Medicaid Planning; New Free Medicare Checkup

We can't say this enough times: Medicaid planning is not an easy thing to do. Until January 1st, 2011, the only routine exam Medicare covered was the “Welcome Exam”. This exam is only for brand new beneficiaries. Now, a new annual wellness visit has been established under the Affordable Care Act. This free Medicare checkup was a big step in Medicaid Law, but can be very misleading.

How to get your free Medicare wellness checkup; Boston, Raynham, Andover Massachusetts

William Schmitz, a retired engineer from Maine, was upset when he found out Medicare Law had defeated him once again and denied his claim when he went for what-he-thought was a free physical. “When I asked the doctor’s office what had happened, they clued me in that I was mistaken about the difference between Medicare’s wellness exam and a physical”, William said.
In order to get this free check up, don’t just set up an appointment for a physical. Specifically ask for the free Medicare wellness visit, billing code G0438. Medicare does not cover the cost of a physical.

Medicare wellness visits and doctors; Elder Law Attorneys Cohen & Oalican

As always with Medicare planning: be cautious and double-check with your doctor. All doctors do not have to offer these Medicare wellness visits. Also, Medicare does not have the authority to tell a doctor what services to offer. If the beneficiary’s doctor will not perform this check up, the beneficiary has the right to go to another doctor. It is always good to choose a trustee to get the proper help you need with Medicaid planning.

Attorneys Cohen & Oalican specialize in Elder Law; where protecting your assets and your dignity is their core mission.