2021 could be the pivotal year for how businesses operate moving forward. Will they offer employees a work from home option, will Zoom meetings be standard procedure, will telehealth replace typical doctor visits? The answers are still being worked out, but it’s worth exploring now so you’re prepared for what lies ahead.
Telemedicine and mobile health open up opportunities making health care more manageable and accessible for both the doctor and the patient. Health services are already tracking vital signs with remote monitoring devices, communicating through web portals, and even receiving on-the-spot care from doctors via video chat. If you feel comfortable self-monitoring your data and submitting it using a mobile device, and reviewing lab results via a patient portal, then you might find the new face of health care a welcome change. Add to these benefits the ability to get the care you need 1) from the comfort of your home, 2) without missing work, and 3) without sitting for extended periods in a waiting room.
So what’s the cost of all this convenience?
Medicare Part B covers certain telehealth services. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your doctor or other health care provider’s services, and the Part B deductible applies. For most telehealth services, you’ll likely pay the same amount as in-person services. To find out how much your test or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider.
Starting in 2020, Medicare Advantage Plans offered more telehealth benefits—check with your plan to see what additional benefits it now offers.
If your coverage is through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, you won’t have to pay out-of-pocket costs (called cost-sharing) for COVID-19 tests.
Medicare made these changes to telehealth in 2020:
- You can get telehealth services at either renal dialysis facilities or at home
- You can get telehealth services for certain emergency department visits at home
- You can get certain physical and occupational therapy services at home
- Medicare covers some services delivered via audio-only devices
- Medicare also covers virtual check-ins and E-visits
As the face of health care changes, we’re your trusted partners. We’re here to help answer questions, ensure you’re aware of any policy changes and help guide you through any resulting financial implications. Call us today at (603) 261-3736, and together let’s prepare you for a new generation of health care.
Adapted from Medicare.gov1
Bob has a passion for making your money work hard for you. He takes profound joy in ironing out a plan for a long and comfortable retirement, no matter what your current income or level of wealth. With a work ethic second to none, he has a zeal for transforming uncertainty into stable ways for you to protect your future and your family. He knows that the quality of your life you enjoy today can remain as rewarding—or even better—after retirement.
With a strong background in information technology, Carol is instrumental in building operational policies and strategies that keep the organization functioning smoothly. Carol’s organizational skills and her flexibility to jump from priority to priority along with her commitment to customer service makes her an essential part of the Grimard Financial team. When Carol is not working with the Grimard Financial Family, she is a very creative and accomplished photographer.