What To Know About Pregnancy Coverage From Medicare
Posted on: 28 April 2018
Medicare is primarily intended for people who are 65 years or older, so it may surprise you that something like pregnancy coverage is included with each policy. But don't forget that it's possible for people younger than 65 to qualify for Medicare if they are disabled. If you're disabled and still within your peak reproductive years, exploring how Medicare will support you during pregnancy may encourage you to start a family despite the health challenges you're already facing.
Coverage for Entire Pregnancy
Medicare includes coverage for all of the stages of pregnancy, including the initial diagnosis and testing down to postnatal care after delivery. Specific procedures must still be approved until your plan, but in general, all the usual testing, treatments, and care are included, even for difficult pregnancies. Medicare coverage doesn't support any kind of fertility or fertilization methods for getting pregnant. However, you are still entitled to use your Medicare coverage for a pregnancy conceived in this way if you paid for the fertility treatments out of pocket.
Support for Miscarriages and Abortions
If you miscarry during a pregnancy and need medical support, your Medicare plan also covers this situation as well. Abortions are also covered by Medicare in very specific circumstances. If you became pregnant because you were raped or due to an act of incest, you could get help paying for the abortion from your coverage. Abortions that are medically necessary to preserve the life of the mother are also included in the coverage. Your doctor will need to submit evidence of your health condition and how it could be impacted by bringing the pregnancy to term in order to get approval to have the abortion procedure paid for by the policy.
Arrangements for Part A and B
To get the support you need for a healthy pregnancy from Medicare alone, you'll need both Part A and Part B coverage. Part A coverage is required for your inpatient treatments, such as the actual delivery, and Part B covers outpatient appointments like checkups with your doctor. Keep in mind that both of these parts of Medicare have annual deductibles and require you to pay 20% of your medical costs even after meeting the deductible.
Support for the Infant
Your Medicaid coverage does not automatically extend to cover treatments needed by your newborn infant. This is why it's essential to enroll your child in any applicable private or public insurance programs as soon as possible. Many child health programs allow you to enroll the infant before they are born, so they are covered from the minute they emerge into the world.
For more information, contact a company like Senior Advisors.
Share