Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) affects approximately 1.5 million Americans and typically develops between the ages of 40 and 60.1
Fortunately, Medicare does cover rheumatoid arthritis treatment for qualified beneficiaries who need chronic care management services. Medicare will also help cover the costs of inpatient and outpatient care for beneficiaries suffering from RA.
Learn more about your treatment options and how to find a rheumatologist near you that accepts Medicare.
A few different rheumatoid arthritis treatment options are covered by Medicare in various ways, such as:
Medicare covers limited home health care for beneficiaries who meet the following conditions:
In order to qualify, you’ll need to have a face-to-face meeting with a doctor within 90 days before starting home health care, or within 30 days after starting care.
You’ll also need to have a doctor sign a home health certification confirmation and receive care from a Medicare-certified home health agency.
Home health care benefits may be covered by Medicare Part A or Part B, and benefits can include skilled nursing care, therapy and care provided by a home health aide.
The CHRONIC Care Act of 2018 expanded coverage for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. The bill granted greater flexibility for Medicare Advantage plans to cover non-medical benefits going forward.
Thanks to the bill, Medicare Advantage plans may now cover additional services and items related to home care that can be of use to someone with rheumatoid arthritis.
These can include, but aren’t limited to:
There also may be Medicare Special Needs Plans specifically for beneficiaries suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. A Special Needs Plan is a type of Medicare Advantage plan that features benefits designed especially for people with a certain condition.
A Medicare Advantage plan may be structured as an HMO or PPO, with a select network of participating health care providers from which to choose. Contact your plan directly to find a rheumatologist near you that accepts your Medicare plan.
Compare Medicare Advantage benefits in your area
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This article is for informational purposes only. It is not healthcare advice. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific healthcare needs.
1 National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. What People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Need to Know About Osteoporosis. (Apr. 2016). Retrieved from www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/conditions-behaviors/osteoporosis-ra?_ga=2.55996587.143207217.1550770098-1967891149.1548791924#one.
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