Stillwater Medical Center Clarifies Medicare Medication Rules

- You may be unaware that Medicare does not always cover all medications in the hospital setting.

To help our patients reduce their financial burden, Stillwater Medical Center allows Medicare outpatient and observation patients to bring their self-administered medications from home to avoid charges for medication administered by the hospital that the patient already has on hand.

Medicare defines self-administered drugs as medications that the patient could, in another setting, take him or herself. The list of medications includes tablets, sprays, drops, inhalants and some injectable drugs.  Medicare considers these self administered medications as non-covered items so a patient’s Medicare supplement does not pay for them either.

“You should bring all your medicine in the original dispensing containers. Also, remember to bring any herbal or dietary supplements you take. Our pharmacy staff will inventory your medications, and label them for your nurse to administer.  Your unused supply will be returned to you at discharge,” said Bill Arrington, Pharmacy Director.

“Patients may be confused about whether they are in an inpatient or observation status,” said Liz Michael, VP of Patient Services. “Even if you stay in the hospital overnight, you might still be considered an observation patient.  To avoid confusion and possible medication charges that will not be covered by Medicare, you should talk to your attending physician about your status.” 

A handout has been developed to inform impacted patients of their status.  For further clarification, log on to the Medicare website at http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11333.pdf

For more information:  Shyla Eggers, Director of Public Relations, (405) 742-5390