Medicare and the treatment of liver disease: What you should know

Liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis and liver cancer, affect many older people in the United States. As the population ages, it is critical for Medicare beneficiaries to understand how their coverage works regarding treatments and services for these critical health conditions. If you or a loved one is facing liver disease, it is important to know your Medicare benefits and how you can access appropriate care.

Medicare coverage for liver diseases

Medicare is divided into several parts that cover different types of medical care. Specifically, when it comes to treatment of liver diseasesBoth Medicare Part A and Part B play a key role in covering a variety of medically necessary services.

• Medicare Part A: This part covers hospital care that may be needed for advanced liver disease. If you need inpatient hospital care because of your condition, Medicare Part A will cover the cost of your hospital stay, including care in a common room, drugs administered during your stay, and other services related to your hospital stay.
• Medicare Part B: For the treatment of liver disease, Medicare Part B covers a wide range of outpatient medical services, such as doctor visits with liver specialists, diagnostic tests (such as blood tests and liver ultrasounds), and other outpatient services that help manage the disease. Outpatient treatments, such as antiviral drugs for hepatitis or monitoring the progress of the disease, are also covered under Part B.

Treatments covered by Medicare

1. Medications: Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs, is critical for patients who need drug treatments to control diseases such as hepatitis C or prevent the progression of liver cirrhosis. It is important to review Part D plans to ensure that necessary medications are covered.
2. Liver transplant: In the most severe cases of liver disease, a liver transplant may be the only option. Medicare covers this surgical intervention under Part A and Part B for both the inpatient procedure and postoperative follow-up care. In addition, immunosuppressive drugs needed after the transplant are also covered under Part B or Part D, depending on the case.
3. Therapies and follow-up: In addition to direct medical treatment, Medicare covers follow-up therapies such as rehabilitation, periodic consultations with specialists, as well as monitoring tests to ensure that the transplanted or diseased liver is functioning properly.

How to optimize your coverage

At Avila Medicare Solutions, we understand how complex it can be to navigate the Medicare system, especially when you are facing a serious health condition such as liver disease. Our team of experts is available to provide you with free, personalized advice to make sure you're getting the best possible coverage and care under your Medicare plan.

Coping with liver disease can be a challenge, but having the right coverage through Medicare can ease the financial burden and ensure you get the treatment you need. If you have questions about how Medicare covers treatment for liver disease, don't hesitate to contact Avila Medicare Solutions.

Call us today at 855-GO-AVILA to receive free, expert advice about your situation and how you can maximize your Medicare coverage. We are here to help you every step of the way.