Medicare will pay for telehealth services at the same rates as in-person services, giving doctors and other medical professionals the opportunity to reserve their offices to treat those who truly require in-person care.
We know many Medicare beneficiaries are concerned about the spread of coronavirus and the threat it poses to their well-being. That’s why we’ve taken these rapid steps to ensure that the Medicare program continues to protect our beneficiaries while maintaining trusted access to care in these uncertain times.
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Caren D.
This was great information. Especially regarding the fact that people receiving social security don’t need to file taxes. I was not sure, but since I never owe taxes and get no refunds I had stopped filing. I heard that I had to file to get the stimulus package and have been getting everything ready to send in. Thank you so much for relieving my stress.
Caren
This is great information. So relived to see that ss recipient’s don’t need to file taxes to receive the stimulus package. Since I don’t owe taxes and never get refunds I have not been filing, but thought I had to file to get the check. Thank you for the information.
Dionne
This blog is very informative. I’m glad I signed up for it. I thank GOD that Medicare is expanding its coverage as well!
Fran M.
Is it true in order for Medicare to pay for your expenses you must remain in the hospital for 3 days? I will be having surgery and may be able to go home the next day
SO. Will Medicare cover my surgery and hospital costs?
Vonda V.
Hi Fran, thank you for using our blog. Please visit the Medicare website for details related to coverage. Hopefully this helps.
Ellen S.
I am seeing some significant improvements from years past. The only thing I would like to see is to make it easier for clinicians to bill and get paid for services rendered. And no, I am not a clinician, I’ve just seen too many of them not get paid for what they do.
Bob B.
Please settle an understanding, or misunderstanding.
Are Social Security Recipients going to receive a payment from the US Government a result of the recent Economic Emergency Act as passed by Congress?
Please advise.
Thank you!
Tom
I would surely hope not as recipients of ss didn’t lose a cent.
Betty
They are loosing more than you think and yes they do receive the stimulus payment as well
Dionne
I agree Betty!
Prc
Tom, what about the 159+ millions of people that have not lost their jobs and make a LOT more than most on social security?
Nan
Where do we find information about where and how to sign up for telehealth services in our area?
Vee
Call them at 18005352549.
Vonda V.
Hi Nan. Thank you for using our blog. The Medicare web page on Telehealth has additional details which you may find helpful.
David S.
Is Medicare premiums increasing and if so when?
Vonda V.
Hi David, thank you for using our blog. Check out the Medicare web page on Your Medicare Costs for all of the 2020 premiums and costs. We hope this helps.
WILLIAM K.
do Medicare Advantage and advantage programs such as AARP Advantage cover the same?
Vonda V.
Hi William. Thank you for using our blog. The Medicare web page on Telehealth has additional details which you may find helpful.
RIPP C.
I went to leave insights on telemedicine. Site is 4 years old.
The increase in Social Security is from 2017.
Please send current info.
Vonda V.
Hi there. Thank you for using our blog. The Medicare web page on Telehealth has additional details which you may find helpful. Thank you.