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Getting a transplant can be a life-saving procedure, but it often involves traveling away from home to get the best treatment. In addition to the cost of the transplant, patients and their families need to cover the costs of travel, lodging, and meals. If you are a Medicare beneficiary and have questions about travel and lodging coverage for transplants, keep reading.
What is a Transplant?
A transplant is a medical procedure that involves replacing one organ with another from a donor. It is usually done when a person’s organ is failing, and a transplant is the only treatment option. Transplants can be done for several organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Does Medicare Cover Transplants?
Yes, Medicare covers transplants if they are deemed medically necessary by your doctor. Medicare Part A covers hospital inpatient stays, which include the transplant surgery, and Medicare Part B covers doctors’ services related to the transplant, including follow-up care.
Does Medicare Cover Travel and Lodging for Transplants?
Medicare may cover travel and lodging expenses for a patient and a caregiver if travel is necessary for medical treatment that is covered by Medicare. The patient and caregiver must meet certain criteria, including:
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Distance | The nearest transplant center must be more than 250 miles away from the patient’s home. |
| Geography | The patient and caregiver must travel from one state to another. |
| Mode of Transportation | The patient and caregiver must travel by air or land, not by ambulance. |
If the patient and caregiver meet these criteria, Medicare may cover the following expenses:
- A round trip to and from the transplant center for both the patient and caregiver.
- Lodging near the transplant center for up to 30 days.
- Meals for the patient and caregiver.
How Do I Get Medicare Coverage for Travel and Lodging?
To get Medicare coverage for travel and lodging for a transplant, you must get a referral from your doctor. Your doctor will need to provide documentation that shows that the transplant is medically necessary and that you meet the distance and geography requirements. Once you have the referral, you can contact Medicare to find out what steps you need to take to get coverage.
Conclusion
If you are a Medicare beneficiary considering a transplant, it is important to know that Medicare covers the cost of the transplant itself. In some cases, Medicare may also cover travel and lodging expenses if you need to travel to another state for the transplant. If you meet the criteria for travel and lodging coverage, be sure to get a referral from your doctor and contact Medicare to find out what steps you need to take to get coverage.