Medicare Q&A For many people with cancer, Medicare is a critical component of their healthcare coverage. Its laws are complex and vary from state to state, so it is important that people with cancer, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals learn as much about the program as possible. CancerCare and the staff of the Medicare Rights Center (MRC), a national, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that helps ensure that older adults and people with disabilities get good affordable health care has recently prepared an informative question and answer article. Q. How much home care am I entitled to with Medicare? A. Medicare will help pay for your home care for as long as; You are homebound; You require skilled nursing or skilled therapy services on an intermittent basis, or skilled therapy on a part-time basis; Your physician certifies your need for care; You receive your care from a Medicare Certified Home Health Agency. Q. Does Medicare cover my prescription drugs? A. Original Medicare does not cover most prescription drugs outside a hospital or skilled nursing facility, or unless you are receiving hospice care. Some Medicare HMO's provide some prescription drug coverage. For information on discount prescription programs, visit the MRC website at ERLINK www.medicarerights.org/rxframeset.html. Q. Do oncologists accept Medicare? A. Yes, unless they have opted out of the Medicare program. Find out if your oncologist accepts Medicare assignment, which means that he/she has agreed to accept Medicare's approved amount. Medicare then pays 80% and you, or your supplemental insurance, are responsible for the remaining 20%. Note: for those doctors who do not accept assignment, there are limitations as to how much they can charge their patients above Medicare's approved amount. The statutes vary by state; please call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov to determine what laws apply to your state, and to locate participating doctors. Spring 2003
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