Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

Female physiotherapist helping elderly man in wheelchair do exercises with dumbbells at health center stock photo

By Daniel Petkevich

Jan 20, 2023

A stroke can cost thousands of dollars. Do you have coverage?

Nearly 800,000 Americans have a stroke each year. And if it happens to you or a loved one, the after-effects can be devastating. With Medicare, you are covered in the event of a stroke. And further, there are some Medicare Advantage plans with more specialized coverage for those with special needs. Read on to find out more about what Medicare covers for stroke patients.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

What's covered in Medicare?

Treatments available to stroke patients may also change over time, so it's important to stay up-to-date on what is included in Medicare coverage. Also, everyone's healthcare needs following a stroke can vary. Here are some examples of different treatment options that might be covered for you:

Examples of inpatient care covered by

Part A

Medicare Part A is also known as Hospital Insurance. For stroke recovery, you may have the following covered:

  • Hospital stays

  • Inpatient rehab

  • 20 days of care in a skilled nursing facility

Examples of outpatient care covered by

Part B

Medicare Part B is also known as Medical Insurance and may include the following:

  • Home health services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology

  • Durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds

  • Certain preventive services that may reduce the risk of a stroke happening in the first place (see more below).

  • Diagnostic tests such as MRI and CT scans

  • Certain prescription drugs to help manage stroke symptoms (some drugs will fall under Part D prescription drug coverage)

It's important to remember that what is covered may vary depending on what type of Medicare coverage you have, so check with your doctor or health plan provider for specific information about what is covered.

Preventive services to reduce the risk of future strokes

Medicare Part B also covers certain preventive services to help reduce the risk of a stroke happening in the first place.

These include:

  • Blood pressure screenings

  • Diabetes screenings and education

  • Vaccinations such as flu shots or shingles vaccines

  • Lifestyle counseling and smoking cessation programs

  • Low-dose aspirin therapy

  • Nutritional counseling

These services are covered once a year, so take advantage of them and talk with your doctor about what is best for you.

The average cost of stroke rehabilitation

The cost of stroke rehabilitation can vary greatly depending on what type of care is needed. That being said,

some estimates put the average cost of the first year after having a stroke at over $17,000

. Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the cost of approved services such as physical and occupational therapy. The remaining 20% may be covered by supplemental insurance plans or out-of-pocket costs. If you are looking for the best way to combat steep out-of-pocket costs, look no further than

Medicare Supplement Plan G

.

What isn't covered by Medicare?

Medicare has some gaps when it comes to treating people recovering from strokes. Long-term care is currently not covered by Medicare. However, if you also have Medicaid, you might get coverage for long-term care. Speak with your plan provider for information specific to your unique situation.

What about Medicare Advantage?

There are plans available specifically for those who have survived strokes called Special Needs Plans (SNPs). Stroke is one of the chronic conditions that qualify a beneficiary for these plans. You just need to meet the following criteria:

Tips for getting the most out of your coverage

  • Know what type of coverage you have

  • Ask your doctor what is covered

  • Take advantage of preventive services

  • Consider supplemental insurance plans

  • Keep up with changes in Medicare coverage.

Keeping up with

what is and what isn't covered by Medicare

can be a challenge, so it's important to stay informed and speak with your doctor about what's right for you.

Conclusion

Medicare covers a variety of treatments and services for stroke patients, from inpatient care to preventive screenings. Be sure to check what is covered by your specific plan and talk to your doctor about what is best for you. Taking advantage of what Medicare does cover can help ensure that you get the care and support you need after a stroke. If you have questions about what is covered by Medicare or whether your plan is the right fit for you, speak with an expert at

Fair Square Medicare

.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

elderly woman with glasses having difficulty reading her phone stock image

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Dec 2, 2022

Happy senior man and dentist assistant talking during appointment at dental clinic. stock photo

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Jan 4, 2023

a chart explaining different enrollment periods on medicare

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

Apr 8, 2022

senior man on a phone call stock image

Last Day to Change Your Medicare Part D Plan

Jul 14, 2025

Leg bones and knees, 3d rendering. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Nov 30, 2022

Cover image

How to Become a Medicare Agent

Aug 30, 2023

senior couple doing yoga stock image

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

Mar 8, 2023

Cover image

Denied Coverage? What to Do When Your Carrier Says No

Jul 15, 2025

Orthopaedist at work treating a bunion, stock photo

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Nov 29, 2022

Upset senior woman crying stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Nov 30, 2022

Cover image

Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan

Sep 21, 2023

Senior black man standing up and experiencing knee pain stock image

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Nov 28, 2022

senior man with his glasses in his hand working in front of his laptop stock photo

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

Sep 19, 2022

A person with a shopping cart already containing medicaid and medicare sees Medigap options on a table. In a thought bubble, they ask "Should I get Medigap too?"

Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

Jan 7, 2023

Medigap plan letters on outstretched fingers stock image

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

Apr 12, 2023

Cover image

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

Aug 14, 2023

Diagnosis overactive bladder stock image

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Dec 9, 2022

Costco & Fair Square

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Jan 13, 2023

More of our articles

10 Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies for 2025

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

2025 Medicare Price Changes

Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Ofev?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Estimating Prescription Drug Costs

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Enroll in Social Security

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025

Medicare Explained

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Moving? Here’s What Happens to Your Medicare Coverage

Plan G vs. Plan N

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What is Plan J?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

What to Do When Your Doctor Leaves Your Network

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

Will Medicare Cover it?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M