Almost 90% of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are covered by Medicare. As a disease that impacts both motor and non-motor symptoms, Parkinson’s can affect all aspects of a person’s life. Whether you are approaching 65 or already there, navigating Medicare and understanding what it means for managing your Parkinson’s disease can be overwhelming. Show
Learn about Medicare and your coverage options, what is “typically” paid for by Medicare and what to think about budgeting for, how to enroll, where you can find additional resources and more. For a person with Parkinson’s, understand where Medicare may matter most including coverage for visits with your doctors, PD related medications, physical therapy and other rehabilitation services, in-home care, durable medical equipment, PD related surgeries and more. Led by Lance Wilson, Social Worker at Jefferson Health Comprehensive Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center and Tricia Sandiego, Senior Advisor at AARP, this webinar offers educational resources, tools and advice to help guide your journey and support you in living the best life with PD. Download Slides  From: Healthline – www.healthline.com – Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M.D., CAQ, FAAFP — Written by Corey Whelan — Updated on April 21, 2021 Medicare coverage | What is covered? | What isn’t covered? | Parkinson’s disease | Takeaway
Medicare covers medically necessary treatments for Parkinson’s disease, including medications, different types of therapy, and hospital stays. Based on the type of coverage you have, you may have some out-of-pocket expenses, such as copays, coinsurance, and premiums. Medicare may not cover all of the services you’ll need, such as assistance for normal daily living. If you or a loved one has Parkinson’s disease, it’s important for you to understand which parts of Medicare cover which treatments to avoid large, unexpected expenses. Parkinson’s disease and Medicare coverageMedicare is made up of multiple parts. Each part covers different services and treatments that you’ll need to manage Parkinson’s. Original Medicare is composed of Part A and Part B. Part A covers a portion of your inpatient hospitalization costs. Part B provides coverage of outpatient medical needs including those for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Part A coveragePart A covers the following services related to Parkinson’s disease:
Medicare Part A is premium-free for most people. However, in 2021, you can expect to pay a deductible of $1,484 for each benefit period before your services are covered. You may also be billed for additional coinsurance costs of $371 per day if you stay in the hospital for more than 60 days. After 90 days, that cost goes up to $742 daily for each lifetime reserve day used until they are used up. After that, you are responsible for the full cost of hospital treatment. Part B coveragePart B will cover the following items and services related to your care:
In 2021, the standard monthly premium for Part B is $148.50. There is also a Medicare Part B annual deductible, which is $203 in 2021. After your deductible is met, you will only be responsible for paying 20 percent of covered services provided through Part B. Part C coverageMedicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a health insurance plan you can buy from a private insurer. Part C coverage varies from plan to plan but is required to provide at least the same coverage as original Medicare. Some Part C plans also cover medications and add-on services, such as vision and dental care. Part C plans typically require that you choose your doctors and providers from within their network. Out-of-pocket costs for Part C plans can vary. Some don’t have monthly premiums, but others do. You can usually expect to pay copays, coinsurance, and deductibles with a Part C plan. The highest possible deductible in 2021 for a Part C plan is $7,550. Some Part C plans require you to pay 20 percent coinsurance until you reach an out-of-pocket maximum, which also varies per plan. Always check your specific coverage to determine the out-of-pocket costs you can expect. Part D coveragePart D covers prescription medications and is also purchased from a private insurance company. If you have a Part C plan, you might not need a Part D plan. Different plans cover different medications, which is known as a formulary. While all Part D plans cover some of the medications you may need for treating Parkinson’s, it’s important to check that any medication you take or may need later on is covered under your plan. Just like with Part C, Part D plans also vary in terms of out-of-pocket costs for premiums, deductibles, and copays. Each Part plan also has a formulary that explains how much you’ll pay for certain medications based on a tier system. Medigap coverageMedigap, or Medicare supplemental insurance, covers some or all of the financial gaps left over from original Medicare. These costs may include deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. If you have a Part C plan, you are not eligible to buy a Medigap plan. There are many Medigap plans to choose from. Some provide broader coverage than others but come with higher premium costs. Prescription drug costs are not covered under Medigap. Medigap plans differ in costs and coverage as well. Some offer high-deductible options with lower monthly premiums. Parkinson’s disease treatments coveredParkinson’s disease can come with a wide range of motor and nonmotor symptoms. The symptoms of this condition can be different for different people. Since it is a progressive disease, symptoms can change over time. Medicare covers a range of different treatments, medications, and services that you may need to manage Parkinson’s disease throughout your life. MedicationsParkinson’s disease is known to cause lowered levels of dopamine in the brain. It also causes certain types of brain cells to breakdown or die off. This leads to tremors and other problems with motor function. Medicare covers medications that can act the same way or replace dopamine. It also covers other medications called COMT inhibitors, which prolong or enhance the effect of dopamine drugs. Mood disorders such as apathy, anxiety, and depression, as well as psychosis, are common among people with Parkinson’s. Medications that address these conditions are also covered by Medicare. Some examples of these types of drugs include:
Services and therapiesTreatments for Parkinson’s disease focus on symptom control. Services and treatments that Medicare covers for this condition include those described in the following sections. Focused ultrasoundThis noninvasive treatment delivers ultrasound energy deep into the brain. It can be used in the early stages Parkinson’s to reduce tremors and improve motor function. Deep brain stimulationIf medications have helped you in the past but are no longer strong enough to treat symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and muscle spasms, your doctor may recommend deep brain stimulation. This is a surgical procedure where a surgeon will implant an electrode into the brain. The electrode is attached by surgical wires to a battery-operated neurostimulator device, which is implanted in the chest. Duopa pumpIf your carbidopa/levodopa oral dopamine medication has become less effective than it used to be, your doctor might recommend a Duopa pump. This device delivers medication in a gel form directly into the intestinal tract via a small hole (stoma) made in the stomach. Skilled nursing careAt-home, part-time skilled nursing care is covered by Medicare for a limited amount of time. The time limit is usually 21 days for cost-free services. Your doctor can extend this limit if there’s an estimated time for how long you’ll need these services and submit a letter stating your medical need. Care at a skilled nursing facility is covered at no cost for the first 20 days, and then from days 21 through 100, you’ll pay a daily copay. After 100 days, you will pay the full cost of your stay and services. Occupational and physical therapyParkinson’s can affect both large and small muscle groups. Occupational therapy focuses on small muscle groups, such as in the fingers. Physical therapy focuses on large muscle groups, such as in the legs. Therapists can teach people with Parkinson’s different exercises to maintain everyday activities and improve their quality of life. These activities include eating and drinking, walking, sitting, changing position while reclining, and handwriting. Speech therapyDifficulty with speech and swallowing can be caused by weakening of the muscles in the larynx (voice box), mouth, tongue, lips, and throat. A speech-language pathologist or speech therapist can help people with Parkinson’s maintain verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Mental health counselingDepression, anxiety, psychosis, and problems with cognition are all potential nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Medicare covers depression screenings and mental health counseling services. Durable medical equipment (DME)Medicare covers specific types of DME. Some examples include:
The following table provides an at-a-glance look at what is covered under each part of Medicare: What doesn’t Medicare cover for Parkinson’s disease treatment?Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t cover everything you may think is medically necessary. These services include nonmedical custodial care for daily living activities, such as dressing, bathing, and cooking. Medicare also doesn’t cover long-term care or around-the-clock care. Devices that might make life easier at home are not always covered. These include items such as a walk-in bathtub or stair lift. What is Parkinson’s disease?Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. The cause of Parkinson’s is not completely understood. Currently, there is no cure. Treatments for Parkinson’s disease are based on symptom control and management. There are several different types of Parkinson’s disease, as well as similar neurological disorders known as “parkinsonisms.” These different types include:
The takeawayParkinson’s disease is a condition that leads to declining cognitive and motor functioning over time. Medicare covers a wide range of treatments and medications that can be used combat the symptoms of this condition and improve your quality of life. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance. Last medically reviewed on May 29, 2020 | 15 sources Can Parkinson's patients live at home?As Parkinson's disease progresses, even simple daily activities of home and self-care may become difficult. Certain assistive or adaptive devices can help you retain independence. Ask a physical or occupational therapist for advice on what you might need.
What support is available for someone with Parkinson's disease?People with Parkinson's disease can find local support groups, educational programs, health and wellness activities, and events using the search tool on the APDA's website. The Parkinson's Foundation also offers information about local resources, support groups, wellness classes, and educational programs.
How can you help a friend or relative that has Parkinson's disease at home?Here are 10 of the best ways to help someone you love manage Parkinson's disease.. Learn everything you can about the disease. Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder. ... . Volunteer to help out. ... . Get active. ... . Help them feel normalcy. ... . Get out of the house. ... . Listen. ... . Suggest they join a support group. ... . Get social.. Does Parkinson's qualify for hospice?Although hospice is often associated with a terminal disease such as cancer, it is an option for individuals with chronic diseases, such as PD. Hospice is a program of care designed to improve quality of life through pain relief and symptom management for individuals who are facing end-of-life.
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