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Rationale of the Week | What does Medicare Cover?

For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on what Medicare will cover. 54% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!

Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question 

Lightbulb and text: Rationale of the Week

Question: KT just turned 65 and asks you about Medicare Insurance Coverage for Diabetes. 

Which of the following is accurate regarding Medicare Coverage for people living with diabetes?

Answer Choices:

  1. Medicare Part D covers Diabetes Self-Management Education
  2. Medicare Part A covers Diabetes Prevention Programs.
  3. Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment and diabetes medications.
  4. Medicare Part A covers hospitalization.
Pie chart of Medicare coverage breakdowns.

Getting to the Best Answer

If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, this practice test question will set you up for success. Test writers anticipate possible answers based on the details in the question. They will wave those “juicy answers” right under your nose. Your job is to weed through the particulars, pluck out the most important elements and choose the BEST answer.

Answer 1 is incorrect. 15.38% chose this answer. “Medicare Part D covers Diabetes Self-Management Education.” Actually, medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Part D is optional and only provided through private insurance companies approved by the federal government. However, Part D is offered to everyone who qualifies for Medicare. Costs and coverage may vary from plan to plan

Answer 2 is incorrect. 11.4% of you chose this answer. “Medicare Part A covers Diabetes Prevention Programs.”  Actually, medicare part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

Answer 3 is incorrect. About 19.66% of respondents chose this. “Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment and diabetes medications.” Part B doesn’t help cover diabetes medications, but Part B does cover:

  • Services from doctors and other health care providers
  • Diabetes Self-Management Education
  • Outpatient care, Home health care
  • Durable medical equipment (like meters, CGMs, wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other equipment)
  • Many preventive services (like screenings, shots or vaccines, and yearly “Wellness” visits)

Finally, Answer 4 is correct. 53.56% chose this answer. “Medicare Part A covers hospitalization.” YES, GREAT JOB. This is the best answer.  

Medicare Part A covers: 

  • Inpatient care in a hospital
  • Skilled nursing facility care
  • Nursing home care (inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility that’s not custodial or long-term care)
  • Hospice care
  • Home health care

We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!

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AccreditationDiabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our Level 2 | Setting up a Successful DSME Program awards 1.5 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program.

The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.

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We post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!

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The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.

**To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the Certification Board for Diabetes Care & Education (CBDCE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the CBDCE List of Recognized Providers (www.cbdce.org). CBDCE does not approve continuing education. Diabetes Education Services is accredited/approved by the Commission of Dietetic Registration which is on the list of CBDCE Recognized Providers.

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