Does Medicare Cover Annual Physicals?
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Q. My sister Amy, 66, recently called her primary care doctor’s office to schedule an annual checkup. She naturally assumed her Medicare coverage would pick up most, if not all, of the tab for the exam. After all, an annual visit is supposed to be covered. To Amy, the appointment seemed like a routine physical. She was particularly pleased that the doctor spent a lot of time with her, so she recommended
him to all of her friends. That was, until she got the hefty bill in the mail.
Amy called the doctor’s office assuming there was a billing error. To her surprise, it was no error. She was informed that Medicare does not cover an annual physical exam! In fact, federal law prohibits the health care program from paying for annual physicals, and patients who get them may be on the hook for the entire amount! But Medicare enrollees pay nothing for an “annual wellness visit,” which the
program covers in full as a preventive service.
What should actually be included as part of the annual Medicare-covered wellness visit as opposed to an annual physical? How do I ensure that my Medicare-covered annual wellness visit doesn't end up being a complete physical that I have to pay for out of pocket?
Critter Corner: Why Am I No Longer Getting My Social Security Benefits Statement?
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I used to receive a document in the mail from the Social Security Administration every year that explained my benefits. I haven’t seen one in a long-time. Is this something that they eliminated, and if so, how can I access this information? I am 56 years old and planning for early retirement. Thanks for your help!
Order Books by Evan Farr, 4-Time Best-Selling Author
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Certified Elder Law Attorney and Medicaid Asset Protection Expert, Evan H. Farr, CELA, has written four best-selling books in the field of elder law. For more information and to order, click here.
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