Ever Heard of Viral Hepatitis?
Complications from Hepatitis include infection in the liver caused by a virus. Hepatitis kills about 1.4 million people annually throughout the world. You may have numerous questions about viral hepatitis diagnosis and how Medicare will cover your treatment if you have just received such news. Hepatitis A, B, C, D, & E are the five most common forms. A unique set of environmental factors triggers each and requires a tailored treatment plan. Explore Medicare hepatitis coverage treatment, prevention, and vaccination. Learn about diagnosis options and stay protected with NewMedicare’s comprehensive guide.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is spread primarily through direct contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or drink. It’s usually not severe and doesn’t need treatment unless it worsens, but it can be fatal in rare situations.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a contagious virus that spreads widely due to person-to-person contact. Transmission of Hepatitis B can happen through blood or other bodily fluids transfusion. Breast milk or other body fluids can transmit hepatitis B. That is why it is advised not to use used needles for transfusion purposes since this is where the virus will be alive for about seven days. While most adults who contract hepatitis B will eventually be cured, a tiny number will always be carriers. Both hepatitis A and B vaccines are safe and effective.
Hepatitis C
In particular, hepatitis C can cause severe liver damage and scarring, ultimately fatal. No vaccination is available for this specific virus strain, which is spread by contact with infected blood or needles.
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D is rare in the U.S. and only infects hepatitis B carriers. Although a vaccine against hepatitis D does not yet exist, those who have not yet contracted hepatitis B can protect themselves by vaccinating against it.
Hepatitis E
Lastly, hepatitis E is a self-limiting disease spread through the consumption of fecal matter, even in minute amounts. It is commonly linked to a country’s contaminated water supply due to a lack of sanitation infrastructure. Vaccination against Hepatitis E is not yet available.
Medicare Hepatitis Coverage: NewMedicare At Your Rescue
NewMedicare is here to protect our patients from hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. At NewMedicare, we provide;
- Relevant shots for Hepatitis A, when it’s necessary (when the doctor recommends)
- A series of three shots for protection against Hepatitis B, given over a six-month period (three shots are significant for complete protection)
- Hepatitis C one-time screening test (if the doctor prescribes it or if your medical condition gets worse)
Hepatitis C Worsened Conditions
Your chance of being infected by Hepatitis C is greater if you meet even one of these conditions;
- First, You have a record of consuming injected drugs.
- Second, You had a blood transfusion before 1992, or
- Third, You were born between 1945-1965