Aging can be beautiful, but it comes with its fair share of surprises.
As we age, our bodies can become deficient in key vitamins and minerals because we don't absorb them as efficiently as when we were young.
A common example of this is B12 deficiency. B12 shots can help you be healthier by adding more vitamins to your body. If you have Medicare, do you have to pay for B12 shots?
Let's take a look at B12 shots and whether Medicare will cover your expenses.
A B12 shot B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 is water-soluble and is naturally found in some foods, such as meat, fish, and dairy products. It's essential for:
Brain and nerve cells
Production of DNA
Production of red blood cells
Without enough Vitamin B12,
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency affects more than 20% of the elderly population
If you have B12 deficiency, your doctor may suggest that you eat Vitamin B12-rich foods
Let's look at the situations where Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments
If you’re admitted to a hospital, a skilled nursing facility, or a hospice care facility — and your doctor orders a B12 shot as a treatment procedure — Medicare Part A may cover your expenses.
For example, if you're in the hospital and your doctor orders medically necessary B12 shots to treat anemia, a gastrointestinal disorder, neuropathy, or some other health issue caused by B12 deficiency, Medicare Part A may provide coverage.
In most cases, you'll receive a B12 shot in an outpatient setting. If your doctor recommends a B12 shot during an outpatient visit, Medicare Part B may cover your expenses. ( Part B typically covers drugs
Even if Medicare Part B approves your B12 shots, you may still owe a copay. This is determined by the type of Medicare plan
Still, if you have Medicare Part B coverage, verify what you'll owe your healthcare provider before scheduling an appointment. We can help you do this.
Medicare Part D covers a wide range of prescription drugs. But, it doesn't cover over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, or supplements.
Part D plans are required to list all prescription drugs they cover in a formulary. Formularies can vary from one Medicare Part D plan to another.
If your Medicare Part D plan lists B12 shots in their formulary, you'll get coverage.
But if B12 shots aren't listed in your plan's formulary, don't worry just yet. You might still be able to get coverage by requesting a utilization management review .
This program evaluates the efficiency and necessity of the treatments you're seeking. If your plan provider considers the treatment a medical necessity based on your doctor's recommendation, you could receive your B12 shots at a much lower cost — or even for free.
Medicare Advantage plans
Just like Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage plans have a formulary of drugs they'll cover. If your Medicare Advantage plan
The cost of a B12 shot depends on how it's administered. Self-administered B12 shots generally cost less than shots given by a doctor or clinic.
The type of B12 shot also affects the cost. Synthetic B12 shots, which use a form of vitamin B12 not found in nature, are typically less expensive than natural B12 shots.
If your insurance plan doesn't cover B12 shots, you could pay anywhere from $10 to $75 per shot .
The human body needs Vitamin B12 to function normally. If your vitamin deficiency is caused by malabsorption of B12 from food, your doctor might recommend B12 shots.
If your provider recommends them, Medicare may cover B12 shots for you. Check with your insurance provider if you're unsure whether your plan provides coverage for B12 shots.
You can also call us at (888)-376-2028. Our team
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