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February 5, 2012
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Boomer Caregivers Article
FOREIGN TRAVEL EMERGENCIES AND HEALTH INSURANCE
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In Boomer Caregivers, adult children are provided information on how to access a variety of services to support their aging parents.  Sandra Reminga Executive Dir. Area Agency on Aging 1-B |
(50PlusPrime) SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN --
Q. Am I covered for Foreign Travel Emergency in Canada or Mexico if I have Medicare?
A. No. Medicare will only cover certain emergency hospital services if you are traveling between Alaska and the mainland United States on a direct route to your USA destination. In rare circumstances, certain hospital services may be covered if you live near the Canadian or Mexican borders in the USA. You must have supplemental insurance (Medigap insurance) that covers foreign travel emergencies if you vacation outside the United States. You may have coverage under an employer's plan. To find out call your benefits administrator.
Q. If I encounter an emergency situation as I am passing through Canada to my USA destination, under what circumstances may emergency care be covered under Original Medicare?
A. A Medicare review of your situation will determine if:
- Care was medically necessary to prevent your death or serious injury to your health and;
- It was necessary to use the most accessible hospital that was available and equipped to furnish the required services and;
- The emergency services were performed because transporting you to a participating hospital in the United States was medically inadvisable.
Q. What’s a Medigap plan and which Medigap policies cover foreign travel emergencies?
A. Medigap plans help pay some of the medical costs not covered under Original Medicare (such as Medicare Part A and B copays). There are 10 standardized Medigap Plans A through J. Only Plans C – J offer foreign travel emergency coverage. Plans A and B do not. Medigap plans do not cover long-term care, vision or dental care, hearing aids, private duty nursing, or unlimited prescription drugs. You should consider all your health needs carefully when comparing plans.
Medigap Plans C - J offer foreign travel emergency coverage for:
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80% of the cost of emergency care during the first 60 days of each trip with a lifetime maximum benefit amount, depending on the policy.
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You also pay a $250 deductible, and the monthly premiums for that plan.
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You will need to shop for a Medigap policy by calling insurance companies that sell Medigap policies in your state and ask about prices. They vary widely in cost.
If you reside in Michigan, and have specific questions regarding Medicare and Medicaid , please contact The Michigan Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program at 1-800-803-7174 or your local Area Agency on Aging. Area Agencies on Aging are nonprofit organizations serving the needs of older adults and their caregivers. To find the Area Agency on Aging that services your area, please call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit their website at www.eldercare.gov.
