Most Americans are familiar with Medicare and Medicaid as healthcare programs that provide coverage for seniors and the disabled. But what is the difference between the two programs? Which program is better for each type of person? In this article, we’ll look at Medicare and Medicaid, their differences in coverage, and how you can benefit from each program.
Medicare Defined
Medicare is a government-run healthcare program designed to provide coverage for seniors aged 65 and older. The program also offers coverage for younger Americans if they have specific disabilities that qualify for the program.
Healthcare coverage under Medicare is based on an annual deductible that must be met by the beneficiary. Once the deductible is met, the beneficiary only needs to cover 20% of any other medical costs that are covered by Medicare.
The Medicare program features a variety of ‘parts’. The most common Medicare programs are Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Each of these programs provides different coverage to the beneficiaries of the program.
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A is designed to provide healthcare coverage for hospital stays, visits to a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and other inpatient care. Part A can also be used for certain in-home healthcare. Basically, Medicare Part A focuses on paying costs associated with healthcare services rather than supplies.
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B is designed to cover doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive healthcare. Unlike Part A, the Part B program is focused more on the products and services a patient may need after they are released from a medical facility.
Medicare also features Parts C and D, but these programs are not automatically provided to seniors or those with disabilities. Medicare Part C is a supplemental program that Medicare members can purchase on their own, similar to regular health insurance. Medicare Part D is a prescription plan that helps cover the costs associated with medications.
Medicaid Defined
Similar to Medicare, the Medicaid program is a government-run healthcare plan that provides seniors, the disabled, and other groups with coverage for a variety of ailments. Medicaid is not automatically made available to all seniors at 65 years of age, but it’s made available to those who qualify for the coverage.
Medicaid is operated by every state in the United States individually, so every state has its own set of specific rules, regulations, and programs. Specific waiver programs are available for those who have certain healthcare needs, such as the need for durable medical equipment, prescription coverage, in-home healthcare, and other needs.
Is Hy-Tape Covered by Medicare or Medicaid?
Hy-Tape is covered under Medicare Part B for those patients who have a medical necessity.
The product is covered under the category of ostomy supplies and surgical dressings policies covered by Medicare Part B. For patients who have an ostomy (a surgically created opening), tubes and bags must adhere to the ostomy properly. For a patient with surgical wounds, Hy-Tape can be a vital part of holding wound dressing securely in place.
For medical professionals who want to provide Hy-Tape and file a Medicare Part B claim, a few documents are required. Ordering Hy-Tape and having it covered by Part B requires an approximate monthly quantity as well as an ICD-9 CM diagnosis code. For ostomy orders, documents must be signed and dated by the ordering physician. For wound dressing orders, documents must be signed and dated by either a physician, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse, certified nurse midwife, or physician’s assistant.
Read more Medicare Reimbursement FAQ
Why Choose Hy-Tape for Wound Care and Ostomy Needs?
Hy-Tape is designed with healthcare and patient comfort in mind. The tape is made with a strong adhesive that holds wound dressings firmly in place. It also features zinc oxide which makes it easy on the skin for easy removal when new dressings are needed. Hy-Tape is also waterproof, sealing out water and other debris from a wound dressing. The tape is flexible as well, bending easily with patient movements to avoid cutting the skin.
When you need top-quality tape for wound dressings and ostomy care, look no further than Hy-Tape. Contact us today to place an order and file for Medicare Part B coverage of the tape.