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Health Line
6 days ago
- Business
- Health Line
How Much Will Medicare Cover If I Need a CT Scan?
Key takeaways Medicare will cover any medically necessary diagnostic tests, including CT scans. Inpatient CT scans are typically covered by Part A, while outpatient CT scans are usually covered by Part B. Part C (also called Medicare Advantage) plans include at least the same level of coverage as parts A and B. Medigap plans can help decrease out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare coverage for CT scans. Medicare will cover any medically necessary diagnostic tests you need. This includes computed tomography (CT) scans. Your exact coverage depends on where you have the test and which Medicare part covers it. Part A coverage for CT scans Part A is hospital insurance. It covers the care you receive during an inpatient stay at: a hospital a skilled nursing facility another inpatient facility This includes any tests your doctor orders during your stay. So, if you receive a CT scan in the hospital, Part A will cover it. In this situation, the cost of a CT scan will go toward your Part A deductible. In 2024, the Part A deductible is $1,632 for each benefit period, and in 2025, it is $1,676. Once you've met this deductible, Part A will cover all tests and procedures during your stay, with no coinsurance costs during the first 60 days of hospitalization. Part B coverage for CT scans Part B is medical insurance. It covers outpatient care at multiple types of healthcare facilities, such as: doctor's offices urgent care centers health centers outpatient clinics outpatient labs and testing facilities surgical centers Part B will cover your CT scan no matter which outpatient setting you have it in. You'll have coverage as long as the facility participates in Medicare and a doctor orders the scan. The Medicare website has a tool for checking which facilities and providers participate in Medicare in your area. After you meet your Part B deductible, Medicare will pay 80% of the approved cost of your CT scan. You'll be responsible for the other 20%. The Medicare Part B deductible is $240 in 2024 and $257 in 2025. Part C coverage for CT scans All Part C plans cover CT scans. However, many Part C plans have networks. You might pay much higher costs for leaving your plan's network. Sometimes, you may not have out-of-network coverage, even if the facility participates in Medicare. The deductible and any copayment or coinsurance amount depend on your specific plan. If possible, contact your insurance company ahead of time to get an estimate of how much this test will cost. Medigap coverage for CT scans Medigap is supplemental insurance that you can buy to cover your out-of-pocket costs from Medicare. Depending on your Medigap plan, you may be able to get coverage for your: Part A deductible Part B deductible Part A copays and coinsurance Part B copays and coinsurance That means that Medigap would cover any costs associated with your CT scan that would typically be your responsibility. Medigap plans have a monthly premium on top of your Medicare Part B premium. So, while you'll pay more each month, the costs will be covered when you need a service like a CT scan. The bottom line Part A will cover your CT scan if you have it during an inpatient hospital stay, and Part B will cover it when you have it as an outpatient. Part C will also cover a CT scan, but you'll typically need to stay within your plan's network. If Medicare doesn't cover your CT scan and you think it should, you can file an appeal. An appeal will give you several chances to explain why the CT scan was medically necessary and see whether Medicare will cover it.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 things to know from Linda McMahon's FY 2026 testimony
This story was originally published on K-12 Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily K-12 Dive newsletter. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the Trump administration's proposed spending plan for fiscal year 2026 at a House hearing in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, saying the budget will "shrink federal bureaucracy, save taxpayer money and empower states." The funding proposal also prepares for the eventual closure of the U.S. Department of Education, McMahon told members of a House Appropriations subcommittee during her first congressional budget hearing as education secretary. "It is the mission to shut down the bureaucracy of the Department of Education," said McMahon, who added several times during the 2 1/2 hour hearing that she would work with Congress to close the agency. A top-line "skinny" budget proposal released May 2 calls for a $4.5 billion cut from the current K-12 spending plan, which calculates to a 15% reduction. It proposes maintaining spending for Title I, Part A and for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act while consolidating or eliminating other programs' grants. Only money for charter schools is recommended for an increase. McMahon said the spending reductions are realized by eliminating duplicative or ineffective programs, reducing regulatory compliance, and giving states more flexibility in how they dedicate those dollars. But Democratic lawmakers pushed back, saying a retreat in federal education funding and oversight would lead to fewer resources and protections for public school students. "Almost always when we talk about block granting programs, we make very, very substantial, substantive cuts in the availability of resources for the programs that are covered," said Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md. McMahon said some state education leaders are calling for less federal interference. "I think we're going to see more money available in the states with less red tape," she said. The Trump administration is expected to release a more detailed budget with spending and reduction justifications soon. FY 2026 starts on Oct. 1 Here are some other highlights from the budget hearing held by the House Appropriations Subcommittee for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. Although the hearing was held to discuss the FY 2026 budget proposal, several lawmakers asked McMahon about the significant spending and workforce cuts taking place during the current fiscal year. In the early months of the Trump administration, the Education Department has cut its workforce by half; canceled hundreds of millions of dollars in research, mental health and teacher preparation grants; and asked states to reapply for extensions for pre-approved COVID-19 emergency funds. "The administration is recklessly and unlawfully freezing and stealing congressionally appropriated funds from agencies, programs and services across the government that serve the American people," said subcommittee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn. DeLauro also said she would challenge efforts to close the Education Department, adding it would not happen "on our watch." McMahon said the agency is evaluating every single program "carefully" as it chooses to discontinue funds. Later, when DeLauro asked if McMahon was going to follow the FY 2025 spending plan as approved by Congress, McMahon said, "We are going to abide by the law." McMahon said one of President Donald Trump's priorities for education is "making sure that no student is imprisoned, if you will, in a failing school" and that he is "absolutely focused" on providing school choice for parents so "children have the right to an education that is best for them." The secretary told lawmakers that the Education Department would support school choice through an increase in charter school funds and through federal block grants to states, and that state leaders would determine how best to use those funds. Several Republican members praised the efforts to give parents more educational options for their children. Subcommittee Chair Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., said student achievement has not increased despite a rise in federal education spending. "Students need reading, writing, math and critical thinking for everyday activities to succeed in their jobs and to make life's big decisions," Aderholt said. "Too many schools, encouraged and facilitated by federal funding, have let things like social justice advocacy, divisive issues crowd out the focus on teaching students and the core subjects." However, several Democratic lawmakers voiced support for prioritizing the public education system. "I am not opposed to parents using their own money to send their children to private school, but it is a strong public school education system that ensures that every child, no matter their background or ZIP code, has a fair shot at success," said Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Fla. McMahon said a core reason for students' lackluster academic performance is poor reading skills. "We've lost the fundamental basics," McMahon said, such as the science of reading, which includes phonics, understanding and fluency in reading. "Because if we can get that right, I think we're going to see a great deal of improvement in our schools across our country, but we're not doing it." McMahon spoke about the Mississippi "miracle," or how the state of Mississippi made significant gains in reading performance through science of reading approaches. Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., said the state also didn't automatically promote 3rd graders to 4th grade who couldn't read. "If you don't read by the end of the 3rd grade, forget it. Everything beyond there requires reading skill," Harris said. But DeLauro said the elimination of grants to study literacy and other academic improvements and the planned block granting of some federal funds is "beyond distressing." Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Pa., also voiced frustration to McMahon. "You think the federal Department of Education is not living up to what it ought to be doing, and you cite some statistics for students who are not doing as well as they ought to be," Dean said. "And yet, you decide that the answer to that is not to check on these investments and make sure students are achieving. It is to shut the whole doggone thing down. That doesn't make any sense.' Recommended Reading Layoffs, cuts, chaos: The Education Department in Trump's first 90 days Sign in to access your portfolio
Medical News Today
12-05-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Understanding the Medicare Part A late enrollment penalty
If a person declines Medicare Part A or misses enrollment when they first become eligible, they could face penalties for late enrollment. There are set periods each year when people can enroll in the different parts of Medicare. Most people first become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years old. This triggers an initial enrollment period. Missing initial enrollment or declining Medicare coverage may lead to penalties when a person goes to enroll at a later date. Penalties take the form of higher monthly premium payments. Parts A, B, and D all have potential late enrollment penalties. Learn what the Part A late enrollment penalty is, how it is calculated, and how to avoid it. Part A late enrollment penalty overview Medicare Part A and Part B make up Original Medicare. Part B covers outpatient medical insurance, and Part A is inpatient hospital insurance. If a person pays Medicare taxes while working for at least 10 years, they qualify for premium-free Part A. Most Medicare enrollees have no Part A premium. People who have not paid enough Medicare taxes have to pay a monthly premium of $285 or $518 per month, depending on their tax history. If these individuals do not sign up for Medicare during their initial enrollment period, they may have to pay a late enrollment penalty. The penalty does not apply to people who qualify for premium-free Part A. Part A penalty calculation The Part A penalty is a 10% increase in a person's monthly premium payment. They will have to pay this penalty for twice the number of years that they went without Part A. Here is an example of what this might look like in practice: A person became eligible for Medicare at 65 years old but did not qualify for premium-free Part A and did not enroll. They went without Medicare Part A for 4 years before deciding to enroll. Based on their tax history, they have a Part A premium payment of $285. Since they did not enroll in Part A when they first became eligible, they must pay a late enrollment penalty of $28.50 each month (10% of $285). They will pay this penalty for 8 years — twice the length of time that they were without Part A. Part A penalty exceptions Not everyone who forgoes enrolling in Part A during initial enrollment must pay a late enrollment penalty. If a person qualifies for a special enrollment period (SEP), they typically do not need to pay a late enrollment penalty. When a person has a life event that affects their health insurance or Medicare coverage, they may qualify for an SEP. SEPs allow people to enroll in Medicare during windows of time that occur directly after these life events. Possible qualifying events include: losing employer-sponsored health insurance moving out of your health insurance's coverage area having a change in marital status Here is an example: If a person did not qualify for premium-free Part A and chose not to enroll in Part A during initial enrollment because they had health insurance through an employer, they would qualify for an SEP when they lose that job or lose their coverage. This would trigger an 8-month SEP during which they could enroll in Part A without paying the late enrollment penalty. » Learn more:What to know about the special enrollment periods for Medicare Other late enrollment penalties The Part A late enrollment penalty is one of a few possible Medicare penalties. There are also late enrollment penalties for Part B and Part D. However, Medicare calculates these penalties differently. Medicare Part B has a monthly premium for all enrollees. In 2025, this premium is at least $185, though it depends on a person's income. If a person goes without Part B while eligible, they may incur a penalty when they eventually sign up. The Part B late enrollment penalty increases by 10% for every year that a person goes without Part B. It lasts as long as a person has coverage. In essence, it is a lifelong penalty. As with Part A, a person can avoid the Part B penalty if they qualify for an SEP. Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. The Part D late enrollment penalty is a 1% increase in the monthly premium payment for each month that a person goes without Part D or comparable drug coverage. Since Part D plans are offered by private insurance companies and costs vary, the penalty is calculated based on the national base beneficiary premium of $36.78. As with the Part B penalty, it lasts for as long as a person has coverage. If a person is not enrolled in Medicare Part A when they are eligible, they may incur a late enrollment penalty when they do go to sign up. The Part A late enrollment penalty is a 10% increase in the monthly premium. A person pays the penalty for twice as long as they were without Part A (in years). There are other late enrollment penalties for Part B and Part D, but these are calculated differently. 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.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Amid federal turmoil, Hillsborough's Migrant Education Program soars
RIVERVIEW — As graduation season begins, Belzar Roblero-Pedro wanted people to know that his fellow graduates in Hillsborough County's Migrant Education Program were more than just an othered category. They were 'fighters, dreamers and survivors,' he said. Roblero-Pedro grew up between Florida, North Carolina and Michigan, with vivid memories of his parents regularly carrying pounds of strawberries, cucumbers, and blueberries in grueling temperatures. They wanted him and his siblings to be able to pursue their dreams, he said. But at school, he said, he was met at times with racial slurs, snickers when his name was called or other students asking if his parents had 'hopped the border to be here.' This month, the Armwood High School senior was one of 85 Hillsborough County students on track to graduate through the Migrant Education Program. For them, it's the end of a journey filled with added challenges that come with often moving between states several times within a school year. 'Not just across states,' Roblero-Pedro said, 'but across identities, and the dreams of our families and our own.' The Office of Migrant Education, the federal office in the Department of Education that runs the Migrant Education Program, was created in the 1960s, around the time a documentary about migrant workers created public outcry about the living conditions of agricultural and fishing workerswho often make several moves a year. Though the majority of participants in Florida's Migrant Education Program are Latino, in Hillsborough County, not all migrant students are immigrants, and the demographics of the program have shifted as the agricultural industry has shifted. According to agricultural worker surveys by the U.S. Department of Labor, data from 1989 to 1993 shows that almost three in five agricultural workers were white, compared to less than a third from 2019 to 2022 period. In Hillsborough County, the program serves more than 1,800 children aged 3 to 21 in schools. Its small staff of advocates seek out children of migrant workers, educating parents about their rights and responsibilities, bridging the gap between curriculum requirements in different states, offering tutoring services and sometimes helping address food insecurity. They often work nights and weekends, making home visits around work schedules. With President Donald Trump setting a goal of dismantling the Department of Education, and specifically targeting Title I, Part A funding that supports low-income students, little has been said about Title I, Part C, the program's federal source of funding Carol Mayo, who has supervised the program in Hillsborough County since 2013, said there is too much work to be done for the time being. 'I don't think anyone's really heard anything' about future funding, she said, though the program has seen less funding in recent years. 'We work really hard to make sure that (families) know school is the safest place for your child. It doesn't matter what's going on. That's always been the message.' But on an evening earlier this month celebrating their largest graduating class in recent years, it was a moment to celebrate the students and recognize their families' sacrifices, as a mariachi band played the national anthem and tears flowed from parents and teachers. Silvia Villegas said she was filled with pride to watch her daughter Jasmine graduate among the top of her class at Lennard High School. Olga Perez, a teacher and migrant advocate for more than 20 years, worked with Villegas' older daughter, who was Lennard's valedictorian in 2007. It was a full-circle moment for her, too. Perez said she hoped people thought about the invisible labor behind produce displays at grocery stores. 'There's a story behind those beautiful displays of vegetables, fruits,' she said. 'There's sweat, tears. Those kids have to go to schools in different districts. They have to leave people behind, leave friends behind. They have to follow the crops.' Araseli Martinez Pena, founder of an education equity firm and a doctoral candidate at the University of South Florida, was a former Migrant Education Program graduate. She told graduates they'd face challenges ahead. 'You will have many voices that tell you you cannot do what you dream of doing,' she said. 'You will have many voices that tell you you cannot dream at all. 'The only voice that's important is the one in your own head, because your worth, your value, is defined by who you are, and what you tell yourself you can do.'
