MEDICARE, EXPLAINED
Medicare Part B
The coverage that's there for everyday care.
Most of your health care doesn't happen in a hospital bed, it happens at the doctor's office, in a lab, or during a routine check-up. Medicare Part B is the coverage built for that everyday side of care. It helps pay for visits to your doctor, preventive screenings, outpatient procedures, and the medical equipment you might need at home. If it's care you receive without being admitted, this is the part of Medicare that steps in.
What Part B Covers
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Doctor Visits
Office visits, specialist consultations, and check-ups covered under your plan.
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Preventive Care
Screenings, vaccines, and annual wellness visits designed to catch problems early.
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Outpatient Care
Procedures, tests, and treatment you receive without being admitted to a hospital.
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Durable Medical Equipment
Wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen equipment, and other supplies your doctor prescribes.
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Ambulance Services
Emergency transportation to a hospital or facility when your condition requires it.
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Mental Health Services
Outpatient care including therapy visits, counseling, and psychiatric evaluations.
Enrollments and Costs
Enrollment: If you're already receiving Social Security, Medicare will enroll you automatically the month you turn 65, and your card will arrive without you lifting a finger. If Social Security isn't part of your picture yet, the enrollment is yours to handle. You'll have a seven-month window to do it, starting three months before your 65th birthday and closing three months after.
What It Costs: Unlike Part A, most people do pay a monthly premium for Part B, regardless of work history. The standard premium is set each year and can be higher for people with higher reported income (a surcharge known as IRMAA). There's also an annual deductible, and after that's met, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost for most services.
Medicare A FAQs
Does Part B cover surgery?
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If it's outpatient surgery, yes. If you're admitted for it, that's Part A.
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How do I get started?
Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call. I'll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
Do I need Part B if I have other insurance?
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It depends on your situation. If you or your spouse are still working and have employer coverage, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty. But for most people without other qualifying coverage, delaying Part B leads to a permanent premium penalty and a gap before coverage kicks back in.
Yes, and it works differently than Part A's. The Part B deductible is a single annual amount rather than one tied to hospital stays. Once you've met it for the year, you typically pay 20% coinsurance on covered services.
Is there a deductible?
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Can I have Part B without Part A?
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You can, though it's uncommon. Most people who qualify for premium-free Part A take it automatically, since there's no cost involved. Turning down Part A while keeping Part B usually doesn't make sense unless there's a specific reason tied to other coverage you have.
Still Have Questions?
Medicare comes with a lot of details, and it's normal to have questions along the way. That's exactly what we're here for. Reach out anytime, whether you're just starting to look into your options or trying to sort out a specific decision. There's no cost to the conversation, and no obligation attached to it.