Medicare and Bone Density Tests; What to Know

An unfortunate part of growing older is that your bones may weaken. And weakened bones can lead to broken bones. No one wants that—including Medicare. That’s why Medicare covers bone density testing. But there are conditions on how much and how often it will pay, so...

How Medicare Covers Prostate Health, PSA Tests, and Surgery

The odds are that someone in your life has already been diagnosed with prostate cancer. One of the most common cancers, prostate cancer will affect one in seven or eight American men, usually later in life, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The good news...

Medicare DME: Will Your Wheelchair or Oxygen Be Covered?

Whether it’s a walker to keep you mobile or a blood sugar meter that helps you stay on top of your own health, durable medical equipment can be key for independence and health. The good news is that Medicare does cover durable medical equipment (DME) through Medicare...

What is Medicare’s Homebound Requirement?

Homebound can sound like a scary designation, but don’t let it intimidate you. Medicare homebound status is a classification Medicare uses to describe someone who needs assistance leaving home or who isn’t generally advised to leave home. But being homebound doesn’t...

What Should You Do If Your Provider Refuses to Bill Medicare?

It can be stressful when a doctor or other healthcare provider refuses to bill Medicare for the care you received. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to address the problem if it comes up, no matter what the reason. In some cases, you may just need to remind...

What Is Considered a Skilled Nursing Facility Benefit Period?

If you’re on Medicare and you need a stay at a hospital or skilled nursing facility (SNF), you may hear the words “benefit period.” Medicare uses this term as a way to measure your use of hospital or skilled nursing facility care. Under Medicare Part A (inpatient...