If you aren’t able to visit with your primary care physician or simply don’t have one, and you have a situation that requires immediate attention, you need to have a backup option to get the care and treatment you need. Fortunately, you have a couple of options!
You can either visit the emergency room (ER) or urgent care. On the surface, these two sound pretty similar, but they actually have differences that should factor into your decision of which facility you should visit when you need care.
If you’re experiencing a situation where you need medical attention as soon as possible, but the condition isn’t exactly life-threatening, you should consider going to urgent care. This option can save you more money in the long run, and you’ll still be provided with the quality care that you would have received from the ER.
Urgent care will typically handle more common conditions:
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Infections
- Joint pain
- Earaches, etc.
The ER is meant for more serious medical emergencies:
- Heart attack symptoms
- Severe injury or trauma
- Seizures
- Excessive bleeding, etc.
If you visit the ER, Medicare will cover the same costs as if the care was received at an urgent care. But, what will Medicare cover if you choose the urgent care route?
What Will Medicare Cover?
Well, first and foremost, you should check to make sure that the urgent care you want to visit accepts Medicare. Most do, and if they don’t, you still have the right to get your care. Even so, you can be reimbursed for the costs you pay out-of-pocket if you visit an urgent care facility that doesn’t accept Medicare. Just pay for the costs in total, then file a reimbursement claim with Medicare.
If you visit an urgent care facility that accepts Medicare and you have Original Medicare (Part A and B), you’ll receive coverage from Part B, that is, as soon as you meet your yearly deductible. Your Part B deductible sits at $203 for 2021.
With Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, you’ll receive the same coverage as you would get with Original Medicare. However, the costs involved with having a Part C plan will vary. Typically, you will have to pay an already set amount when you receive care at urgent care.
Need Medicare Coverage? T65 Solutions Can Help!
At Turning 65 Solutions, we work for YOU. Our team will provide you with unbiased, educational consultations that allow you to make the best, informed decision possible on your healthcare coverage.
Since unexpected medical costs can cause stress, many seniors want to be prepared for what may come, and we completely understand that. That’s why we’re here to help you plan for these unforeseen costs by answering all your questions and finding you the Medicare coverage that suits your needs best.
For more information, call Turning 65 Solutions today at 830-217-6711.