Turning 65/ Medicare ?

laurel64

Just finished with bi-lateral lumpectomies for ILC and six weeks radiation; one breast cancer not seen on mammo or us/ found with MRI and confirmed with biopsy. Have started Arimidex. Turning 65 and will be changing to Medicare and AARP supplement; Haven't had my followups yet with BS, RO or MO so not sure what the schedule for followup scans, etc will be.  Has anyone had trouble with getting Medicare coverage for suggested followups or will they pay without any issues?

Wabbit

I can't speak to breast cancer follow-ups specifically but my hubby went on Medicare over a year ago with no problems with any of the things he had going on.  The big thing is to make sure your doctors and other medical providers have a copy of your Medicare card and bill them first.  Medicare automatically sends it on to your supplemental provider after they pay so it has been very easy for us.

dogsandjogs

Be sure to check with the provider to make sure he/she takes Medicare. Some of them don't. I had to change two providers because of this. One of them said he was sorry, but medicare pays so little he couldn't afford to offer it--

lauri

And  make sure the providers mark your file to show REVISED INSURANCE -- I had Blue Cross through my employer which was primary (worked to 66) and after I switched to Medicare as primary and supplemental plan as secondary, it took MONTHS before the bills went to the correct insurers in the correct order.  (Took a few calls to Medicare as well.)

So far, the bills are all being paid (although I'm amazed at how little Medicare pays for MRI -- but the providers accept it.)

Infobabe

laurel64

All I can say is that I have been on Medicare for 11 years and they have given me no trouble whatsoever.  

Shortly after I turned 65 I had meningitis and a a lot of ICU and hospital, home care with an RN; hernia surgery; two cataract surgies, and two total knee replacemnts.  All in all, replacement parts.  Presently with the BC, my bills are all being paid promptly.

Like others say, just be sure your provider bills Medicare as primary and AARP as secondary.  All my providers accept Medicare but I know there are a lot out there that do not.   I don't know whay they don't.  I have never seen a poor doctor.