Medicare coverage for Alzheimer’s disease includes inpatient care, doctor visits, and more. Depending on the service you need, there may be special guidelines you must follow. Now, Medicare does include medical services to help Alzheimer patients, such as psychology and therapeutic services.
Let’s take a look at the details so you have a clear understanding of coverage.
What Benefits Does Medicare Provide for Alzheimer’s Patients
While some Alzheimer’s care has coverage, not all care is available through Medicare. For example, a Long Term Care facility is never covered by Medicare. Also, Skilled Nursing care is only covered under specific circumstances and never for a long length of time. Now, Medicare does cover medical care that helps Alzheimer’s patients; such as testing, screening, and care planning.
We’ll dive into the details below!
Does Medicare Cover Alzheimer’s Testing?
Whether you have dementia or Alzheimer’s you can expect coverage to be available. Medicare does cover Alzheimer’s testing. A doctor will run various tests before an Alsheimer’s diagnosis. Often, these tests require visits to the neurologist, neuropsychologist, and geriatricians. Testing can include physical examination as well as laboratory tests.
Does Medicare Cover Alzheimer’s Screenings?
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit includes screening for cognitive impairment to identify if you have any memory illnesses. During the screening, your doctor may talk to you about your life and any possible concerns. Your doctor can discuss screening results, prescribe medications, recommend resources to help you plan for the future, and refer you to a specialist.
Medicare pays the full cost of Alzheimer’s screening as a preventive service.
Does Medicare Cover Care Planning for Alzheimer’s Patients?
Medicare covers care planning for those with a cognitive impairment diagnosis. But, it won’t cover long term respite care. For many, a care plan includes Long term care, skilled Nursing, Visiting Angels, or even a home safety assessment. Designing a proper can plan can be a challenge since there is no one size fits all. Some people have unique family situations and different stages require various levels of care. You should include a caregiver to help support you and learn about things that contribute to a better quality of life.
Does Medicare Pay for Nursing Home for Alzheimer’s?
Medicare covers up to 100 days in a nursing home if you need temporary skilled nursing care after spending at least three days in the hospital. But, Medicare charges a daily copay after the 20th day. Also, Medicare won’t pay for long-term custodial care in a nursing home.
For example, if you break a hip and spend five days in the hospital, Medicare will pay for a temporary stay at a skilled nursing facility during recovery. Now, if you need to move to a nursing home because you can’t live safely at home anymore, Medicare won’t pay for those costs, but it will cover medical care.
Does Part C Cover Alzheimer’s Patients?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least as good as Medicare. Some plans will offer benefits beyond what Medicare covers; such as Long Term Care, house cleaning services, and telehealth. But, not all plans in every location offer these services. Some areas have few options for Part C, while other areas provide you with a plethora of options.
FAQ’s
Does Medicare cover Alzheimer's?
Medicare covers medical care associated with Alzheimer’s. But, it won’t pay for room, board, or personal care in the home or at a long-term care facility.
Does Medicare cover hospice for Alzheimer's?
Medicare will pay for hospice care for any reason when it’s medically necessary.
Does Medicare cover PET scans for Alzheimer's?
Under specific circumstances Medicare will cover a PET scan for a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
Does Medicare cover genetic testing for Alzheimer's?
Since genetic testing is considered investigative and unproven Medicare won’t cover it.
How to Find Medicare Coverage for Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s related care can be costly between psychological care and frequent doctor visits. When you have the right coverage your focus can be on quality care and less about the costs. Did you know with a Medigap plan you can see any doctor that accepts Medicare? With freedom like this, you can truly have the best doctors and care available.
Our team of Medicare experts can help you find the most suitable policy for you. Give us a call at the number above or fill out an online rate comparison form and see your rates now!
Lindsay Engle is the Medicare expert for MedicareFAQ. She has been working in the Medicare industry since 2017. She is featured in many publications as well as writes regularly for other expert columns regarding Medicare. Lindsay is part of the Medicare Marketing Association, the Medicare Supplement Insurance Professionals group, and the DecisionHealth – Medical Practice & Hospital Group. You can also find her over on our Medicare Channel on YouTube as well as contributing to our Medicare Community on Facebook.
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