Medicare Part B Explained

What is Medicare Part B?

What does Medicare Part B cover?

Doctor and other health care provider services
Outpatient surgery
Lab and x-ray services
Ambulance services
Preventive services
Durable medical equipment like prosthetics, wheelchairs, and hospital beds

Services that are NOT covered by Medicare but can be covered by Medicare Advantage plans include these:

Routine hearing, dental, and vision exams
Hearing aids or glasses (except for glasses after cataract surgery)
Emergency assistance while traveling outside the U.S.
Fitness club membership
Long-term care (such as a nursing home)
Prescription drug coverage

How much does Medicare Part B cost?

Part B requires you to pay a monthly premium, calculated based on your adjusted gross income, along with a yearly deductible before coverage begins. You are also responsible for paying part of the costs that Part B does not cover.

Your costs include:

Your Medicare Part B monthly premium, if applicable.
Yearly deductible (paid before Medicare begins paying).
Coinsurance (percentage of the cost that Medicare does not pay).

When am I eligible for Medicare Part B?

You can enroll in Medicare Part B if:

You are age 65 or older, or
You are under age 65 with certain disabilities, or
You have permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis.

How do I get Medicare Part B?

If you already get benefits from Social Security, you'll get Medicare Parts A and Part B automatically when you're first eligible and don't need to sign up. Medicare will send you a "Welcome to Medicare" packet three months before you turn 65. You can also contact the Social Security Administration to sign up for Original Medicare. Go to SSA.gov or call toll-free 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.