Paying for Healthcare Questions

1. What can I do if my parent refuses to receive medical treatment?

   Greetings:
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2. If you're refused medical care, what’s next?

   I understand that you have concern for your neighbor's health, but I think that there is more going on here than what she is telling you. For her to have 2 different doctors refuse to help her says alot. In the medical profession, you need to have a really good reason to terminate a patient relationship, or you can be fined for patient abandonment...
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3. Who owns a patients medical records, the doctor or the patient?

   Medical records are the comprehensive documentation of a patient's medical history and care. They are legal documents, which means they subject to the laws of the state in which they are made. They are also protected under federal law by HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Privacy Act), which sets strict guidelines to keep them private...
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4. Why do I need a living will?

   You need a living will -- also called a healthcare directive, directive to physicians, or a declaration, depending on your state -- if you have strong feelings about the type of medical care you would want withheld or provided if you became unable to express those preferences...
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5. Is it just because of old age that my grandmother has to get blood transfusions every three months?

   No, needing regular blood transfusions is never a routine treatment for old age. Although blood transfusions aren't unusual, getting them on a regular basis is rather uncommon.
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

6. Should I delay getting medical attention for lumps in my groin?

   Do not wait for the appointment in 3 months. Call and request an appointment sooner to have these lumps that you found evaluated. Since you don't mention if the lumps are painful, they may be nothing (like cysts), but I think you should be checked out just to be sure. Good luck!
   1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

7. How can I cover my medical care expenses?

   Most Medicare Part D drug plans don't cover any drug costs during the program's "doughnut hole" -- when total drug expenses for the year reach $2,510 but out-of-pocket costs for the year haven't yet reached $4,050. But there are some ways to save money on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs...
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

8. Will Medicare Parts A and B pay for treatment in a psychiatric hospital?

   Yes, Medicare Part A can cover the inpatient costs for her care in a psychiatric hospital -- meaning a hospital that accepts patients only for mental health care. Medicare can also cover her inpatient psychiatric care in a general hospital. The rules of payment are the same for either type of hospital, but the total amount of coverage is different...
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9. Will medicare pay for an oral surgeon consultation?

   That may depend on the kind of work the oral surgeon does, and perhaps on whether the surgeon is a physician (M.D.) or a dentist. If the oral surgeon is a physician, Medicare Part B will almost certainly cover the care. If the oral surgeon is not a physician, it depends on the kind of consultation and follow-up services the surgeon performs...
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10. Is a nursing home the best option for my sister who's partially paralyzed?

    A nursing home for your sister is probably the best option for both you and your sister. Your sister's paralysis causes her to have physical needs that require assistance from someone. If she gets that care in a nursing home, then you will be able to provide other kinds of care.
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11. Who is responsible for paying for my husband's medical bill?

    First, I would encourage you to not use the term "husband" to refer to your partner. He is not your husband, and especially in this context, you don't want to lead anyone to think that you have a legal relationship with him. This is one time when not being married could be very beneficial to you financially...
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12. Should I Enroll in Medicare Part D?

    For someone who doesn't take regular prescription drugs, the answer is probably no -- especially if the premium, which averages $35 a month, is more than she typically spends on prescriptions. But she might still want to consider enrolling in a Medicare Part D plan if one is offered in her state for a very low ($5 a month or less) or no premium...
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer

13. How Does Someone Get Coverage for a Non Formulary Drug?

    If you have a prescription for a drug that isn't on your plan's formulary, there are several things you -- or a family member -- can do. First, ask your Part D plan for an exception, which -- if granted -- would mean that the plan will cover the drug...
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer

14. If I have a Medicare Advantage (Plan C) managed care plan, can I switch back to regular Medicare Parts A and B?

    You can leave your Medicare Advantage plan and return to traditional Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) at any time. Just give your managed care plan 30 days written notice, and they will notify Medicare.
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15. How can I reconcile the debt of my late father?

    Tthe key thing to know is that you, as an individual, have no personal responsibility to pay for your father's final debts.
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16. Will medicare pay for dental implants?

    Probably not. The only way that Medicare might pay for dental implants was if they were part of a larger reconstruction of the mouth or jaw, following an injury or disease to the tissue or bones of the mouth or jaw. If it's simply the replacement of bad or lost teeth, then Medicare will not pay anything...
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17. How many days is considered in a "benefit period" ?

    Under Medicare Part A , you begin an entirely new, full benefit period as soon as you have been out of the hospital and a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility for 60 consecutive days. For each new benefit period, you pay a hospital deductible of $1,024 (in 2008)...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

18. Should Medicare or Medicaid have paid for my mother to enter a rehab facility after brain surgery?

    The decision about whether your mother should have gone into a rehabilitation facility following surgery is a medical one, made by her doctors rather than by Medicare or Medicaid. If the doctors had decided that she needed to be in a rehabilitation facility and had prescribed it, Medicaidwould have paid for it...
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19. Will my mother's final medical expenses be paid even though the coverage has been cancelled upon her death?

    Yes, all medical bills incurred by your mother are covered by Medicare and by her secondary insurance, as long as her premiums were paid up to the time of her death. Also, there is no need to continue paying premiums after her death (unless there is an unpaid premium from the time your mother was alive)...
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20. Medicare won't pay for the hospital's error - what do we do now?

    Your story is one of those outrageous ones that makes one wonder where the “care” is Medicare can be found.
    1 Expert Answer, 5 Community Answers