Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

Female physiotherapist helping elderly man in wheelchair do exercises with dumbbells at health center stock photo

By Daniel Petkevich

Jan 20, 2023

A stroke can cost thousands of dollars. Do you have coverage?

Nearly 800,000 Americans have a stroke each year. And if it happens to you or a loved one, the after-effects can be devastating. With Medicare, you are covered in the event of a stroke. And further, there are some Medicare Advantage plans with more specialized coverage for those with special needs. Read on to find out more about what Medicare covers for stroke patients.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

What's covered in Medicare?

Treatments available to stroke patients may also change over time, so it's important to stay up-to-date on what is included in Medicare coverage. Also, everyone's healthcare needs following a stroke can vary. Here are some examples of different treatment options that might be covered for you:

Examples of inpatient care covered by

Part A

Medicare Part A is also known as Hospital Insurance. For stroke recovery, you may have the following covered:

  • Hospital stays

  • Inpatient rehab

  • 20 days of care in a skilled nursing facility

Examples of outpatient care covered by

Part B

Medicare Part B is also known as Medical Insurance and may include the following:

  • Home health services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology

  • Durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds

  • Certain preventive services that may reduce the risk of a stroke happening in the first place (see more below).

  • Diagnostic tests such as MRI and CT scans

  • Certain prescription drugs to help manage stroke symptoms (some drugs will fall under Part D prescription drug coverage)

It's important to remember that what is covered may vary depending on what type of Medicare coverage you have, so check with your doctor or health plan provider for specific information about what is covered.

Preventive services to reduce the risk of future strokes

Medicare Part B also covers certain preventive services to help reduce the risk of a stroke happening in the first place.

These include:

  • Blood pressure screenings

  • Diabetes screenings and education

  • Vaccinations such as flu shots or shingles vaccines

  • Lifestyle counseling and smoking cessation programs

  • Low-dose aspirin therapy

  • Nutritional counseling

These services are covered once a year, so take advantage of them and talk with your doctor about what is best for you.

The average cost of stroke rehabilitation

The cost of stroke rehabilitation can vary greatly depending on what type of care is needed. That being said,

some estimates put the average cost of the first year after having a stroke at over $17,000

. Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the cost of approved services such as physical and occupational therapy. The remaining 20% may be covered by supplemental insurance plans or out-of-pocket costs. If you are looking for the best way to combat steep out-of-pocket costs, look no further than

Medicare Supplement Plan G

.

What isn't covered by Medicare?

Medicare has some gaps when it comes to treating people recovering from strokes. Long-term care is currently not covered by Medicare. However, if you also have Medicaid, you might get coverage for long-term care. Speak with your plan provider for information specific to your unique situation.

What about Medicare Advantage?

There are plans available specifically for those who have survived strokes called Special Needs Plans (SNPs). Stroke is one of the chronic conditions that qualify a beneficiary for these plans. You just need to meet the following criteria:

Tips for getting the most out of your coverage

  • Know what type of coverage you have

  • Ask your doctor what is covered

  • Take advantage of preventive services

  • Consider supplemental insurance plans

  • Keep up with changes in Medicare coverage.

Keeping up with

what is and what isn't covered by Medicare

can be a challenge, so it's important to stay informed and speak with your doctor about what's right for you.

Conclusion

Medicare covers a variety of treatments and services for stroke patients, from inpatient care to preventive screenings. Be sure to check what is covered by your specific plan and talk to your doctor about what is best for you. Taking advantage of what Medicare does cover can help ensure that you get the care and support you need after a stroke. If you have questions about what is covered by Medicare or whether your plan is the right fit for you, speak with an expert at

Fair Square Medicare

.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Nov 21, 2022

What is the ICEP?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

Apr 7, 2023

Cover image

How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?

Sep 6, 2023

Senior woman smiling after vaccination stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Dec 9, 2022

Male doctor with his arms crossed stock image

Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?

Dec 8, 2022

Medicare at 62 stock image

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Jun 16, 2022

The feet of a person suffering from foot pain stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Nov 29, 2022

Person receiving a vaccine stock photo

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Nov 17, 2022

senior man with his glasses in his hand working in front of his laptop stock photo

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

Sep 19, 2022

Hepatitis C stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Nov 22, 2022

senior woman doing botox stock photo

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Jan 19, 2023

Leg bones and knees, 3d rendering. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Nov 30, 2022

Senior woman receiving an ear exam stock photo

Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?

Nov 22, 2022

senior man receiving dental care stock photo

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Jun 2, 2022

Indianapolis skyline at night stock image

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

Mar 9, 2023

Arizona desert stock photo

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

Mar 6, 2023

Cover image

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Jul 12, 2023

Screenshot 2025-03-19 at 5.02.46 PM

2024 Fair Square NPS Report

Mar 19, 2025

More of our articles

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Is PAE Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare 101

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Consulting Services

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M