Medicare Updates for 2021

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Medicare is committed to getting you the information you need on COVID-19. For the most up-to-date information on coverage and benefits, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs for Insulin

If you join a Medicare drug plan that participates in the “Part D Senior Savings Model,” you could save hundreds of dollars each year in out-of-pocket costs for insulin. See page 84 of your handbook.

Medicare Advantage & End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

If you have ESRD, you can join a Medicare Advantage Plan during Open Enrollment (October 15–December 7, 2020). Your plan coverage will start January 1, 2021. See page 59 of your handbook.

Acupuncture for Back Pain

Medicare now covers up to 12 acupuncture visits in 90 days for chronic low back pain. See page 30 of your handbook.

Telehealth & Other Virtual Services

Telehealth benefits allow you to get medical or health services that generally occur in-person (like office visits and consultations) from a doctor or other health care provider who’s located elsewhere using real-time interactive audio and video technology (see page 48 of your handbook). Medicare also covers certain virtual services, like E-visits (see page 39 of your handbook) and Virtual check-ins (see page 50 of your handbook).