Medicare Part B: What Does it Cover?

June 3, 2019 | Debby Jesser

If you’ve spent any time researching Medicare, you’ve probably seen phrases like “Part A” and “Part B.” Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital coverage, and Part B is the preventative care that people usually associate with Medicare. Are you wondering what premiums, deductibles, and benefits that a Medicare Part B Plan Offers? Here is what you need to know. 

What is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B is the second portion of the Federal program known as Original Medicare. Part B has a premium that you pay monthly. Currently, the base premium for Part B 2019 is $135.50. This base premium is determined by your income and Social Security reviews your income filed on your tax statement using a two year look back each year. It is important to remember that depending on your income (whether you file single or joint), you may pay a higher premium if your income falls in a higher bracket.

What Does Medicare Part B Cover?

Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services like outpatient procedures and surgeries (lab tests, MRI, CT Scans, Radiology, and X Rays) and Part B Medications. The Part B Medications include chemotherapy, infusions, injections (such as osteoporosis injections), infused drugs, antigens, and insulin (that is used with an insulin pump). Keep in mind that the injections are done in a medical facility.

Medicare Part B also covers an ambulance, durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, insulin pumps, and hospital beds), and preventive/screening services. For preventative/screening services, you pay nothing for most preventive services if you get the services from a health care provider who accepts Medicare.

What Services are Not Covered by Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B does not cover long-term care (also called custodial care), most dental care, eye exams related to prescribing glasses, dentures, cosmetic surgery, acupuncture, hearing aids and exams for fitting them, routine foot care, routine physicals, and prescription drugs that you pick up at the pharmacy. If you need any of these services, you have to pay 100% of the cost. However, if you have other insurance, this additional insurance may cover some of these costs.

What is the Annual Deductible for Medicare Part B?

The deductible for 2019 is $185, but this amount can change each year. The good news is that once you meet your deductible, Medicare pays 80% and you only have to pay 20%. Also, keep in mind that there is no maximum out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part B services and your 20% portion has no cap or ceiling on what you owe.

If you want to know what’s covered under your specific plan, our Medicare experts can help. Call us at 651-444-1190 or contact us online with any questions you may have.