Medicare Part B

Medical insurance

Medicare Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care, including:

  • Physician services, including in the hospital
  • An annual wellness visit and preventive services, like flu shots and mammograms
  • Lab services, like blood tests
  • X-rays and some other diagnostic tests
  • Some health programs, like smoking cessation, obesity counseling and cardiac rehab
  • Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services
  • Diabetes screenings, diabetes education and certain diabetes supplies
  • Mental health care
  • Durable medical equipment for use at home, like wheelchairs and walkers
  • Ambulatory surgery center services
  • Ambulance and emergency room services

Medicare Part B helps pay for doctor visits and outpatient care.

You cannot be denied Part B coverage. You may go to any doctor or qualified health care provider in the United States who participates in the Medicare program and is accepting Medicare patients.

Medicare Part B Costs

  • Medicare Part B deductibles and premiums, vary per calendar year

Coinsurance

  • 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most covered services after you pay the deductible, with no annual out-of-pocket maximum

Part B may charge a premium penalty if you don’t sign up when you are first eligible, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.