Original Medicare often serves as a primary source of health coverage for many individuals, so it’s essential to understand the intricacies of your benefits, especially if you require medical equipment like a home blood pressure monitor. If you’re in need of a home blood pressure monitor, Original Medicare may cover it, but only in limited situations. For example, Medicare Part B may cover the rental of an ambulatory blood pressure monitor once a year if recommended by a doctor or if you are undergoing renal dialysis at home. In this article, we’ll help you understand why you may need an at-home blood pressure monitor and what Original Medicare covers related to this equipment.
When should you use an at-home blood pressure monitor?
An at-home blood pressure monitor allows you to track your blood pressure regularly, providing a more comprehensive understanding of readings over time. This continual monitoring can help you and your healthcare providers identify any concerning trends or fluctuations in blood pressure levels, which may be crucial if you’re managing hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions. If you’re living with one of these conditions, at-home blood pressure monitoring can assist in evaluating the effectiveness of prescribed medications or lifestyle modifications.
When are at-home blood pressure monitors covered by Original Medicare?
Generally, Original Medicare doesn’t pay for at-home blood pressure monitors unless certain conditions are met. For example, there are specific scenarios in which Medicare Part B may cover the cost of at-home blood pressure monitors for beneficiaries. Individuals undergoing renal dialysis at home may be eligible for coverage of a manual blood pressure monitor and a stethoscope by Medicare Part B. This coverage applies to 80% of the cost, with the beneficiary responsible for the remaining 20%. Additionally, Medicare Part A covers any blood pressure monitoring needed while the individual is an inpatient at a hospital.
What Medicare Advantage Plans May Cover
Medicare Advantage plans, also called Medicare Part C, are legally required to provide the same coverage as Original Medicare, but often include additional routine benefits. If you want to know if your Medicare Advantage plan covers a specific benefit, refer to your explanation of benefits or reach out to your insurance carrier. Medicare Advantage plans vary, so it’s important to contact your provider to learn more about the details of your plan if you need a specific benefit.
SelectQuote Can Help You Find the Medicare Advantage Coverage That’s Right for You
We know it may feel overwhelming to decide whether Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan is right for you. With nearly 40 years of experience, our licensed insurance agents are here to help. We work with a variety of recognized Medicare Advantage plan carriers to ensure you find a policy that’s right for your unique healthcare needs.
