If you’re a senior citizen on Medicare, it’s important to know how the program provides coverage for drug and dental care. This blog post will give you some tips on what to do if your drugs are not covered by Medicare or if you have any questions about dental care under Medicare.
Get a second opinion before getting treatment from a doctor – some health care providers will offer this service at no cost to you
One easy way to save money on drugs, dental care, and other Medicaid services is to get a second opinion before you decide to pay for treatment. In many cases, doctors will offer this service for free. David Duel is a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist who has become a mainstay in the field of healthcare after becoming founder and CEO of 400-person Medicare platform EasyHealth. He points out, “A second opinion can be helpful when you are considering upgrading your routine dental care to more expensive treatments like extractions and dentures. Second opinions give you the opportunity to make an informed decision on whether or not a treatment is right for you – it’s better than making a mistake and paying for something that isn’t necessary.”
Compare the cost of generic drugs with brand-name drugs, also investigate using a mail-order pharmacy to get lower prices on drugs
If you take a prescription regularly, it might be worth it to consider getting your drugs from a mail-order pharmacy. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, generic drugs are just as effective as brand-name medications at lower prices – you can save money this way. David Duel also says, “Mail-order pharmacies like Express Scripts, US Pharmacy, and CVS Caremark can provide you with discounts on drugs that aren’t covered by Medicare or that you need to upgrade from the coverage offered by Medicare’s drug program (Medicare Part D). These pharmacies also allow seniors who don’t have medical insurance through their jobs to compare different drug plans and find the one that is best for them.”
Check with local hospitals and clinics about free or discounted care programs they may offer for people who are uninsured
If your income is low and you don’t have additional medical insurance, you may have trouble paying your Medicaid bills. Local hospitals and clinics may offer free or discounted care programs to help people who need treatment but cannot afford to pay for it. You should check with your local hospital or clinic about these types of programs in order to get the best possible outcome from a dental-related illness or injury without hurting your wallet in the process.
Get dental care covered under Medicare – find out if you’re eligible for coverage and how much it costs, then compare that with other types of insurance plans available in your area
If you are eligible for dental coverage under the Medicare plan, it’s important to find out exactly how much this type of treatment will cost. Dental coverage is sometimes limited in its scope (fewer procedures covered), so it may not be possible for you to get everything that you need to be done in one year – in that case, consider trying another dental insurance plan if your income allows it. The best way to find out which types of plans are available in your area and what they cover is to contact an insurance broker who specializes in healthcare plans for seniors – their expertise can help ensure that any dental-related illness or injury doesn’t leave you without access to affordable care.
Know when to use an emergency room or urgent care center vs. visiting a doctor’s office
If you need immediate help with your health but think that an emergency room visit is too expensive, consider scheduling a visit with an urgent care center. These facilities offer lower costs on treatments and access to medical staff who can provide more information on what caused a specific dental-related illness or injury. David Duel observes, “Just because you have dental plans through Medicare doesn’t mean that going to the emergency room for your toothache would be considered a waste of money – it just means that you have options depending on your circumstances. In some cases, it may even make more sense financially to use an urgent care facility instead of visiting a doctor’s office or clinic, so don’t rule this option out completely before contacting your insurance provider.”
Consider taking advantage of free health screenings – they could help catch serious conditions before they become more expensive to treat
Medicare offers free health screenings for people who need to be proactive about their dental-related illness or injury. These services are available to seniors on a first-come, first-served basis – so it’s important that you don’t miss out on what could potentially save your life. Getting these screenings will ensure you go through fewer medical problems and owe less on your medical bills.
Compare prices of medical treatment yourself instead of automatically assuming that the most expensive option is the best one
Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis can often lead to serious problems with your overall health, including an increased risk of suffering from dangerous infections like MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). Medicare members who have access to an online portal can compare different types of treatment options from the comfort of their home computer.