Maintaining excellent health requires regular blood pressure checks. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause major health issues including heart disease and stroke. Monitoring blood pressure often can aid in identifying and treating hypertension. Yet, some people may find the price of blood pressure monitors to be a barrier. In this situation, Medicare is useful.
For those who are 65 years of age or older, those with certain impairments, and those with end-stage renal illness, Medicare is a government health insurance program. Blood pressure monitors are among the many medical services and products that Medicare will pay for. The specifics of Medicare coverage for blood pressure monitors will be covered in this article.
Does Medicare Cover Blood Pressure Monitors?
Yes, Medicare covers blood pressure monitors as durable medical equipment (DME). DME is equipment that is used to serve a medical purpose, is able to withstand repeated use, and is appropriate for use in the home. Blood pressure monitors fall under the category of DME, which means they are covered by Medicare.
Medicare coverage for blood pressure monitors depends on several factors, including the type of Medicare plan you have, the supplier you choose, and the specific blood pressure monitor you need. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
Medicare Part B Coverage for Blood Pressure Monitors
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services and supplies, including DME such as blood pressure monitors. To be eligible for Medicare Part B coverage, your doctor must prescribe the blood pressure monitor as medically necessary.
If your doctor prescribes a blood pressure monitor as medically necessary, Medicare will cover 80% of the monitor’s cost, and you will be responsible for the remaining 20%. This 20% is known as the Part B coinsurance.
It’s important to note that the blood pressure monitor must be purchased from a Medicare-approved supplier in order to be covered by Medicare. You can find Medicare-approved suppliers on Medicare’s website or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
Medicare Advantage Coverage for Blood Pressure Monitors
Private insurance providers that have received Medicare’s approval provide Medicare Advantage plans, often referred to as Medicare Part C. All of Medicare Parts A and B are covered by these plans, and they frequently also include other benefits including eye and dental treatment and prescription medication coverage.
Your blood pressure monitor coverage, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, will depend on the particular plan you have. Blood pressure monitors may be covered by some Medicare Advantage plans as part of their DME coverage, although others may not.
You should check your plan’s paperwork or get in touch with the plan directly to find out if blood pressure monitors are covered by your Medicare Advantage plan.
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Medicare Part D Coverage for Blood Pressure Monitors
Private insurance providers who have received Medicare’s approval offer Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs. Prescription medications are covered under Part D plans, including several that are used to manage high blood pressure.
Although blood pressure monitors are not directly covered by Medicare Part D, some of the medications your doctor has given to manage hypertension may be covered. It’s crucial to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan if you require prescription medications to maintain your blood pressure so that you are covered for these costs.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Coverage for Blood Pressure Monitors
Private insurance providers provide Medicare Supplement Insurance, generally known as Medigap, to help with some of the expenses that Medicare does not cover. Your Part B coinsurance for blood pressure monitors and other out-of-pocket expenses related to Medicare coverage may be covered in part by Medigap policies.
Plans for Medicare Supplement Insurance are uniformly categorized and designated with letters, such as Plan A, Plan B, and so on. Every plan offers a different degree of coverage, so it’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate them to get the one that’s best for you.
If you have a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, it may cover the remaining 20% coinsurance for blood pressure monitors that Medicare does not cover. However, it’s important to note that Medicare Supplement Insurance plans do not cover the cost of blood pressure monitors themselves.
FAQs
Q: What types of blood pressure monitors does Medicare cover?
A: Medicare covers blood pressure monitors that are classified as durable medical equipment (DME). This includes both manual and electronic blood pressure monitors.
Q: How often will Medicare cover a blood pressure monitor?
A: Medicare will cover a new blood pressure monitor every five years, or sooner if your doctor deems it medically necessary.
Q: Will Medicare cover a blood pressure monitor if I don’t have high blood pressure?
A: Medicare will only cover a blood pressure monitor if it is prescribed by your doctor as medically necessary. If you don’t have high blood pressure, it’s unlikely that your doctor will prescribe a blood pressure monitor.
Conclusion
The expense of blood pressure monitors may prevent some individuals from regularly checking their blood pressure, despite the fact that doing so is crucial for maintaining good health. Thankfully, blood pressure monitors are covered by Medicare as durable medical equipment (DME), so those who require them may have them.
Blood pressure monitors are covered by Medicare depending on a number of things, including the kind of Medicare plan you have and the kind of blood pressure monitor you require. To make sure you have the coverage you require, it’s crucial to speak with your doctor and suppliers who are accepted by Medicare.
You may talk with a professional insurance agent who specializes in Medicare if you have any questions regarding Medicare’s coverage for blood pressure monitors or any other Medicare-related issues. Medicare can also be contacted directly.
