Physical Therapy With Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage is a bundled Medicare plan that private insurance companies administer. This plan offers the same benefits as parts A, B, and, sometimes, Part D, which funds prescription drugs.
Medicare Advantage plans cover physical therapy in line with parts A and B. However, some Advantage plans may require a person to use services from physical therapy practices within an agreed network.
A person should contact their insurance company before selecting a physical therapy provider to confirm they are within the network.
How Many Physical Therapy Visits Does Medicare Allow
Medicare had a cap on the number of sessions you could have in a year. But, these physical therapy limits are no longer active. You can have as much physical therapy as is medically necessary each year.
However, the threshold amount that Medicare pays for physical and speech therapy combined is $3,000 before reviewing a patients case to ensure medical necessity. Also, once a patient spends $2,080 on physical and speech therapy, providers add special billing codes to flag this amount.
What Are The Different Types Of Physical Therapy
According to the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties , physical therapists can choose from nine areas of specialization. To be board certified, physical therapists must complete 2,000 hours of specialty clinical work and pass an exam, in addition to earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
Recommended Reading: Does Medicare Pay For Medical Alert Bracelets
Will Medicare Cover Skilled Nursing Care
Medicare will pay for whats considered intermittent nursing services, meaning that care is provided either fewer than seven days a week, or daily for less than eight hours a day, for up to 21 days. Sometimes, Medicare will extend this window if a doctor can provide a precise estimate on when that care will end.
Skilled nursing services are generally required to treat an illness or assist in the recovery of an injury. As the name implies, those who provide this care are licensed to administer medical treatment such as injections, catheter changes, wound dressings, and tube feedings.
The maximum amount of weekly care Medicare will pay for is usually 28 hours, though in some circumstances, it will pay for up to 35. But it wont cover 24-hour-a-day care.
Find Medicare Advantage Plans That Cover Knee Replacements And More
Because Medicare Advantage plans must offer the same benefits as Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, your Medicare Advantage plan should cover your knee replacement surgery if a doctor says it is medically necessary.
If youre eligible for Medicare enrollment or are interested in changing to a Medicare Advantage plan, call a licensed insurance agent today to see what Medicare Advantage plans are available in your area.
Find Medicare Advantage plans that cover knee replacement
Or call to speak with a licensed insurance agent. We accept calls 24/7!
1 Ubel, Peter. Medicare Is Reducing The Cost Of Knee Replacements . . Forbes. Retrieved from www.forbes.com/sites/peterubel/2017/02/10/medicare-is-reducing-the-cost-of-knee-replacements-heres-how-that-could-backfire/#279a55416392.
2 BlueCross BlueShield. . Planned knee and hip replacement surgeries are on the rise in the U.S. Retrieved from www.bcbs.com/the-health-of-america/reports/planned-knee-and-hip-replacement-surgeries-are-the-rise-the-us.
About the author
Christian Worstell is a licensed insurance agent and a Senior Staff Writer for MedicareAdvantage.com. He is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of Medicare and understand their coverage options.
His work has been featured in outlets such as Vox, MSN, and The Washington Post, and he is a frequent contributor to health care and finance blogs.
Where you’ve seen coverage of Christian’s research and reports:
You May Like: How To Pay Medicare Premium
How Long Will Medicare Cover Rehab In An Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility
Medicare covers inpatient rehab in an inpatient rehabilitation facility also known as an IRF when its considered medically necessary. You may need rehab in an IRF after a serious medical event, like a stroke or a spinal cord injury.
To qualify for care in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, your doctor must state that your medical condition requires the following:
The costs for rehab in an inpatient rehabilitation facility are as follows:
- You usually pay nothing for days 160 in one benefit period, after the Part A deductible is met.
- You pay a per-day charge set by Medicare for days 6190 in a benefit period.
- You may use up to 60 lifetime reserve days at a per-day charge set by Medicare for days 91150 in a benefit period.
- You pay 100 percent of the cost for day 150 and beyond in a benefit period.
Your inpatient rehab coverage and costs may be different with a Medicare Advantage plan, and some costs may be covered if you have a Medicare supplement plan. Check with your plan provider for details.
Your costs may also be different if you were transferred to an inpatient rehab facility either directly from an acute care hospital or within 60 days of being discharged from a hospital. In these situations, you wont have to pay a deductible for the care you get at the inpatient rehab facility if you already paid a deductible for the prior hospitalization in the same benefit period.
An Example To Determine How Much Will Your Physical Therapy Cost
Bob pays $500/month has an insurance policy with the following characteristics: A $2,000 deductible, 20% co-insurance, and an out-of-pocket max of $5,000.
In January, Bob got sick and had to visit the physical therapist for back pain. Because he hadnt yet met the deductible, Bob had to pay for $68 for the visit out of his own pocket . For his back pain, he saw the physical therapist for 6 visits, at $68.
Current Status:
Deductible: $408/$2,000
Out-of-pocket Maximum: $408/$5,000
In June, Bob had a heart attack and went to the emergency room. The bill for the hospitalization and the diagnostic exams came out to $2,850. From the bill of $2,850, Bob is required to pay $1,592 towards the deductible and $251.60 as co-insurance. Bob has now met his deductible and has paid $2,251.60towards his out-of-pocket maximum. Bobs insurance company has paid $1,006.40 of Bobs medical expenses.
Current Status:
Deductible: $2,000/$2,000
Out-of-pocket Maximum: $2,251.60/$5,000
In August, Bob needed emergency surgery on a torn ACL. The bill for the surgeon and hospital stay is roughly $30,000. Because Bob met his deductible, he is only required to pay the 20% co-insurance of $6,000. But Bob already paid $2,51.60 towards his out-of-pocket maximum of $5,000. So Bob only needs to pay $2,748.40 to meet his out-of-pocket maximum, and the insurance company pays the remaining $27,251.60.
Current Status:
Deductible: $2,000/$2,000
Out-of-pocket Maximum: $5,000/$5,000
Current Status:
Don’t Miss: Can Medicare Take Your House
Returning To Normal Activities
Approximately six weeks after surgery, your doctor may give you permission to drive. You will need to move your legs easily to do this, which is why your daily exercises are so important. After you are able to drive the next step is returning to work. Your doctor and physical therapist will help you determine when you should return to work. This will be dependent on the type of work you do and the demands of your job. If your job requires heavy lifting or other manual labor you should discuss this with your doctor and physical therapist.
Remember that certain leisure and sport activities could damage your artificial knee over time. The more vigorous and strenuous the activity, the higher the risk of either damaging the new artificial joint or loosening it. Certain activities can also cause excessive wear of your new artificial knee. This is why if you wish to engage in skiing, martial arts, high impact aerobics, racquet sports, soccer, basketball and other similar sports, you should discuss your intentions with your doctor. Lower stress activities such as hiking, golfing, swimming and biking are usually okay.
Remember that your rehabilitative therapy is a vital party of your recovery. Your hard work during this stage will keep your recovery on track and allow you to enjoy all the benefits your knee replacement surgery provides.
What Are Medicare Physical Therapy Services
According to the Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation , physical therapy helps people with injury, chronic pain, and people who have problems moving. Physical therapy can:
- Improve balance
- Help people live independently
- Help manage arthritis and joint pain
- Improve cardiovascular function and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease
- Reduce the need for opioid pain medication
The APTQI reports that physical therapy may also lower Medicare spending under Part A and Part B. For patients who had surgery, Medicare spending was 75% lower than total average spending for those who received Medicare physical therapy services during recovery.
NEW TO MEDICARE?
You May Like: How To Apply For Medicare Through Spouse
What Should I Consider In Knee Surgery Cost After I Am Discharged From The Hospital
You may be sent home with prescription medications to manage pain, and reduce the risk of blood clots or infection. You will probably have one or more follow-up appointments with your surgeon. You may also need physical therapy or other rehabilitation services for a few weeks after the procedure.
Although there is generally no coverage under Original Medicare for prescription medications you take at home, Part B typically pays 80% of allowable charges for all medically necessary doctor visits and physical or occupational therapy services you need after your surgery. Part B usually also generally covers durable medical equipment such as a cane or walker if your doctor orders one for you to use during your recovery. Its a good idea to discuss your after-surgery care with your doctor so you know what to expect and can better plan for your out-of-pocket expenses.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend a brief stay in a skilled nursing facility after your knee replacement. In order to be eligible for Part A skilled nursing facility coverage, you must have a qualifying hospital stay of at least three days prior to your admission. If your stay is covered, you pay nothing for the first 20 days of skilled nursing facility care there is a daily coinsurance amount applied to days 21 and beyond.
Does Medicare Cover Physical Therapy
Home / FAQs / Medicare Coverage / Does Medicare Cover Physical Therapy
Medicare coverage for physical therapy is available. In some cases, youll need physical therapy to get back on your feet. Whether youre in an accident or you have a medical condition, therapy can improve the quality of life.
If a doctor says that physical therapy will improve your quality of life, you can consider it necessary. In the context below, well go into detail about when Medicare coverage applies, how often coverage applies, and more details you need to know before starting treatment.
Don’t Miss: What Is A Ppo Medicare Plan
Regaining Strength And Motion
After a knee replacement, exercising to regain strength and range of motion is crucial. Most patients begin to stand and walk using a walker within hours after surgery. Your physical therapy program will start with gentle exercises to help you bear weight on your new joint. Performing range of motion exercises after surgery is especially important to prevent scar tissue from limiting the flexibility of the new joint. You will also be taught how to manage pain after surgery. Some pain after a knee replacement should be expected.
Most rehabilitation programs for knee replacements usually include range of motion exercises, quadriceps strengthening, gait training and daily life training exercises. Its important to avoid straining or overworking the knee during your recovery period. Healing takes time and you shouldnt try to rush your rehabilitation.
How Long Does Medicare Pay For Rehab
Medicare Part A covers 100 days in a skilled nursing facility with some coinsurance costs. After day 100 of an inpatient SNF stay, you are responsible for all costs.
Medicare Part A will also cover 90 days of inpatient hospital rehab with some coinsurance costs after you meet your Part A deductible. Beginning on day 91, you will begin to tap into your lifetime reserve days.
You may have to undergo some rehab in a hospital after a surgery, injury, stroke or other medical event. The rehab may take place in a designated section of a hospital or in a stand-alone rehabilitation facility.
Medicare Part A provides coverage for inpatient care at a hospital, which may include both the initial treatment and any ensuing rehab you receive while still admitted as an inpatient.
When you have been out of the hospital for 60 days in a row, your benefit period ends and your Part A deductible will reset the next time you are admitted.
Your rehab could potentially take place in a skilled nursing facility . When you enter a skilled nursing facility, your stay will typically be covered in full for the first 20 days of each benefit period .
Days 21 to 100 of your stay will require a coinsurance payment of $185.50 per day in 2021, and you will then be responsible for all costs beginning on day 101.
Read Also: How To Sign Up For Medicare And Tricare For Life
Supplementary Health Care Benefits
Supplementary benefits are different from medical benefits. These services are provided by health care practitioners other than physicians or midwives. Learn about the range of supplementary health care benefits covered under MSP for eligible individuals. Read more to find out if you are eligible for assistance with the cost of these benefits.
Does Medicare Cover Knee Replacements
Original Medicare covers knee replacement surgery if it is considered to be medically necessary by your doctor. Both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B may each cover different aspects of the procedure.
Medicare Advantage plans can also cover knee replacements. Many Medicare Advantage plans also cover benefits such as bathroom grab bars in your home and home meal delivery when you return home from an inpatient hospital stay.
Recommended Reading: Does Medicare Advantage Plan Replace Part B
What Are Medicare Physical Therapy Caps
Medicare limits on these services are called therapy cap limits meaning simply that Medicare will only cover up to these limits as described below. The therapy cap limits for 2016 are as follows:
- Physical therapy services and speech-language pathology services combined $1,960
- Occupational therapy $1,960
If you reach your therapy cap limits and your doctor recommends that you continue with the treatment, you can ask your therapist for an exception so that Medicare will continue to pay for your therapy. The therapist must provide documentation that these services are medically reasonable and necessary, including services after the therapy cap limit is reached.
In some situations, you might want to get physical therapy even if its not considered medically reasonable and necessary by Medicare. Before you get physical therapy thats not medically reasonable and necessary, your therapist is required to give you a written document called an Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage . Medicare Part B wont pay for these services, but the ABN lets you decide whether to get them. If you decide to get physical therapy, the ABN requests your agreement to pay since Medicare will not cover services that are not medically necessary.
You may have the option of signing up for a Medicare Supplement plan to help pay for Original Medicares out-of-pocket costs. Different Medigap plans pay for different amounts of those costs, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Will Medicaid Pay For Long
Many Medicare enrollees are qualify for Medicaid due to their limited incomes and assets. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid covers both nursing home care and Home and Community Based Services .
Due to the high cost of long-term care, many states have higher Medicaid income limits for long-term care benefits than for other Medicaid coverage. However, Medicaids asset limits usually require you to spend-down resources before becoming eligible.
You May Like: Does Medicare Cover Ice Therapy Machines
Is Inpatient Rehab And Physical Therapy Covered By Original Medicare1
Yes, Original Medicare helps cover some services for inpatient rehab and physical therapy. Part A helps cover any medically necessary care you get and Part B helps cover doctors services.
To be eligible, your doctor must certify that you have a medical condition that needs intensive rehabilitation. You must also require continued medical supervision and coordinated care from your doctors and therapists.
Your 2021 costs for each benefit period are:
- Days 160: $1,364 deductible*
- Days 6190: $341 coinsurance each day
- Days 91 and beyond: $682 coinsurance per each lifetime reserve day after day 90 for each benefit period
- Each day after the lifetime reserve days: All costs
*You dont have to pay a deductible for care in an inpatient rehabilitation facility if you already paid a deductible for care in a prior hospitalization in the same benefit period.
What Original Medicare helps cover:
- Rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology
- A semi-private room
- Other hospital services and supplies
What Are Medicare Physical Therapy Benefits With Medicare Advantage Plans
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your Medicare physical therapy benefits may be slightly different. Medicare Advantage plans must provide the same level of benefits as Original Medicare, at a minimum. However, because these plans are offered by private insurance companies, they are free to offer extra benefits in addition to those under Part A and Part B. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your plan administrator or your plan documents to see how it covers physical therapy.
Do you have any questions about Medicare physical therapy? Feel free enter your zip code on this page to browse Medicare plan options in your area.
New To Medicare?
Becoming eligible for Medicare can be daunting. But dont worry, were here to help you understand Medicare in 15 minutes or less.
Recommended Reading: Is Blood Pressure Monitor Covered By Medicare
