The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has taken a new initiative, eMedicare, towards a more personalized and modern experience for their customers, regardless of how they choose to receive information.

“eMedicare is one of several initiatives focused on modernizing Medicare and empowering patients with information they need to get the best value from their Medicare coverage.”

— Seema Verma, CMS Administrator 

As part of this initiative, Medicare has created a free, “What’s Covered” app for its customers. This new app contains a database full of coverage information under Medicare Parts A and B to help users easily find out whether or not their service, procedure, or location of appointment is covered—even when they’re offline.

The uncertainty of insurance coverage can be frustrating, even a little frightening, and Medicare has taken a proactive step in relieving that concern via this simple, fast and convenient solution, all on your phone.

In addition to the basic coverage information provided, the “What’s Covered” app also includes eligibility details, a list of covered preventive services, and even how and when to get your covered benefits. All the user has to do is simply search on the app with no sign-in required. While “What’s Covered” does not provide personalized information such as the user’s co-insurance, deductibles, and supplemental insurance, it does include answers to the most frequently asked questions, saving individuals from having to search through the Medicare handbook online.

By simply searching or browsing the app, users can get numerous questions answered, including (but certainly not limited to), coverage for mammograms, home health care, diabetes supplies, regular cervical cancer screening, and even general services to help beneficiaries stop smoking.

The “What’s Covered” app is now available on both the App Store and Google Play to download on your phone for free.

The eMedicare initiative by the CMS also includes a webchat option and increased price transparency tools to let beneficiaries compare the national average costs of specific procedures between certain settings, such as an ambulatory surgical center and a hospital outpatient department.

If only Medicaid was so easy! It can be, with Koler Law Office. If you have questions about coverage, our team is here to walk you through the maze of Medicaid eligibility, the look-back period and tax implications. We are here to help you navigate through this complex area. Don’t hesitate to schedule a complimentary consultation, right here.