Insurance & Christian Science

One of the best sources for general information about Medicare is the website, www.medicare.gov. Most basic questions about Medicare are covered in the government booklet, Medicare & You 2024, which can be read online or downloaded from the website. This booklet defines Medicare Parts A & B.

Parts A, B, C, D

Part A (Hospital Insurance) a Social Security benefit and that covers your Christian Science nursing care, room, meals, and some supplies in a RNHCI.

Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover medically-necessary services like doctors’ services and outpatient care. Medicare Part B does not directly cover any of the services at a RNHCI such as the BA.

Part C (privatized Medicare Health Plans) a Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you with all your Part A and Part B benefits; this includes Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). Medicare services are covered through the plan and aren’t paid for under Original Medicare.

Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) Optional benefits for prescription drugs available to all people with Medicare for an additional charge. This coverage is offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare

Enrollment

To apply for Medicare Part A and/or Parts B and D benefits, you should call the Social Security Administration at 1(800) 772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office three to six months before your 65th birthday. Enrolling in Part A is included in your Social Security Benefit package at no additional cost to you. Enrolling in Part B and Part D is your choice.

Important to Note

Medicare provides basic coverage, but it does not cover all health care costs. It was designed this way to help prevent major medical expenses from causing financial ruin.
It was not designed to pay 100% of your health care bills.

Eligibility for Medicare covered care at a Religious Nonmedical Health Care Institution (RNHCI)

A Christian Scientist is eligible for Medicare benefits at a Religious Nonmedical Health Care Institution (RNHCI), such as the BA, if skilled Christian Science nursing is required. Medicare Part A covers room and board, Christian Science nursing care, and some supplies.

Click here for an Explanation of Election for Medicare Benefits

Part A covers:

• Christian Science nursing

• Some supplies

• Room

• Meals and nourishment

Part A does not cover:

• Christian Science practitioner fees

• Telephone calls

• Hairdresser

• Rest and Study visits

• Light Christian Science nursing care

• Personal care items

Part A Medicare Benefits in 2024

Parts A and B Medicare Benefits 2024 PDF

We are often asked why Christian Scientists might enroll in Part B

• Medigap Insurance (a type of private health insurance) usually requires Part B

• Spouses and family members often request that their CS family member be covered by Part B

• If a Christian Scientist elected to have a bone set by a physician – that would be a Part B coverage

• If a Christian Scientist were taken against their will to a hospital (911 called by a neighbor or good Samaritan), Part B coverage could pay   

The Cost of Part B

The standard premium in 2024 is $174.70 each month – deducted from your social security payment.

If income is above a certain amount, you pay more. They look at your modified adjusted gross income from your IRS tax return from 2 years ago (the most recent tax return information provided to SS by the IRS). Increases from $174.70 each month if you are above $91,000 as an individual or above $182,000 filing jointly, see cost of Part B on the Medicare Site.

Late Enrollment Penalties

You can enroll later. But depending on how much later, and the circumstances delaying enrollment, there may be a penalty.

The handbook, Medicare & You, covers this in detail.

Parts A and B Medicare Benefits 2024

Medicare Advantage Plans include :

• Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

  • Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)

  • Private Fee-for-Service Plans

  • Special Needs Plans

  • Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans

Part C seldom covers RNHCIs

As a general rule, Part C Advantage Plans do not cover RNHCIs.

These plans do not usually or consistently reimburse for stays at RNHCIs because the BA is not a contracted provider for Medicare HMOs, and there are no billing codes established for HMOs at this time.

The Cost

Each year, plans establish the amounts they charge for premiums, deductibles, and services. The plan (rather than Medicare) decides how much you pay for the covered services you get. What you pay the plan may change only once a year, on January 1.

Learn more about Part C on medicare.gov.

IF YOU DO HAVE PART C – AN ADVANTAGE PLAN

1. Read your plan carefully to ensure coverage of RNHCIs and Christian Science benefits-should have something in writing. (Our experience for 25 years is an advantage plan seldom covers Christian Science nursing & RNHCIs).

2. Requires a pre-authorization for admittance (except emergencies)

3. Ask if your local Christian Science facility is in network. Can they be?

4. Contact us if you have specific questions.