Beyond the specter of rising Medicare premium and deductible costs, there are a couple of good-news developments in plan coverage:
First, beneficiaries in every state can now sign up for enhanced plans that cap the cost of some insulins at $35 per month. This is available whether you are enrolled in a drug plan through original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.
Next, the stresses and constraints of the pandemic caused the Medicare administration to examine the availability of mental health services via telehealth. As a result, certain mental and behavioral health services (such as counseling, therapy and, in certain circumstances, substance abuse treatment) have been made more widely available over the phone to those who need them. Specific requirements regarding in-person initial exams and follow-up visits apply in most circumstances.
Hopefully, these items will provide relief to some of our clients. If you are unsure if either ofthese benefits relates to your coverage, please ask us for a review.