Does Medicare Cover Echocardiogram?
Medicare Part B may cover echocardiograms if they are ordered by a doctor to treat a medical problem.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans also typically cover echocardiograms if they are deemed medically necessary by your doctor.
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How much does Medicare pay for echocardiograms?
Medicare Part B typically covers 80 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for covered doctor services, such as a medically necessary echocardiogram. You typically pay 20 percent after you meet your Part B deductible.
In 2020, the Part B deductible is $198 per year.
We recommend speaking to your doctor about specific costs related to your echocardiogram. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your plan carrier to learn more about your potential echocardiogram costs.
Will Medicare pay for an EKG?
Echocardiograms and electrocardiograms are both used to detect heart problems and diagnose heart disease.
- Echocardiograms use sound waves to produce images of the heart, which allows your doctor to see whether your heart is beating and pumping blood normally.
- Electrocardiograms (also referred to as EKGs or ECGs) record electrical signals in your heart, which can help your doctor see if you have any abnormal heart rhythms.
Electrocardiograms and echocardiograms may both be covered by Medicare more often when your doctor uses them as a diagnostic test.
Does Medicare cover heart medications?
Some heart problems, including cardiovascular disease, may require prescription medications to help treat or manage your condition.
Most prescription drugs are not covered by Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B).
This means that if you have Original Medicare only and don’t have a form of creditable drug coverage, you may be responsible for 100 percent of the costs related to your heart medications.
Most Medicare Advantage plans cover prescription drugs
Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private insurers as an alternative to Original Medicare.
By law, every Medicare Advantage plan must provide the same hospital and medical benefits as Medicare Part A and Part B. This means if your echocardiogram is covered by Original Medicare, it is also covered by your Medicare Advantage plan.
In addition to the standard Part A and Part B benefits, most Medicare Advantage plans cover prescription drugs.
Some Part C plans offer additional benefits such as routine dental, vision, and hearing coverage. Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer these benefits and plan availability can vary by location.
A licensed insurance agent can help you compare Medicare Advantage plans available where you live. They can help you find out if any available plans cover your heart medications, echocardiograms and more.
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About the author
Christian Worstell is a licensed insurance agent and a Senior Staff Writer for MedicareAdvantage.com. He is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of Medicare and understand their coverage options.
His work has been featured in outlets such as Vox, MSN, and The Washington Post, and he is a frequent contributor to health care and finance blogs.
Christian is a graduate of Shippensburg University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He currently lives in Raleigh, NC.
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