Medicare Questions for Those with Part F or G

[ShokWaveRider]

I am new to Medicare and my coverage will start on February 1st. I have signed up for AARP UHC Part G.

My main question, is are blood tests covered? I usually have 2 or 3 per year. These are full tests for Cholesterol, Full Lipid Panel, Glucose, Kidney, liver, Etc. I read somewhere that Medicare only allows 1 Cholesterol test every 5 years. I was wondering if the supplemental F or G covers these more frequently? Yes they are all advised and ordered by my GP or Cardiologist.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[Katsmeow]

The fact it is F or G is irrelevant to what Medicare covers. The coverage is the same for Medicare itself regardless of which supplement you buy. The difference is what part of the costs your supplement would pay that you would otherwise be on the hook for. In other words, if Medicare doesn't cover a test then your supplement won't cover it.

Medicare has limits on screening tests. So, yes, a screening cholesterol test is every 5 years.

However, some things can be done more often for diagnostic or other monitoring or medical reasons. For example, Medicare will cover a screening mammogram for women every 12 months. But you can have a diagnostic one when medically necessary.

Look at this link to find out how often screening tests are done:

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services

If it was me and I wanted screening blood tests more frequently then I would go to one of the places where you can order them directly online and pay out of pocket for it and then show the results to my doctor.

 

[Octogirl]

If you have a diagnosis of hyperlipidemia, or are on statins, (or other dx but I won't elaborate) a lab test for cholesterol is not considered "screening" - instead it is part of managing your healthcare. So the 5 year rule does not apply. Do you know your last TC, HDL, LDL ?

 

[ShokWaveRider]

If you have a diagnosis of hyperlipidemia, or are on statins, (or other dx but I won't elaborate) a lab test for cholesterol is not considered "screening" - instead it is part of managing your healthcare. So the 5 year rule does not apply. Do you know your last TC, HDL, LDL ?

Yes, 3 months ago, I have another scheduled for December. But that is covered by my current ACA insurance. Yes I am on statins.

 

[wmc1000]

DW and I both on statins and have full labs run once a year with no issue having Medicare approve for payment.