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As people age, health challenges often increase, making regular doctor visits, hospitalizations, and checkups more common. This necessitates financial preparation, and health insurance becomes a vital resource for seniors. In an era of rising healthcare costs, having health insurance is not just wise, but essential for a secure retirement. While Medicare doesn’t cover everything, such as assisted living and long-term care, it does provide coverage for a wide range of preventive, routine, and emergency medical services for older adults and eligible younger individuals with disabilities.
At CareLife, we are committed to providing exceptional care to all Medicare patients; this is a cornerstone of our practice’s philosophy. Our facilities in Church Falls, Virginia, are staffed with a dedicated team of specialists offering comprehensive and patient-centered care. We especially focus on helping seniors and individuals with chronic conditions achieve a more comfortable and fulfilling life.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for eligible individuals, including those 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and those with permanent kidney failure.
Understanding Medicare’s four parts is key to managing benefits. Knowing these parts helps in making informed healthcare decisions:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, durable medical equipment, and preventive services.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): Private plans bundling A and B, often including D and extra benefits like ophthalmology and dental services.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps cover prescription drug costs, available through standalone plans or Part C.
Automatic enrollment in Parts A and B typically occurs for those receiving Social Security benefits or under 65 with a disability. Otherwise, enrollment is required online or by phone.
Read more: 6 Key Benefits of Scheduling Your Annual Medicare Wellness Visit
Medicare Services You Might Not Know About
Medicare covers a diverse array of services and supplies to help beneficiaries prevent, diagnose, manage, and improve their health. Beyond the well-known benefits, here are seven lesser-known services that may surprise you:
1. Telehealth Services
Medicare continues to cover a broad range of telehealth services through September 30, 2025. What began as an emergency solution during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare, providing access to care for routine check-ups, mental health counseling, and chronic disease management, particularly for those with mobility challenges, geographic isolation, or busy schedules.
2. Home Healthcare
Medicare’s home health benefit covers a wide range of health and social services delivered in the home for illness or injury. This includes intermittent skilled nursing care, skilled therapy, and care from a home health aide. Under Part B, you qualify if you are homebound and require skilled care, even without prior hospitalization, provided a qualified professional certifies your homebound status and need for specific services.
3. Mental Health Services
Medicare provides coverage for both outpatient and inpatient mental healthcare to diagnose and treat conditions like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Coverage for prescription medication related to mental health may also be available through Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan.
4. Diabetes Management
If you have diabetes, Medicare Part B covers up to two annual diabetes screenings for at-risk individuals, outpatient diabetes self-management training, and many essential supplies and services. Part B also covers participation in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program, designed to prevent type 2 diabetes.
5. Nutrition Counseling
Medicare covers medical nutrition therapy services provided by a registered dietitian or other qualified nutrition professional for individuals with diabetes, kidney disease, or recent kidney transplants. Benefits include assessments, individual or group nutritional therapy, help managing eating habits, and follow-up visits.
6. Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain
Medicare Part B covers acupuncture specifically for chronic low back pain (pain lasting over three months) when administered by a licensed acupuncturist. If your referring doctor notes improvement, Medicare may cover up to eight additional treatments, with a maximum of 20 treatments per calendar year.
7. Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction
In response to the opioid crisis, Medicare covers certain reasonable and necessary services provided by Medicare-enrolled practitioners for substance abuse disorders, including alcoholism and opioid addiction. This treatment combines medication (like methadone) with counseling and behavioral therapies, covering management, care coordination, psychotherapy, and telehealth services.
Explore Your Medicare Options with Carelife in Church Falls, VA
Even with private insurance, understanding your Medicare options is crucial. Begin reviewing your choices a few months before your 65th birthday, as plan changes are generally limited to the open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7). You can find comprehensive resources at Medicare.gov, the official government website.
For personalized assistance, CareLife offers dedicated services to help you navigate Medicare. Our compassionate team provides a safe and professional environment for all your Medicare needs, both in-office and at home. Contact our Church Falls, Virginia location to learn more.