Chronic diseases are those that last for more than six months and affect at least one body system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the total cost of healthcare in the United States, chronic diseases account for almost 20 percent. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from a chronic disease, it’s important to know that Medicare provides comprehensive coverage for many of them. In this article, we’ll explain what Medicare covers and how you can qualify for benefits.
What are Chronic Diseases?
Chronic diseases are illnesses that last for more than a few months, but not more than a year. Most chronic diseases are caused by lifestyle choices and can be prevented with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking.
What Are the Benefits of Medicare Coverage for Chronic Diseases?
The benefits of Medicare coverage for chronic diseases include:
– Reduced out-of-pocket expenses. Most chronic diseases are expensive to treat, and Medicare pays most of the cost.
– Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Medicare coverage for chronic diseases reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by as much as 50%.
– Reduced risk of death from cancer. Medicare coverage for chronic diseases reduces the risk of death from cancer by as much as 50%.
– Increased quality of life. Many people with chronic diseases find their quality of life improves when they receive treatment through Medicare.
Medicare covers Chronic Diseases
Medicare has been providing coverage for chronic diseases since 2002. Chronic diseases are conditions that last more than 12 months and result in significant functional limitations. The following are four of the most common chronic diseases covered by Medicare: coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes.
If you have a chronic disease, it is important to speak with your doctor about whether Medicare covers your condition. You can also visit the Medicare website to see if your condition is covered. If it is not covered, you may be able to find a plan that meets your specific needs through the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program.
Conditions that are Covered by Medicare
Medicare covers a wide range of medical conditions, including chronic diseases. This means that beneficiaries with chronic diseases can often receive care and treatment from Medicare providers without having to pay out-of-pocket.
Here are some of the most common chronic diseases that are covered by Medicare:
1. Diabetes
2. Heart disease
3. Cancer
4. Memory problems caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia
5. Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung)
What to do if You have a Condition that is not Covered by Medicare?
When it comes to covering the cost of chronic diseases, Medicare can be a bit more limited in what it will cover. That said, there are a few different ways that you can get coverage through the government health insurance program.
If you have a condition that is not covered by Medicare, you may be able to find coverage through an individual policy or a group plan. You may also be eligible for coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
To find out if you are eligible for coverage, you will need to speak with your insurance company or visit the website of the program that you are interested in. You can also contact Medicare directly to ask about coverage for your specific condition.
Conclusion
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, are conditions that tend to last for more than six months. In order to be eligible for Medicare Coverage for Chronic Diseases, a person must meet the following requirements:
-The condition must be considered a “chronic” illness by the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.
-The person must have had it for at least 6 months.
-The person cannot have recovered from the condition within six months.