What is Medicare Part B?
Established in 1965, Medicare Part B is one of the two parts of Original Medicare. While Part A is for Hospital insurance, Part B is for Medical insurance including coverage for doctor services and outpatient medical care. Many of the health care services Medicare Part A doesn’t cover is covered by Medicare Part B. Medicare supplies like Durable Medicare Equipment along with ambulance services and preventative care are among the many things covered by Part B
Medicare Eligibility for Part B
Eligibility for Medicare Part B varies from Medicare eligibility in Part A. An individual must be a U.S. resident and a U.S. citizen. An individual is eligible if not a U.S. citizen, but an alien who is admitted to the United States for permanent residence and has been a resident for the past 5 continuous years prior to applying for Medicare.
Disabled Medicare eligible individuals are automatically enrolled in Part A and B once the disabled individual has been receiving disability benefits from social security for a 24 month time period.
Important! Penalties may be assessed for late enrollment in Medicare Part B for those individuals eligible for Original Medicare Part B.
Eligibility for Medicare Part B Enrollment
- 65 Years or Older
- U.S. Citizen Or..
- …Permanent resident legally in the U.S. for at least five continuous years.
- Under 65 receiving Social Security Disability Benefits…
- … you will automatically be enrolled in Part A and B after 24 months of disability benefits
What does Medicare Part B Cover?
Most Medicare approved preventative care services are covered by Part B. Medicare Part B covers medical services for treatment of an illness, condition or disease. Coverage also includes certain medically necessary supplies also known as Durable Medical Equipment (DME).
In addition to medical treatment and supplies (DME), Medicare Part B also provides Preventive services to detect illness in its early stages and to prevent illnesses like the flu or other sickness.
Medicare Part B Coverage?
- Medical Services (ie. Doctor Visits, Lab Work, Clinical Research)
- DME – Medical Supplies (ie. Crutches, Oxygen Equipment, Walkers)
- Preventive Services (Diabetes Screening, Flu Shots, Colorectal Screening)
Medicare Part B Costs
Part B Monthly Premium
The Medicare Part B yearly premium based on your income level. Premiums range from $134 a month to $428 a month in 2017.*
Deductible and Coinsurance for Medicare Part B
The annual deductible is $183 in 2017. Once this deductible is met, Medicare Beneficiaries owe 20% coinsurance for all Medicare Part B approved medical costs.
* See Part B Costs for more information regarding
