According to the American Lung Association, over 16 million adults report having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also known as COPD. If you have been diagnosed with COPD, you may find that your health coverage needs exceed what is offered through Original Medicare (Parts A and B). What does Medicare cover for COPD? Are there other options for more benefits?
Original Medicare COPD Coverage
Medicare Parts A and B will cover some services if you are at risk of, or have, cardiovascular disease or have suffered a heart attack.
Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) will cover inpatient care. For example, Part A will cover heart bypass surgery. Your cost of heart bypass surgery with Medicare is the 20 percent coinsurance and the inpatient hospital deductible if not met yet. Medicare Part A will also cover an implantable defibrillator if you have been diagnosed with heart failure and the procedure takes place in a hospital. (Some of the in-patient costs are likely to be covered by Part B.)
Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) will cover select services if you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD.
Medicare Part A (hospital) helps to provide in-patient hospital care coverage. If your COPD symptoms lead you to seek care at a hospital, Medicare Part A may cover your treatment. You pay 100 percent of the cost for non-Medicare-covered services.
Medicare Part B (medical insurance) offers:
-
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs
-
Oxygen equipment
-
Oxygen therapy or supplemental oxygen
-
Nebulizers and nebulizer medication
For most Part B covered Medicare services, you are responsible for the 20 percent Medicare coinsurance.
Are You Eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan with Additional Benefits?
Get a Free Quote from a Licensed Insurance Agent.
Additional Benefits with Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not include coverage for numerous important benefits that individuals dealing with heart and cardiovascular disease may desire, including:
-
Vision
-
Dental
-
Hearing
-
Prescription Drugs
-
Fitness
Medicare Advantage Part C is offered by private insurance companies and includes all of the coverage of Original Medicare. Many Medicare Advantage plans come with additional coverage, like the ones listed above, as well as potential additional savings. Because many Medicare Advantage plans include Part A, Part B, Part D, as well as additional benefits in a single plan, you may find that managing your Medicare coverage is more convenient.
If you have or are at risk of cardiovascular disease, you may find that a Medicare Advantage plan is financially beneficial. Many Medicare Advantage plans are known to have low to no cost premiums, deductibles or copayments. You will still be responsible for the Part B premium. Because many Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage, you may find that your prescription medications cost less.
Get Medicare Coverage that Fits Your Needs
Explore Medicare Advantage Plans In Your Area
Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNP) for COPD
Some Medicare Advantage plans are designed to cater to specific chronic conditions. These plans are called C-SNPs. Some plans are geared toward lung disorders, like COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma. This means that these plans may offer access to specialists and cover common prescriptions used by individuals with a lung disorder or disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a chronic condition which causes difficulty breathing, as well as coughing, wheezing, fatigue, and more.
Enrollment Eligibility
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs each year from October 15 to December 7. What is the Annual Enrollment Period vs. Open Enrollment Period?
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your Initial Enrollment Period generally surrounds your 65th birthday but may occur if you otherwise become eligible for Medicare for the first time.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
You may be eligible if you experience a qualifying life event such as moving to a new zip code, losing employer coverage, or change in Medicaid status.
Speak to a Licensed Insurance Agent Today
1-844-735-2912 / TTY
Aetna® Anthem® Cigna Healthcare® Humana® UnitedHealthcare®
Further Reading:
What is Medicare Part D? | Prescription Drug Plans
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
