WASHINGTON – At greater risk from COVID-19, some seniors now face added anxiety due to delays obtaining Medicare coverage.
Advocates for older people say the main problem involves certain applications for Medicare's “Part B” coverage for outpatient care.
It stems from the closure of local Social Security offices in the coronavirus pandemic. Part B is particularly important these days because it covers lab tests, like ones for the coronavirus.
Social Security handles eligibility determinations for Medicare, and while many issues can still be resolved online, some require personal attention.