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Medicare FAQ

Answers to Your Questions from Meadville Medical Center (MMC)

At Meadville Medical Center (MMC), we understand that Medicare can be confusing. This page contains answers to a few of the questions we most frequently receive from our patients regarding Medicare. Give us a call if you would like to learn more or if you have further questions. Our Meadville hospital staff is here to help you.

What preventive services are covered under Medicare Part B?

The following preventative services are covered under Medicare Part B:

  • Bone Mass Measurements – For certain people at high risk for losing bone mass
  • Colorectal Cancer Screening tests (such as Fecal Occult Blood Test) – Once every 12 months for people with Medicare age 50 and older
  • Diabetes Self Management Services – Blood glucose monitors, test strips and lancets, and self-management training
  • Glaucoma Screening – For high-risk patients, those with a family history of glaucoma, and those with diabetes
  • Mammography Screening – Once every 12 months for women with Medicare age 40 and over. You are responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount with no Part B deductible.
  • Medical Nutritional Therapy services – For patients with diabetes or renal disease
  • Pap Smear & Pelvic Examination – Once every 36 months; once every 12 months if you are high risk for cervical or vaginal cancer for all women with Medicare
  • Prostate Cancer Screening – Once every 12 months for all men with Medicare age 50 and older. You are responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the digital rectal exam after the yearly Part B deductible.

The following vaccinations are also covered under Medicare Part B:

  • Flu Shot – Once a year in the fall or winter for all people with Medicare
  • Pneumonia Shot – One shot may be all you ever need; ask your doctor
  • Hepatitis B Shot – If you are at medium to high risk for hepatitis; you will be responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the yearly Part B deductible

What services does Original Medicare Plan Part A and Part B not cover?

The Original Medicare Plan does not cover everything. Your out-of-pocket costs for healthcare will include, but are not limited to:

  • Acupuncture
  • Deductibles, coinsurance or copayments when you get healthcare services
  • Dental care and dentures, in most cases
  • Cosmetic surgery, except after an accident
  • Custodial care at home or in a nursing home
  • Hearing aids
  • Orthopedic shoes
  • Outpatient prescription drugs, with only a few exceptions
  • Routine foot care and orthopedic shoes, except for diabetics
  • Routine eye care, glasses, hearing aids
  • Routine or yearly physical exams
  • Services not reasonable or medically necessary

What is Medicare Part A and Part B?

Medicare Part A helps pay for care in hospitals as an inpatient, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care and some home healthcare. Most people get Part A automatically when they turn age 65. They do not have to pay a monthly payment called a premium for Part A because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes while they were working.

Medicare Part B helps pay for doctors' services, outpatient hospital care and some other medical services that Part A does not cover, such as the services of physical and occupational therapists, and some home health care. Part B helps pay for those covered services and supplies when they are medically necessary. You pay the Medicare Part B premium of $58.70 per month. In some cases this amount may be higher if you did not choose Part B when you first became eligible at age 65.

Where can I get more information about Medicare?

Use the following contact information to learn more:

  • Questions regarding Medicare Part A – Call 1 (800) 853-1419
  • Questions regarding Medicare Part B – Call 1 (800) 746-5680
  • Questions about Medicare Managed Care Plans – Call 1 (800) 633-4227
  • Questions about Social Security Administration (SSA) – Call 1 (800) 772-1213 or http://www.ssa.gov/
  • Visit the Medicare Web Site - http://www.medicare.gov/

Navigator with the Health Insurance Marketplace

At MMC, our trained Insurance Navigator, Lisa Cox, is available to assist consumers in discovering health coverage options that can help them pay their medical bills through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Compass and Medicaid. Her services are free to consumers.

Lisa Cox
Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator
Meadville Medical Center / Community Health Services
1009 Water St, Second Floor
Meadville, Pa 16335
Phone: (814) 333-1758
Fax: (814) 333-1757
lcox@mmchs.org