If you`re a Medicare beneficiary who travels frequently or lives in a foreign country, you may be wondering about Medicare reciprocal agreements. These agreements allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive healthcare services in other countries that participate in the agreements.
What are Medicare reciprocal agreements?
Medicare reciprocal agreements are agreements between the US and other countries that allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive healthcare services in those countries. Currently, the US has agreements with 30 countries, including Australia, Canada, Mexico, and many countries in Europe.
How do Medicare reciprocal agreements work?
Under a Medicare reciprocal agreement, Medicare beneficiaries can receive medically necessary healthcare services at the same cost-sharing rates as in the US. This means that Medicare will pay the same amount as it would for the same service in the US, and the beneficiary will pay the same deductibles and coinsurance.
However, it`s important to note that Medicare reciprocal agreements only cover medically necessary services. This means that services that are not considered medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery or experimental treatments, will not be covered.
What services are covered under Medicare reciprocal agreements?
The specific services covered under Medicare reciprocal agreements vary by country. In general, the agreements cover emergency services and medically necessary services. This can include hospitalizations, doctor visits, and diagnostic tests.
It`s important to note that Medicare does not cover healthcare services outside of the US unless there is a reciprocal agreement in place. Without a reciprocal agreement, Medicare beneficiaries would be responsible for all healthcare costs incurred while traveling or living abroad.
How do I use Medicare reciprocal agreements?
If you`re a Medicare beneficiary traveling or living in a foreign country with a reciprocal agreement, here are the steps to follow to use the agreement:
1. Contact Medicare before leaving the US to confirm that the country you will be visiting has a reciprocal agreement in place.
2. If the country has a reciprocal agreement, contact the country`s health insurance authority to confirm how to access healthcare services.
3. When receiving healthcare services, show your Medicare card and explain that you are a Medicare beneficiary covered under a reciprocal agreement.
4. Pay any deductibles and coinsurance required by Medicare and the foreign country.
Medicare reciprocal agreements can be a valuable benefit for Medicare beneficiaries who travel frequently or live abroad. If you`re planning to travel or live in a foreign country, be sure to contact Medicare to confirm if there is a reciprocal agreement in place and learn how to access healthcare services.