Medicare, copays and second opinions

MEDICARE 101

In some cases, Medicare Part B covers a second opinion for a medically necessary surgery that isn’t an emergency. Medicare will also help to pay for a third medical opinion if the first and second opinions differ.

ThosewhohaveoriginalMedicare with no Advantage plan or Medicare supplement, will have to pay a 20% copay for these second or third opinion doctors’ visits.

However, a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplemental may have different rules and people can find out if there is a cost for the second and third opinions.

To find out how much the test, item, or service will cost, people can talk to their primary doctor or healthcare provider. The specific amount owed may depend on several things: • The type of insurance people may have.

• How much the doctor charges.

• If the doctor accepts assignment.

• The type of facility or where the test, item, or service is done.

Sandra Teel- Insurance Broker specializing in Medicare Office: 657-204-4224.

—Sandra Teel