Seeking care can be expensive, so knowing which care center to seek treatment from and when is crucial to saving on health care costs. Whether you need to visit urgent care or an emergency room (ER) will depend on the severity of your situation and the care you need. The most significant difference in care will be the cost. Our We Make Medicare Easy agents are here to help you sort through what types of care you need and help you find the best coverage for your healthcare needs.
When Should I Go to the ER Versus Urgent Care?
Knowing which type of care you need when you’re not feeling well or you’re injured can be stressful at the moment. Knowing which instances require an emergency room visit versus an urgent care visit can help relieve stress during the moment and save you money. Emergency room visits are for severe conditions only and mean you could require care at a hospital. You may need an ER visit for the following:
· stroke
· heart attack
· seizure
· head injuries
· serious burns
· broken bones
· bleeding that can’t be controlled
· suicidal thoughts
· serious wounds
Urgent care is for scenarios where you need medical attention, but it’s not life-threatening or immediate. An urgent care visit could be required for any of the following conditions:
· insect or animal bites
· sprains
· cold or flu
· allergies
· minor cuts, burns, or fractures
· urinary tract or other bacterial infections
Does Medicare Cover Urgent Care and ER Visits?
Costs for urgent care and the ER differ vastly due to the immediate need and seriousness of the care. The following are how Medicare covers your urgent care and ER visits:
Urgent Care
Urgent care costs are typically lower than an ER visit. The type of Medicare coverage you have will determine your costs. If you have Original Medicare, you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved cost once you meet your deductible. If you have Medicare Advantage, you typically pay a flat copay amount. If you see out-of-network urgent care, your prices may be higher.
Emergency Room
An ER visit is a lot more expensive than urgent care. If you have Original Medicare, the same rules apply where you’ll pay 20 percent of the cost after your deductible. Medicare Advantage has a set copayment for ER visits. What you pay for the ER will vary depending on the elements of your plan. Be sure to reach out to an agent to learn more about how Medicare impacts your costs.
Learn More Today
At We Make Medicare Easy, we want to help you understand how your policy impacts your health care costs. For further information, reach out to an agent today.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Don’t hesitate to contact your insurance professional for further information.