Medicare now offers seniors another way to learn whether
their insurance will pay for a medical service or product.
Karla
Bowsher • August 17, 2019
Here’s another thing to add to the list of “freebies” available to
seniors with Medicare health insurance: the “What’s covered” app.
Medicare, the federal health insurance program primarily for
folks age 65 and older, introduced the free mobile app earlier this year as
part of its “eMedicare” initiative to modernize and streamline customer
service.
“What’s covered” is available for Android and Apple iOS devices
through the Google Play app store and Apple’s App Store, respectively.
The app provides general cost, coverage and eligibility
details. Medicare explains:
“Search or browse to learn what’s covered and not covered; how
and when to get covered benefits; and basic cost information. You can also get
a list of covered preventive services.”
The “What’s covered” app works even when your phone doesn’t
have an internet connection. But note that if you do not have a
smartphone, you can access similar information through Medicare.gov,
the federal government’s official website for the Medicare program.
Another thing to note is that the app provides details about the
coverage offered by Original Medicare, also referred to as traditional
Medicare. Original Medicare is one of two main types of Medicare, the other
being Medicare Advantage plans.
Whereas Original Medicare is offered directly by the federal
government’s Medicare program, Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private
insurers. So, coverage can vary widely from one Medicare Advantage plan to the
next.
So, if you are among the growing number of people with Medicare Advantage,
the app won’t be as helpful to you. You should consult the details of your
policy to determine what it does and doesn’t cover.
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