Medicare Covering Additional Costs

Medicare is notifying recipients that its telehealth services have been temporarily expanded to allow doctors and clinicians to perform dozens more additional services via phone and computer. In-person appointments may still be available for those who develop COVID-19 symptoms.

Medicare announced additional key services have been expanded without co-pay due to the COVID-19 crisis including lab testing with no out-of-pocket costs.

Hospital costs will be covered without additional cost. This includes if you’re diagnosed with the novel coronavirus and need to stay in the hospital under quarantine instead of being discharged after an inpatient stay.

Medicare said scams are on the rise and recipients must use caution.

“You may already be taking steps to protect your health during the COVID-19 emergency,” according to a warning issued by Medicare. “Be sure to also protect your identity from scammers by guarding your Medicare number. It’s easy to get distracted and let your guard down during these uncertain times. Scammers may try to steal your Medicare number. They might lie about sending you coronavirus vaccines, tests, masks, or other items in exchange for your Medicare number or personal information.”

Recipients are urged to share a Medicare number only with primary and specialty care doctors, participating Medicare pharmacists, hospitals, health insurers, or other trusted health care providers. Check Medicare claims summary forms for errors.

Riverhead Testing Center

A free COVID-19 test site will be opening at the county center in Riverhead on Friday, County Executive Steve Bellone announced this afternoon.

The testing site in Riverside will be set up in the parking lot at the Evans K. Griffing County Center at 100 Center Drive. HRH Care, a private health company that handles county testing sites, will coordinate.

Bellone cautioned some appointments would be required for testing and the same screening procedures.

Winery Makes Donation

A part owner of MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays, who also owns to North Fork wineries, donated $100,000 to Eastern Long Island Hospital’s fight against the novel coronavirus.

The Greenport hospital said via press release Randall Frankel made the donation Monday April 6. The funds will be used to increase capacity.

Frankel owns Shinn Estate Vineyards and reportedly partnered with Kristen and Daniel Pennessi, owners of The Menhaden hotel in Greenport to purchase Croteaux Vineyards in Southold as well.

rmurphy@indyeastend.com