Question 1

Does Medicare Cover Hospice Care?

Accepted Answer

The short answer: Yes — hospice is one of the most complete benefits Medicare offers. When a doctor certifies a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less and the focus shifts to comfort, Part A covers essentially everything: the hospice team, comfort medications, equipment, aide support, and counseling for the family —…Read More

Question 2

Does Medicare Cover Dermatology?

Accepted Answer

The short answer: Medicare covers dermatology when it is medical — evaluating a suspicious spot, treating skin cancer, managing conditions like severe psoriasis or chronic infections. It does not cover an annual full-body screening as a standalone preventive benefit, and it never covers cosmetic work. The practical translation: a changing mole gets you covered care…Read More

Question 3

Does Medicare Cover Podiatry and Foot Care?

Accepted Answer

The short answer: Medicare covers podiatry when it is medical: treating injuries and diseases of the foot, surgery for conditions like bunions or hammertoe when necessary, and — critically for people with diabetes — regular foot exams and even therapeutic shoes. What it does not cover is routine care: ordinary nail trimming, corns, and calluses.…Read More

Question 4

Does Medicare Cover Ambulance Rides?

Accepted Answer

The short answer: In an emergency, yes — Part B covers ground ambulance transport to the nearest appropriate facility when any other ride would endanger your health, and air ambulance when distance or condition demands it. You pay the standard Part B share: deductible, then 20% — a number that matters, because ambulance bills are…Read More

Question 5

Does Medicare Cover Vaccines — Including Shingles?

Accepted Answer

The short answer: Yes — the recommended adult vaccines are covered at no cost, but they arrive through two different doors. Flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, and hepatitis B shots come through Part B at the doctor’s office or pharmacy. The shingles vaccine comes through Part D, your drug plan, and since 2023 it costs nothing there.…Read More

Question 6

Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

Accepted Answer

The short answer: Yes — screening colonoscopies are covered at no cost to you when the provider accepts assignment: no deductible, no coinsurance. High-risk patients qualify every 24 months; everyone else on the standard long interval. The famous wrinkle: if a polyp is found and removed mid-procedure, the screening becomes partly diagnostic and modest cost-sharing…Read More

Question 7

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health Care?

Accepted Answer

The short answer: Yes — and better than most people assume. Part B covers psychotherapy, psychiatrist visits, and counseling from clinical psychologists, social workers, and licensed counselors, plus an annual depression screening at no cost. Behavioral telehealth from your own home is a permanent benefit, which matters enormously outside the metro. You pay Part B’s…Read More

Question 8

Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care?

Accepted Answer

The short answer: Yes — when two conditions are met. A doctor must certify that you are homebound and that you need intermittent skilled care: nursing, physical therapy, occupational or speech therapy. Meet those, and Medicare covers the visits through an approved home health agency with no cost-sharing on the care itself. What it does…Read More

Question 9

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care?

Accepted Answer

The short answer: Partly — and the part is narrow. Part B covers manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation, when it is medically necessary. That is the whole benefit. X-rays ordered by a chiropractor, massage therapy, electrical stimulation, supplements, and maintenance adjustments to “stay aligned” are not covered. Knowing exactly where the…Read More

Question 10

Does Medicare Cover Physical Therapy?

Accepted Answer

The short answer: Yes — Original Medicare covers physical therapy under Part B when a doctor or therapist certifies it is medically necessary, and there is no longer any hard annual cap on how much therapy you can receive. Above a yearly threshold, your therapist simply documents that continued care is necessary — a paperwork…Read More • 1 • 2 • 3 • 4