Hey Medicare Nation! www.TheMedicareNation.com Medicare has taken many steps to assist you during the COVID-19 crisis. Coronavirus tests Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers a test to see if you have coronavirus (officially called COVID-19). This test is covered when your doctor or other health care provider orders the test. I spoke about testing for COVID-19 in the previous episode, dated April 1, 2020. Listen to episode 101 to learn more about COVID-19 Testing. Your costs in Original Medicare for COVID-19 Testing. You pay nothing for this test. NADA! This includes the newly available COVID-19 “Antibody” test, which determines if you have antibodies in your blood, that were created to recognize the COVID-19 Virus in your body. Hospitalization Medicare covers All medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and might have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but……. instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine.   Your costs in Original Medicare ZERO!   3     VACCINE FOR COVID-19 At this time, there's no vaccine for COVID-19.  However, If and when one becomes available, it will be covered by all  MEDICARE Prescription Drug plans -  Which is Part D of Medicare.   TELEHEALTH  SERVICES During the National Emergency for COVID-19, you will be able to receive a specific set of services through telehealth These services include: Evaluation and management visits (common office visits), mental health counseling and preventive health screenings  without a copayment if you have Original Medicare.  Your costs in Original Medicare  $0  Co-Pay if you have Original Medicare. You can use your smart phone or computer to access Telehealth services. 5.    Virtual check-ins virtual check-ins (also called “brief communication technology-based services”) with your doctors and certain other practitioners. What is it ? Virtual check-ins allow you to talk to your doctor or certain other practitioners, like nurse practitioners or physician assistants, using a device like your phone, integrated audio/video system on your laptop or computer, or captured video image without going to the doctor’s office. Your doctor or other practitioner can respond to you using: Phone Audio/visit Secure text messages Email Use of a patient portal   Virtual Check-Ins can be used for treatment for the Coronavirus from ANYWHERE……including places of residences….HOMES. Nursing Homes, AND Assisted Living Facilities.       Things to know You must talk to your doctor or other practitioner to start these types of visits. The communication must not be related to a medical visit within the past 7 days and must not lead to the medical visit within the next 24 hours (or the soonest appointment available). You must verbally consent to the virtual check-in, and your consent must be documented in your medical record. Since January 1, 2020 your doctor may obtain a single consent for a year’s worth of these services.        Your costs in Original Medicare      Normally, you would pay for “Virtual Visits” under Part B of Medicare.      During the National Emergency, your co-insurance and deductible will be waived, and you will have “No Co-insurance, or deductible” for Virtual Visits for COVID-19 services.   Certain Skilled Nursing Facility Care requirements have been waived during the National Emergency for COVID-19. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, some people may be able to get renewed SNF coverage without first having to start a new benefit period.  Original Medicare covers up to “100 consecutive days” in a Skilled Nursing Facility.” For each benefit stay. During the National Emergency for COVID-19, your Doctor may request an extension of days for your benefit period.   If you’re not able to be in your home during the COVID-19 pandemic or are otherwise affected by the pandemic, you can get SNF care without a qualifying hospital stay.   if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you hav