Many people don't know how much original Medicare Part B (medical insurance) now covers. These six benefits might surprise you:
Acupuncture: If you have chronic lower back pain lasting at least 12 weeks, you can visit an acupuncturist up to 12 times in 90 days. If you improve as a result, you could get eight more visits. This benefit is only available for patients with lower back pain, but it can be very effective for this condition.
Therapy: Medicare Part B covers medically necessary psychotherapy, including ongoing individual therapy, group therapy, or family counseling. The number of covered mental health visits varies depending on your plan, so reach out if you would like me to check on your benefits.
Ambulance transportation: If you need to be transported in an ambulance, the ride might be covered based on two criteria. If you’re being transported for medically necessary services, and if a different form of transportation would be medically dangerous, then you won’t need to worry about riding out of coverage.
Weight loss counseling: Medicare Part B covers obesity behavioral counseling for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above. These therapy sessions help patients evaluate and change their diets, start and stick to exercise programs, and lose weight to improve their health.
Getting a second opinion before surgery: If surgery is not an emergency, Medicare Part B will help you get a second doctor’s opinion in some cases. If you aren’t sure whether you should undergo surgery, you can ask to speak to another doctor before moving forward. If the second doctor contradicts your first doctor, then Part B will even cover a third opinion to help settle the matter.
If you are interested in any of these benefits and would like further information about your coverage, please reply and let me know. I can help you calculate your costs for any of these covered benefits.