What is Medicare Part B Coverage?
Part B
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary doctor and outpatient hospital procedures and services as well as a specific, not particularly comprehensive, list of preventive services. Most people have to pay a premium for Medicare Part B and it is generally deducted from your Social Security check.
The Medicare Part B premium for those already on Medicare for 2010 is $96.40 but for those turning 65 in 2010, the premium will be higher. The Part B premium is also higher for people above certain income levels. Further, if you do not sign up when you are first eligible, you may be subject to penalties in the future when you do enroll.
Although many services and products are covered under Medicare Part B that are not covered under Medicare Part A, keep in mind that Part B is still not a complete insurance coverage plan. Part B helps cover the medically necessary and preventive services listed below:
- Doctor visits -- whether received as an inpatient at a hospital or at a doctor's office, or as an outpatient at a hospital or other health care facility
- Laboratory tests and X-rays
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation services
- Ambulance services
- Some home health care
- Various medical equipment and supplies when they are medically necessary
- Glaucoma tests
- Colorectal cancer screenings
- Diabetic screenings
- Diabetic supplies
- Diabetic self management
- Cardiovascular screenings
- Flu shots and hepatitis B shots
- Bone mass measurements
- Mammograms, pelvic exams and pap tests
- Prostate cancer screenings
- Smoking cessation counseling
Medicare Part B covers what is called a “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam. It is only covered once and it has to be completed within the first 12 months of being enrolled in Medicare Part B.
Medicare Part B has an annual deductible which in 2010 is $155. Once the deductible is satisfied, in general, most services are covered at 80%, mental health is covered at 55%.
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