This New Free Medicare App Tells You ‘What’s Covered’

Here’s another thing to add to the list of “freebies” available to seniors with Medicare health insurance: the “What’s covered” app.

Medicare, the federal health insurance program primarily for folks age 65 and older, introduced the free mobile app earlier this year as part of its “eMedicare” initiative to modernize and streamline customer service.

“What’s covered” is available for Android and Apple iOS devices through the Google Play app store and Apple’s App Store, respectively.

The app provides general cost, coverage and eligibility details. Medicare explains:

“Search or browse to learn what’s covered and not covered; how and when to get covered benefits; and basic cost information. You can also get a list of covered preventive services.”

The “What’s covered” app works even when your phone doesn’t have an internet connection. But note that if you do not have a smartphone, you can access similar information through Medicare.gov, the federal government’s official website for the Medicare program.

Another thing to note is that the app provides details about the coverage offered by Original Medicare, also referred to as traditional Medicare. Original Medicare is one of two main types of Medicare, the other being Medicare Advantage plans.

Whereas Original Medicare is offered directly by the federal government’s Medicare program, Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers. So, coverage can vary widely from one Medicare Advantage plan to the next.

So, if you are among the growing number of people with Medicare Advantage, the app won’t be as helpful to you. You should consult the details of your policy to determine what it does and doesn’t cover.

To learn more about Medicare coverage, check out “5 Health Care Costs That Medicare Does Not Cover.”

Have you tried the “What’s covered” app yet? If so, share your experience by commenting below or on the Money Talks News Facebook page.