Q. Will Medicare cover my flu shot and pneumonia shot? If there is a balance will a supplement cover it?

A. Yes, Medicare will cover the cost for the Flu shot and Pneumonia shot once a year either in the Fall or Winter, as long as the medical provider accepts Medicare assignment.

If the provider does not accept Medicare assignment you would be responsible for the cost. The term Assignment is defined; In Original Medicare Plan, a doctor agrees to accept the Medicare fee's as payment in full.

Q.How often can I get a mammogram and have it covered by Medicare? Do I need a diagnosis, or is it enough that the Doctor wants me to get it?

A. A Mammogram exam is covered once every 12 months. All women with Medicare 40 or older qualify for a Mammogram.

Women between the ages of 35-39 can also get one baseline mammogram. Medicare will cover new digital technologies for screenings.

As long as your doctor orders it, it will be covered because it is part of your Part B- Medical preventative services. You are still responsible for the 20% difference of the Medicare approved amount, unless you have a Medigap Plan which will cover the 20%, a Medicare + Choice Plan (HMO), usually has Co-pays and varies with different insurance company benefits.

Q. Does Medicare pay for appliances like wheelchairs and walkers?

A. Appliances ordered by a doctor for use in the home and that are reusable, such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, oxygen and other medical supplies are described as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Medicare will cover under Part B and it is your responsibility to cover the 20% coinsurance.

A Medigap Plan will help cover the 20% difference, a Medicare + Choice, (HMO) varies with different insurance company benefits. Questions about durable medical equipment can also be directed to your local Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carrier, (DMERC).

A DMERC is a private company that has a contract with Medicare to pay bills for durable medical equipment. You may contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

Q. I hurt my arm quite a while ago, but the pain is still pretty bad. If I go back to the Doctor after all this time I'm afraid it won't be thought of as an emergency and then I don't know if Medicare will cover it. Do you know? Will they cover it if I need therapy?

A. If you go to your doctor to have your arm looked at that is classified as a Non-Routine visit and is covered by Medicare because you are going to see the doctor for a reason, the pain in your arm.

If you do not have a Medicare Supplement in place and are on Traditional Medicare only, you will be responsible for the Part B Deductible, which is $100 dollars per calendar year.

If you already satisfied your doctor office visits deductible for the year, then you would be responsible for the 20% difference in cost of the Medicare approved amounts. Remember Medicare only pays for 80% of your cost for Medicare approved amounts under Part B.

If you have a Medigap Plan it will cover the 20% difference in cost. A Medicare + Choice Plan (HMO), usually has Co-pays and varies with different insurance company benefits

If therapy is needed it will be covered as long as your doctor orders it and is medically necessary. This includes Outpatient Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Therapy.

If you already satisfied your doctor office visits deductible for the year ($100 dollars), then you would be responsible for the 20% difference in cost. Again, if you have a Medigap Plan it will cover the 20% difference in cost. A Medicare + Choice Plan (HMO), usually has Co-pays and varies with different insurance company benefits.