Latest news with #MedicarePartB
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's What the Average Social Security Payment Will Be This Summer
The average monthly Social Security benefit for retired workers topped $2,000 for the first time in the agency's nine-decade history. Find Out: Read Next: While Social Security remains a vital income stream for millions of Americans, inflation, cost-of-living adjustments and rising healthcare costs could erode the purchasing power for older adults who rely on Social Security alone. Here's what beneficiaries need to know about their payments this season to make the most out of every dollar. According to the latest data from the Social Security Administration, as of summer 2025, the average monthly Social Security benefit for retired workers is $2,002.39. This marks an increase from roughly $1,917 a year ago, reflecting the 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that took effect in January. 'While those numbers may not seem like a huge jump, every dollar counts when you're on a fixed income,' said Oscar Skjaerpe, certified financial planner (CFP) at ProVise Management Group. 'It's a reminder that even modest COLAs can add up over time, but they still need to be part of a bigger plan.' Be Aware: Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are designed to help Social Security payments keep pace with inflation. While the 2025 COLA of 2.5% has kept pace with average inflation so far, retirement experts said it still falls short of covering rising expenses, such as healthcare and insurance. 'The average COLA for Social Security over the last 30 years was about 3.2%.,' said Krisstin Petersmarck, National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) and investment advisor representative at New Horizon Retirement Solutions. Petersmarck said that while COLA is designed to help benefits keep pace with inflation, other factors, like rising Medicare Part B premiums, may strain household budgets. 'In 2025, the COLA increase was 2.5% and the average inflation rate so far is between 2.4% and 2.8%,' Petersmarck said. 'So, the COLA increase based on stats has been keeping pace. However, the opinion of most people receiving Social Security benefits is that it is not keeping pace.' Even with the 2.5% COLA increase, factors like Medicare premiums, taxes and income brackets can reduce the actual amount retirees receive. 'The main driver of this year's benefit increase is the 2.5% COLA,' said Jim Davis, CFP and senior wealth advisor with Aspen Wealth Management. 'But rising Medicare Part B premiums and potential tax implications can quickly erode those gains.' Most retirees have their Medicare Part B premiums automatically deducted from their monthly Social Security payments. When these premiums increase, as they often do year over year, they can offset any cost-of-living adjustment and shrink the net amount that actually lands in a retiree's bank account. 'For high-net-worth retirees, a larger portion of Social Security benefits may be taxable and higher Medicare premiums (IRMAA surcharges) can further reduce net payments,' Davis said. 'It's a reminder that even 'guaranteed' income streams come with moving parts, especially for those with more complex financial pictures.' While the average Social Security benefit for retired workers has risen to just over $2,000 a month in 2025, many retirees could find that it doesn't stretch as far as expected. 'Social Security was designed to be a safety net, not a hammock. Many retirees think they can count on it as their primary income source when it's really meant to support and not represent the majority of a broader retirement income plan,' said Shane O'Hara, CFP and certified private wealth advisor (CPWA) at ProVise Management Group. 'With inflation still higher than the Fed's goal of 2% annually and Medicare premiums often increasing faster than the cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), retirees should be cautious about assuming their Social Security benefit will stretch as far as it did for their parents,' O'Hara added. Experts recommended viewing Social Security as a stable foundation, not the whole strategy. 'In the world of hiking and dressing properly to reach the mountain's summit, you can think of Social Security like your base layer: dependable, but not the whole outfit,' O'Hara explained. 'You need to layer on income from savings, investments and potentially a pension to weather the rising cost of living, unexpected expenses or even a surprise travel opportunity because retirement should include some fun too.' More From GOBankingRates 25 Places To Buy a Home If You Want It To Gain Value This article originally appeared on Here's What the Average Social Security Payment Will Be This Summer Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
PACS Group to Restate Certain Previously Issued Financial Statements
Audit Committee Investigation Substantially Complete FARMINGTON, Utah, June 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PACS Group, Inc. (NYSE: PACS) ("PACS" or the "Company") announced today that it will restate its previously issued condensed combined/consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended on March 31, 2024 included in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 13, 2024 (as amended on May 21, 2024), and as of and for the three and six months ended on June 30, 2024 included in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 12, 2024 (collectively, the "Prior Financial Statements," and each such quarterly period in the six months ended June 30, 2024, the "Impacted Periods"). The Prior Financial Statements and any previously furnished reports or communications of PACS describing the Company's financial results for the Impacted Periods should no longer be relied upon. As previously disclosed, the Company's independent Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Audit Committee"), with assistance from external counsel, has been conducting an independent investigation of third-party allegations. The Audit Committee has made substantial progress and is nearing the completion of the investigation. To date, the Audit Committee has found no basis to question the integrity of the Company's Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Chief Accounting Officer. In connection with additional facts learned, including as a result of the Audit Committee's independent investigation, and due to regulatory, compliance and Medicare Part B billing uncertainties, management has determined that it is appropriate to reconsider the Company's judgmental assessments of the compliance of its respiratory and certain other therapy services. Management has also determined that it is appropriate to reconsider the application of certain aspects of revenue recognition guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts With Customers ("ASC 606") regarding revenue from billings for such services. As a result, the Company believes that the revenue associated with the provision of respiratory services and certain other therapy services billed under Medicare Part B should not have been recognized as revenue in the Impacted Periods. Accordingly, the Company has determined that it overstated total revenue in the condensed combined/consolidated statements for the Impacted Periods by: Approximately $15.0 million to $17.0 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2024 and approximately $46.0 million to $48.0 million for the three month period ended June 30, 2024. These amounts are preliminary and may be subject to change. The Company is working diligently to restate the Prior Financial Statements as soon as practicable. Given the ongoing investigation, PACS has been unable to file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2025. As previously disclosed in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2025, The New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") provided the Company with an additional trading period through September 2, 2025, subject to reassessment on an ongoing basis, to file its delinquent filings and regain compliance with NYSE listing standards. PACS intends to restate the Prior Financial Statements and file its delinquent quarterly and annual reports within the granted additional period. Further to the Audit Committee's ongoing investigation, the Company's management team, together with external counsel and outside advisors, has undertaken a thorough review of its regulatory compliance program and has begun to implement additional measures designed to enhance processes and controls surrounding regulatory compliance. As part of this process, PACS has retained a new Interim Chief Compliance Officer to oversee the ongoing review and the implementation of updates to the Company's compliance program. PACS is also continuing to assess the effect of any restatements on the Company's internal controls over financial reporting and its disclosure controls and procedures. Additional information relating to the restatement is available in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed today. About PACS™ PACS Group, Inc. is a holding company investing in post-acute healthcare facilities, professionals, and ancillary services. Founded in 2013, PACS Group is one of the largest post-acute platforms in the United States. Its independent subsidiaries operate 314 post-acute care and senior living facilities across 17 states, serving over 30,000 patients daily. References herein to the consolidated "Company," as well as the use of the terms "we," "us," "our," "its" and similar verbiage, refer to PACS Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, taken as a whole. PACS Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries that are not licensed healthcare providers do not provide healthcare services to patients, residents or any other person, and do not direct or control the provision of services provided or the operations of those provider subsidiaries. All healthcare services are provided solely by its applicable subsidiaries that are licensed healthcare providers, under the direction and control of licensed healthcare professionals in accordance with applicable law. More information about PACS is available at Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains, and other communications of the Company may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often use words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "project," "outlook," "forecast," "target," "trend," "plan," "goal," or other words of comparable meaning or future-tense or conditional verbs such as "may," "will," "should," "would," or "could." Statements concerning the Company's future are forward-looking statements, and are based on management's current expectations, assumptions and beliefs about the Company's business, financial performance, operating results, the industry in which the Company operates and possible future events. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's expectations regarding the timing of and its ability to restate the Prior Financial Statements and file its delinquent quarterly and annual reports. Forward-looking statements convey the Company's expectations, intentions, or forecasts about future events, circumstances, results, or aspirations. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which may change over time and many of which are beyond the Company's control, and that could cause the Company's actual results to materially and adversely differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, including the outcome of any ongoing government or internal investigations, risks associated with litigation, risks associated with the Company's ability to restate the Prior Financial Statements and file its delinquent quarterly and annual reports within the granted additional period, risks associated with the NYSE's ongoing compliance monitoring, and the other risks described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. View source version on Contacts Investors: IR@ Media: Brooks StevensonVP Corporate Communication262 N. University AvenueFarmington, UT 84025T:
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
PACS Group to Restate Certain Previously Issued Financial Statements
FARMINGTON, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PACS Group, Inc. (NYSE: PACS) ('PACS' or the 'Company') announced today that it will restate its previously issued condensed combined/consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended on March 31, 2024 included in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 13, 2024 (as amended on May 21, 2024), and as of and for the three and six months ended on June 30, 2024 included in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 12, 2024 (collectively, the 'Prior Financial Statements,' and each such quarterly period in the six months ended June 30, 2024, the 'Impacted Periods'). The Prior Financial Statements and any previously furnished reports or communications of PACS describing the Company's financial results for the Impacted Periods should no longer be relied upon. As previously disclosed, the Company's independent Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the 'Audit Committee'), with assistance from external counsel, has been conducting an independent investigation of third-party allegations. The Audit Committee has made substantial progress and is nearing the completion of the investigation. To date, the Audit Committee has found no basis to question the integrity of the Company's Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Chief Accounting Officer. In connection with additional facts learned, including as a result of the Audit Committee's independent investigation, and due to regulatory, compliance and Medicare Part B billing uncertainties, management has determined that it is appropriate to reconsider the Company's judgmental assessments of the compliance of its respiratory and certain other therapy services. Management has also determined that it is appropriate to reconsider the application of certain aspects of revenue recognition guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts With Customers ('ASC 606') regarding revenue from billings for such services. As a result, the Company believes that the revenue associated with the provision of respiratory services and certain other therapy services billed under Medicare Part B should not have been recognized as revenue in the Impacted Periods. Accordingly, the Company has determined that it overstated total revenue in the condensed combined/consolidated statements for the Impacted Periods by: Approximately $15.0 million to $17.0 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2024 and approximately $46.0 million to $48.0 million for the three month period ended June 30, 2024. These amounts are preliminary and may be subject to change. The Company is working diligently to restate the Prior Financial Statements as soon as practicable. Given the ongoing investigation, PACS has been unable to file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2025. As previously disclosed in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2025, The New York Stock Exchange ('NYSE') provided the Company with an additional trading period through September 2, 2025, subject to reassessment on an ongoing basis, to file its delinquent filings and regain compliance with NYSE listing standards. PACS intends to restate the Prior Financial Statements and file its delinquent quarterly and annual reports within the granted additional period. Further to the Audit Committee's ongoing investigation, the Company's management team, together with external counsel and outside advisors, has undertaken a thorough review of its regulatory compliance program and has begun to implement additional measures designed to enhance processes and controls surrounding regulatory compliance. As part of this process, PACS has retained a new Interim Chief Compliance Officer to oversee the ongoing review and the implementation of updates to the Company's compliance program. PACS is also continuing to assess the effect of any restatements on the Company's internal controls over financial reporting and its disclosure controls and procedures. Additional information relating to the restatement is available in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed today. About PACS™ PACS Group, Inc. is a holding company investing in post-acute healthcare facilities, professionals, and ancillary services. Founded in 2013, PACS Group is one of the largest post-acute platforms in the United States. Its independent subsidiaries operate 314 post-acute care and senior living facilities across 17 states, serving over 30,000 patients daily. References herein to the consolidated 'Company,' as well as the use of the terms 'we,' 'us,' 'our,' 'its' and similar verbiage, refer to PACS Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, taken as a whole. PACS Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries that are not licensed healthcare providers do not provide healthcare services to patients, residents or any other person, and do not direct or control the provision of services provided or the operations of those provider subsidiaries. All healthcare services are provided solely by its applicable subsidiaries that are licensed healthcare providers, under the direction and control of licensed healthcare professionals in accordance with applicable law. More information about PACS is available at Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains, and other communications of the Company may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often use words such as 'believe,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'estimate,' 'project,' 'outlook,' 'forecast,' 'target,' 'trend,' 'plan,' 'goal,' or other words of comparable meaning or future-tense or conditional verbs such as 'may,' 'will,' 'should,' 'would,' or 'could.' Statements concerning the Company's future are forward-looking statements, and are based on management's current expectations, assumptions and beliefs about the Company's business, financial performance, operating results, the industry in which the Company operates and possible future events. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's expectations regarding the timing of and its ability to restate the Prior Financial Statements and file its delinquent quarterly and annual reports. Forward-looking statements convey the Company's expectations, intentions, or forecasts about future events, circumstances, results, or aspirations. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which may change over time and many of which are beyond the Company's control, and that could cause the Company's actual results to materially and adversely differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, including the outcome of any ongoing government or internal investigations, risks associated with litigation, risks associated with the Company's ability to restate the Prior Financial Statements and file its delinquent quarterly and annual reports within the granted additional period, risks associated with the NYSE's ongoing compliance monitoring, and the other risks described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Health Line
05-06-2025
- Business
- Health Line
Does Medicare Cover a Kidney Transplant?
Key takeaways Medicare covers most services related to organ transplantation performed in approved hospitals, including heart, intestine, kidney, liver, and cornea transplants. Medicare Part A covers inpatient services during hospitalization. Part B covers doctor's services related to the transplant, and Part D helps cover prescription drugs needed for transplantation, including immunosuppressant drugs. Medicare generally covers almost all costs related to Medicare-approved organ transplants, including pre-transplant services, surgery, follow-up care, immunosuppressant drugs, and medical care for the organ donor. In this article, we'll discuss when Medicare covers organ transplants, what you need to know about Medicare coverage, and what out-of-pocket costs you can expect for organ transplantation. Which Medicare part covers a kidney transplant? Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It covers any necessary services related to the following transplants: heart lung kidney pancreas intestine liver In addition, Medicare also covers other transplants that aren't organ transplants. This includes the following transplants: cornea stem cell bone marrow Under Part A, covered services include most inpatient services during hospitalization, such as laboratory testing, physical exams, room and board, and pre-and post-op care for you and your organ donor. On the other hand, Medicare Part B is medical insurance, which means it covers any doctor's services related to your transplant. Services covered under Part B include those related to your diagnosis and recovery, such as doctor's or specialist's visits, laboratory testing, or certain prescription drugs. Part B will also cover these services for your organ donor when necessary. Part C Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) covers all the services listed above in Part A and Part B. Some Part C plans also cover prescription drugs and possibly additional health perks, like fitness memberships and meal services. Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are plans that offer coordinated services for people with chronic or disabling conditions. These plans can be especially beneficial to people who have certain conditions that may require an organ transplant, such as end stage renal disease and chronic heart failure. Part D Medicare Part D helps cover prescription drugs needed for organ transplantation. While Part D coverage varies by plan, all Medicare prescription drug plans must cover immunosuppressant drugs. These medications, which weaken your immune system to make it less likely that your body will reject a new organ, are required for transplantation. Most prescription drug plans also cover other medications that may be necessary for organ transplant recovery, such as pain relievers, antidepressants, and others. When does Medicare cover organ transplants? Once a doctor has determined that a Medicare beneficiary requires a covered organ transplant, the program should cover the procedure. Medicare doesn't set any criteria for covered organ transplants, but exceptions to this are people undergoing intestine or pancreas transplants must have their transplants at a hospital with a Medicare-approved liver and kidney transplant program, respectively. In addition, organ transplant programs generally have eligibility requirements. What these requirements are depends on the type of transplant and may involve limitations on age or people living with certain health conditions. How much does an organ transplant cost with and without Medicare? According to a 2020 research report on transplant costs in the United States, the average costs for organ transplants include: Heart transplant: $1,664,800 Lung transplant: $1,295,900 (double lung) or $929,600 (single lung) Intestine transplant: $1,240,700 Liver transplant: $878,400 Kidney transplant: $442,500 Pancreas transplant: $408,800 Medicare pays for most services and costs associated with Medicare-approved organ transplants. Services include: pretransplant services, such as testing, lab work, and exams surgery follow-up services immunosuppressant and other necessary prescription drugs, in some cases Medicare also pays for all costs related to finding a donated organ and all medical care for the organ donor, such as doctor's visits, surgery, and other necessary medical services. While Medicare covers almost all organ transplantation costs, you'll still owe out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-pocket costs for organ transplant in 2025 Type of cost Medicare Part A Medicare Part B Medicare Part C Medicare Part D Monthly premium $0 to $518, depending on your work history $185, depending on your income depends on the plan you choose depends on the plan you choose Deductible $1,676 per benefit period $257 per year depends on the plan you choose $0 to $590, depending on the plan you choose Copay and coinsurance coinsurance of 0% to 100% per day, depending on how many days you stay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services depends on the plan you choose coinsurance or copays depend on the plan you choose You may have other costs associated with your organ transplant surgery that Medicare doesn't cover. These out-of-pocket costs may include: transportation and lodging for the surgery child care or other expenses at home potential loss of income What if you can't afford a kidney transplant? Your Medicare coverage should significantly lower your out-of-pocket cost for your transplant. In addition, you may be able to lower your remaining out-of-pocket costs by enrolling in a Medicare supplement plan or Medigap. Medigap helps cover Original Medicare deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Some Medigap plans also cover Part B excess charges and foreign travel costs. That said, you cannot use Medigap with Part C. Your transplant provider may also offer a payment plan so that you can spread the cost over a longer period of time. In addition, if your income falls below a certain threshold, you may also qualify for Medicaid. In addition, the American Transplant Foundation lists several organizations that offer resources on fundraising for a transplant. Are liver transplant patients eligible for Medicare? If you are not eligible for Medicare but anticipate that you require an organ transplant, your eligibility for Medicare depends on either your age or the type of transplant that you need. Anyone ages 65 and over is automatically eligible for Medicare, and by law, no insurance plan can deny you based on a preexisting condition. That said, if you are younger than 65 and you need a transplant, you can only qualify for Medicare if you are living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and are undergoing dialysis. Other types of needed organ transplants do not count for this exception. Takeaway An organ transplant can be an expensive surgery, but Medicare generally covers beneficiaries for almost all services under their plan. Part A covers most hospital-related services, while Part B covers most medical-related services. Part D can help cover prescription drug costs for immunosuppressants you may need to take before or after the transplant, while Medigap can help tackle some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with each Medicare plan. Contact your doctor or healthcare team for more information on what Medicare will cover for your organ transplant surgery and what to expect. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.
Health Line
05-06-2025
- Business
- Health Line
Does Medicare Cover Blood Tests for Cholesterol and How Often?
Key takeaways Medicare covers cholesterol testing as part of cardiovascular screening blood tests, including tests for lipid and triglyceride levels, which are covered once every 5 years. For those diagnosed with high cholesterol, Medicare Part B covers continuing blood work to monitor the condition and response to prescribed medication. Cholesterol-lowering medication is typically covered by Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. Medicare covers cholesterol testing as part of the cardiovascular screening blood tests. It also includes tests for lipid and triglyceride levels, which are covered once every 5 years. However, if you have a diagnosis of high cholesterol, Medicare Part B will usually cover continuing blood work to monitor your condition and response to prescribed medication. If you need cholesterol-lowering medication, it's usually covered by Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) and Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans. Keep reading to learn more about what Medicare covers to help diagnose and prevent cardiovascular disease. What else does Medicare cover to help diagnose and prevent cardiovascular disease? Cholesterol testing isn't the only thing Medicare covers to help identify, prevent, and treat cardiovascular disease. Medicare Part B will also cover an annual visit with your primary care doctor for behavioral therapy, which may include suggestions for a heart-healthy diet. Additional preventive services covered by Medicare Medicare covers other prevention and early detection services — many at no charge — to help identify health issues early. Diagnosing health conditions early can maximize the success of treatment. These tests include: Preventive services Coverage abdominal aortic aneurysm screening 1 screening for people with risk factors alcohol misuse screening and counseling 1 screen and 4 brief counseling sessions per year bone mass measurement 1 every 2 years for people with risk factors colorectal cancer screenings how often is determined by the test and your risk factors depression screening 1 per year diabetes screening 1 for those at high risk; based on test results, up to 2 per year diabetes self-management training if you have diabetes and a written doctor's order flu shots 1 per flu season glaucoma tests 1 per year for people with risk factors hepatitis B shots series of shots for people at medium or high risk hepatitis B virus infection screening for high risk, 1 per year for continued high risk; for pregnant women, 1st prenatal visit and at time of delivery hepatitis C screening for those born 1945 to 1965; 1 per year for high risk HIV screening for certain age and risk groups, 1 per year; 3 during pregnancy lung cancer screening test 1 per year for qualified patients mammogram screening (breast cancer screening) 1 for women ages 35 to 49 years; 1 per year for women ages 40 years and older medical nutrition therapy services for qualified patients (diabetes, kidney disease, kidney transplant) Medicare diabetes prevention program for qualified patients obesity screening and counseling for qualified patients (BMI of 30 or more) Pap test and pelvic exam (also includes a breast exam) 1 every 2 years; 1 per year for those at high risk prostate cancer screenings 1 per year for men over age 50 years pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine covered; specific vaccine as recommended by your doctor tobacco use counseling and tobacco-caused disease 8 per year for tobacco users wellness visit 1 per year If you register at you can get direct access to your preventive health information. This includes a 2-year calendar of the Medicare-covered tests and screenings you're eligible for. What to expect from cholesterol testing The cholesterol test is used to estimate your risk of heart disease and blood vessel disease. The test will help your doctor evaluate your total cholesterol and your: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: Also known as 'bad' cholesterol, LDL in high quantities can cause the buildup of plaques (fatty deposits) in your arteries. These deposits can reduce blood flow and can sometimes rupture, leading to a heart attack or stroke. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Also known as 'good' cholesterol, HDL helps carry away LDL cholesterol and other 'bad' lipids to be flushed from the body. Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood that is stored in fat cells. At high enough levels, triglycerides may increase the risk of heart disease or diabetes. Lipoprotein(a): Your doctor may order this test to check your Lp(a), a type of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Medicare doesn't cover this test. Takeaway Medicare covers the costs of testing your cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels every 5 years. These tests can help determine your risk level for cardiovascular disease, stroke, or heart attack. Medicare also covers other preventive services, including wellness visits, mammogram screenings, colorectal cancer screenings, flu shots, and more. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.
