Generally, Medicare doesn’t cover nutritional supplements or vitamins except in some cases. For example, if you are diagnosed with a certain condition that requires vitamins and supplements as part of your treatment. In that case, your Medicare Part B may cover the cost of the vitamins and supplements you need.
Supplements and Vitamins that Medicare Covers
Niacin: known as Vitamin B3, Niacin is naturally occurring in foods such as eggs, poultry, meat, and greens. However, as your body ages, you may need the supplement. In addition, B3 is used to treat a condition of increased and abnormal lipids in the blood, known as dyslipidemia. When prescribed for use as a treatment of this disease following diagnosis, your Medicare Part B pays for it.
Vitamin D analogs: As you age, your body’s ability to get Vitamin D from the sun reduces. Vitamin D, received from the sun, helps your body to absorb Calcium, which protects the bones. Weak bones may break easily, a condition known as osteoporosis or you may be diagnosed with other bone diseases. In the case of diagnosis, doctors may prescribe Calcitriol, an active form of Vitamin D, and Medicare covers it.
Other supplements covered by Medicare include:
- Fluoride preparations
- Prenatal vitamins
- Prescription supplements
- Vitamins used to treat or prevent loss of muscle mass in case of HIV/AIDS
- Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium or Calcium used to boost electrolytes.
According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, even though Original Medicare (Part A & B) can cover a lot of medical expenses, there is still some cost like coinsurance, copayments or deductibles it does not cover. In that case, a Medical Supplement Insurance or Medigap can be used as a way to pay health care costs that Original Medicare does not cover. Through private health insurance, you’ll get help paying for all external cost so you don’t have to pay a large sum of money.
To learn more about the best Medigap options or if you would like to compare plans, contact our licensed insurance agent at 800-208-4974.
Medicare and Nutritional Therapy
If you have Kidney disease, Diabetes, or you have had a kidney transplant in the past 36 months, your doctor may prescribe Nutritional Therapy.
Medicare Nutritional Therapy and related services include:
- Current nutrition and lifestyle assessment
- Nutrition counseling,
- Management of nutrition and lifestyle factors that affect your kidney or cause Diabetes
- Group nutrition therapy, and follow up visits.
Your doctor may prescribe some vitamins and supplements to help with the conditions. You may not have to pay for the Nutritional Therapy services or vitamins and supplements prescribed by your doctor if you have Medicare part B or Medicare Advantage.
Every Medicare Part D Prescription plan has a list of drugs that it covers. They might cover some vitamins and supplements. Medicare Advantage plans may cover some vitamins and supplements. Since private companies sell Medicare Advantage plans, they may offer additional benefits that allow enrollees to buy non-prescription vitamins or supplements over the counter within a monthly limit. However, it is not a requirement.
Enhanced Alternative Coverage
When deciding the best Medicare part D plan for you, consider the enhanced alternative coverage. An enhanced alternative coverage includes extra prescriptions that the original plans do not cover.
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For more information or questions you have about Medicare coverage and plans, contact our licensed insurance agent at 800-208-4974. We’ll be happy to help you on your Medicare journey.
