As of 2019, an estimated 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. And the majority are 65 years old or older, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
This degenerative condition affects a person’s level of independence and ability to function in permanent, life-altering ways.
But the impact of Alzheimer’s extends to family members, too. In many cases, the patient’s adult children will take on a caregiving role, which requires time, effort and a major financial commitment.
Even with Medicare benefits, the average expenses of treating this disease are steep.
People affected by Alzheimer’s are charged nearly $49,000 for each Medicare-related payment. But people who don’t have Alzheimer’s are charged just under $14,000, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
A recent poll conducted by Genworth Financial outlined the average costs for monthly Alzheimer’s treatment options in the United States:
- Home-based care ranges from $4,004 – $4,195
- Adult daycare is $1,560
- Assisted living facilities are $4,000 for a private room
- Nursing homes are $7,441 for a semi-private room or $8,365 for a private room
While these prices can differ between states, the fact remains – Alzheimer’s is expensive.
As a caregiver, it’s essential to know which areas of treatment Medicare will cover and which out-of-pocket expenses require planning.
This knowledge will better equip you to manage the financial responsibilities associated with Alzheimer’s, so they don’t become another source of conflict, tension or unpredictability as your older adult’s illness progresses.
We explain two areas of care that Medicare does cover and two areas it doesn’t cover.
Medicare DOES cover: medically necessary care
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) defines medical necessity as “services or supplies that: are proper and needed for the diagnosis or treatment of your medical condition, are provided for the diagnosis, direct care, and treatment of your medical condition, meet the standards of good medical practice in the local area, and aren’t mainly for the convenience of you or your doctor.”
These usually include doctor’s visits, laboratory tests, required procedures, and certain specialist referrals or emergency care.
Some prescription drugs are also viewed as medical necessities under Medicare Part D coverage, if the medication has been approved to treat or manage Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Medicare DOESN’T cover: custodial or memory care
As symptoms advance, most Alzheimer’s and dementia patients need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like personal hygiene, eating, dressing, and bathing.
Medicare refers to these services as custodial care and generally will not cover them.
But Investopedia notes two exceptions: “[if] the care is considered medically necessary and prescribed by a licensed physician or authorized medical personnel, and [if] the care is conducted by a healthcare provider who participates in Medicare.”
Medicare DOES cover: some rehabilitative care
If home health services like physical or occupational therapy are needed after a hospitalization, Medicare will cover these treatments – to an extent.
As long as it’s considered rehab and not long-term care, Medicare will pay for up to 100 days of care in a skilled nursing facility each benefit period, according to U.S. News & World Report.
In cases where temporary home health care is needed, Medicare will also cover 35 hours a week for 60 days at a time.
Medicare DOESN’T Cover: long-term facility care
In the later stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, your older adult might need to move to an assisted living community or nursing home.
Medicare won’t cover this type of care and housing, but Medicare Supplement policies can help with some of the out-of-pocket costs.
On average, assisted living costs $48,000 per year and is more affordable than 24/7 in-home care.
Planning ahead reduces worry
Medicare helps pay for some levels of dementia treatment and care, but it’s also necessary to prepare for the services that Medicare doesn’t cover.
Planning ahead for future care costs can reduce the financial burden and allow you to focus on your older adult’s physical and emotional well-being.
Medication costs can be expensive no matter what aliment you’re dealing with. Read more here to learn more simple ways to save every year!
By David Lasman – “Ask Medicare Dave” | President – Senior Healthcare Team
wwww.SeniorHealthcareTeam.com | 866-333-7340
Selecting the right healthcare plan through Medicare can be overwhelming and downright stressful. Senior Healthcare Team is a nationwide resource that provides guidance and support about Medicare to seniors at no cost to them and helps them to choose the most suitable insurance plan tailored to their specific needs and budget. Our goal is to educate and empower our clients to make the best decisions regarding their healthcare and clear up the confusion of Medicare. At Senior Healthcare Team, we aren’t partial to any one insurance company. Our loyalty is to our clients and our mission is to provide them with the best healthcare options at the very lowest cost.
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