Emergency department services
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) usually covers emergency department services.
Coverage details
Part B usually covers emergency department services when you have an injury, a sudden illness, or an illness that quickly gets much worse.
Medicare only covers emergency services outside of the U.S. under rare circumstances.
Costs
- You pay a copayment for each emergency department visit and a copayment for each hospital service you get.
- After you meet the Part B deductible , you also pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your doctor's services.
- If your doctor admits you to the same hospital for a related condition within 3 days of your emergency department visit, you don't pay the copayment(s) because your visit is considered part of your inpatient stay.
Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how much your test, item, or service will cost.
Your doctor may recommend services that Medicare does not cover or offers too frequently. This could end up in additional costs for you. Make sure to ask your doctor about the reasons for these recommendations and what Medicare will actually cover.
Specific amounts you could owe depend on:
Other insurance you may have
How much your doctor charges
If your doctor accepts assignment
The type of facility
Where you get your test, item, or service