Medicare Part B is a key component of Medicare, the U.S. federal health insurance program. It serves individuals who are 65 years and older, along with some younger people with disabilities or specific medical conditions.
Unlike Medicare Part A, which covers hospital services, Part B is often described as medical insurance. It covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and medical supplies.
Medicare Part B is optional and unlike Part A, comes with a monthly premium. For most beneficiaries, the government covers approximately 75% of the premium cost, but individuals with higher incomes are required to pay a higher percentage of the premium.
Medicare Part B provides coverage for two main categories of services and supplies:
Services, treatments and supplies covered by Medicare Part B include:
Doctor visits and outpatient care
Preventive services, such as vaccinations and health screenings
Laboratory tests, like blood tests and X-rays
Physical therapy and occupational therapy
Durable medical equipment (DME), such as wheelchairs and walkers
Mental health services for outpatient treatment
Some prescription drugs administered in a doctor’s office or hospital outpatient setting
While Medicare coverage can differ from state to state, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is consistently provided across the country by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Medicare Part B significantly impacts healthcare by providing broad coverage for non-hospital medical needs, including preventive services, which are crucial for early detection and treatment of diseases. This coverage helps reduce the overall healthcare costs for beneficiaries by covering services and supplies necessary for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.