8.Massage therapy
Original Medicare doesn’t covermassage therapy, often used to help reduce chronic pain, although research suggests it may provide short-term, but not long-term, relief. When it comes to pain management, Medicare does cover chiropractic care in certain limited circ*mstances (see above) as well as physical and occupational therapy when prescribed by a doctor. Some Medicare Advantage plans might cover some massage therapy. It’s best to call your plan to find out if it does.
Solution:See whether your health care provider can recommend a pain management strategy that Medicare does cover. If you are set on getting massage therapy, the likelihood is you’ll have to pay for it yourself.
9. Nursing home care
Medicare pays for limited stays in rehab facilities — for example, if you have a hip replacement and need inpatient physical therapy for several weeks. But if you become so frail or sick that you must move to anassisted living facility or nursing home, Medicare won’t cover your custodial costs. (Nursing homesaverage about $90,000 a year for a semiprivate room and more than $100,000 for a private room. Costs vary based on where you live and what facility you choose.)
Solution:Planning for nursing home care is a big issue, with lots of choices and decisions. But for those with limited income and savings,Medicaid might help fill in the gaps.
10. Concierge care
Some physicians and their practices require a membership fee in order for them to treat you. They advertise that this makes them more responsive and available to their patients. The fees, which can run in the thousands of dollars a year, vary depending on the concierge or boutique practice. Medicare will not cover these fees. Note that once you’ve paid that fee, if your doctor participates in Medicare he or she must offer all the services Medicare does with the same copays and coinsurance rules applying.
Solution: You can either pay the fee or find another doctor. You might talk to your physician about the terms of when you have to pay. Some states have laws that provide consumer protections for these arrangements.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with additional information.
DenaBuniscovers Medicare, health care,health policy and Congress. She also writes the “Medicare Made Easy” column for theAARP Bulletin.An award-winning journalist,Bunisspent decades working for metropolitan daily newspapers, including as Washington bureau chief for theOrange County Registerand as a health policy and workplace writer forNewsday.
What Doesn't Medicare Cover?
