MEDICARE TRAP--BEING OBSERVED status can cost you thousands of $. 

Tarun Mullick,MD, Therapeutic-Interventional Gastroenterologist

 http://batavia.patch.com/blog_posts/medicare-trap-being-observed-status-can-cost-you-thousands-of-f7d905fb

Posted on October 7, 2012 at 12:06 pm

 

I urge every senior or their friends to read Oct.2012,AARP bulletin.
                    MEDICARE TRAP: When Care Isn't covered? page 22
 If you go a hospital--ask what is your status:
                Admitted or being Observed.
                        If admitted,Medicare Part B will cover your stay 80%.
                        If "Being Observed"-- you could be in trouble.
     So like you go a restaurant--you check the prices first--Do the same when you check in a hospital.
              Medicare rules are getting tougher--even though you have Part A,B,Medigap or supplemental insurance.

 http://pubs.aarp.org/aarpbulletin/201210_CT?pg=22#pg22