Medicare Advantage Plan and phone appointments

[diane]

There was another thread re Medicare and phone appointments. There was no "reply" button so I thought I'd start a new topic.

My brother will have a Medicare Advantage plan through Kaiser in July. He has Medi-cal right now. He uses phone appointments sometimes with his psychiatrist and therapist because he doesn't drive and getting to the office is a long bus ride with a few transfers. He's had no problems with Medi-cal on phone appointments.

I saw by Helper's link that Medicare seems only to pay for phone appts. in very particular cases. My question, if someone has a moment, is: Is a Medicare Advantage plan confined by the same rules?

[Just Me]

Most providers accept Original Medicare. Providers are limited with Medicare Advantage. It will probably be more difficult to find a,provide that does Telemedicine and takes a Medicare Advantage Plan. You will have to call to find out if a particular Medicare Advantage Plan pays for Telemedicine.  And the circumstances they will pay for it. He may or may not be able to use telemedicine. 

[diane]

Thank you for the info, Just Me. I will call them today. When I look at my brothers past appointment info online, it clearly states when an appt is a phone appt. Kaiser psychiatric has been doing phone appts for years. My brother prefers face to face but its hard for him to go out. I sometimes go with him but its a 90 mile drive each way and he feels bad about it and often refuses my offer.
Thanks again

[Just Me]

Transportation to and from medical appointments is a Mandatory Medicaid Benefit. This does Not apply to Medicare. Unless you have Medicare/Medicaid.

[diane]

Thanks, Just Me, for the reminder about transportation. My brother tried it once and it was a little flaky. Plus, the close quarters of the van made caused him paranoia.

I did call Kaiser Medicare Advantage and phone appointments are covered, thank goodness.

Thanks for your help