What Medicare or Medical Services Are Available To Cancer Patients?
The following are Medicare and medical services available to cancer patients:
- Medigap Plan G: This plan gives the best coverage for cancer treatment and chemotherapy, but it’s one of the most expensive Medicare Supplement plans.
- Medicare Advantage Plan: This plan is usually cheaper but has less coverage than Medigap Plan G. It is offered by Humana.
- Medicare Part D: This plan covers prescription drugs you take at home, such as anti-nausea medicine and antibiotics.
- Medicaid: This plan is for low-income individuals. Cancer treatment costs can be used to qualify for Medicaid.
- Original Medicare: This plan covers 80% of costs once you’ve met your deductibles.
Here’s a detailed explanation of the Medicare and medical services available to cancer patients:
Medigap Plan G
- A Medicare Supplement Insurance plan that helps cover out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
- Provides coverage for:
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- Part A deductible and coinsurance
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- Part B deductible and coinsurance
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- Blood transfusions
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- Hospice care coinsurance
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- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
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- Foreign travel emergency care
- Considered one of the most comprehensive Medigap plans, but also one of the most expensive
- Can be purchased from private insurance companies
Medicare Advantage Plan
- Also known as Medicare Part C
- Offered by private insurance companies (such as Humana) that contract with Medicare
- Provides an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits
- Often includes additional benefits such as:
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- Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
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- Dental and vision coverage
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- Wellness programs
- May have different costs, coverage, and rules than Original Medicare
- May require referrals to see specialists
Medicare Part D
- Prescription drug coverage
- Helps cover the cost of medications taken at home, such as:
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- Anti-nausea drugs
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- Antibiotics
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- Pain medication
- Offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare
- May have different costs, coverage, and rules than other Medicare plans
Medicaid
- A joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families
- May cover cancer treatment costs, including:
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- Doctor visits and services
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- Hospital stays and care
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- Prescription drugs
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- Lab tests and X-rays
- Eligibility and benefits vary by state
- May require a spend-down of assets to qualify
Original Medicare
- Also known as Medicare Part A and Part B
- Provides coverage for:
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- Inpatient hospital stays (Part A)
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- Outpatient services, such as doctor visits and lab tests (Part B)
- Covers 80% of costs after meeting deductibles
- Requires copays and coinsurance for some services
It’s important to note that these plans and services may have different eligibility requirements, costs, and coverage rules. Cancer patients should consult with their healthcare provider, a Medicare counselor, or a licensed insurance agent to determine the best options for their specific situation.