Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor. Posts: 2682 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Medicare does not cover lyme beyond 30 days. And their requirements to even qualify for that matches the IDSA criteria (which is so wrong).
Medicare is in bed with the IDSA on this and obvious treatment is rarely possible.
You may more easily (just somewhat so, though) find one who can be a "support" (lyme "friendly") rather than actually prescribe, direct (or understand) full treatment.
One who might fly under the radar and work on other diagnoses that you may have that Medicare would cover. And, if two bases could be covered at the same time, great.
Basic blood tests for monitoring liver function, etc. may be covered this way.
Still, the amount of time allowed for an appointment can make this nearly impossible, too, as most tick-borne infections cases (even if otherwise categorized) are very complex and require more than the 10 minute appointment.
Still, it is important to try. There can always be an exception. Local support groups, within a hundred mile (or so) radius to you are the best places to start looking. -
[ 05-03-2013, 07:45 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
Part A of Medicare is hospital insurance. So, if you ever end up in the hospital, your Medicare Part A will pay a lot of the bill.
Part B of Medicare is doctor insurance, outpatient, and testing. So, your blood tests and other tests you ever have to have will be covered by Part B.
As you can see, neither Part A or B covers prescription medications. You need to pay for Part D to get that coverage.
Most lyme doctors will not accept Medicare to cover the doctor's visit.
Let us know what states you are interested in and perhaps someone can give you some names.
Some lyme doctors will not take a patient covered by Medicare Part B. Some lyme doctors will take such patients but will not accept the Medicare Part B insurance. (That is called "opting out" of Medicare.)
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
Pming you -
Posts: 13117 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
I live in AZ. I have contacted the AZ support group leader and the CA contact.
Wtg for replies.
I also contacted Dr. F's office. I need to write to him first.
he doesn't take medicare but I am wondering if I came up with the funds for an office visit if medicare would cover testing and prescriptions.
When I was looking for help back in the 2001 thru 2003, I paid a lot of out of pocket doctor's visits only to find they were dead ends unless I had the funds to do more.
Living on SS so need to do the best I can with what I have.
I get confused as to what I have done so posting here to help me keep on track when health allows.
When able, I will contact ILADS and the other links.
I also received a suggestion for a person in AZ who uses alternative methods by a person with lyme who is seeing her.
I think I sent an email to that person also to learn more.
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110
posted
kam, I believe that IgeneX takes Medicare so your testing would be covered.
Posts: 4681 | Registered: Oct 2000
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