Medicare Part B is medical insurance that helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some home health care.
It's available to people who are 65 or older, as well as younger people with certain disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Medicare Part B helps cover the costs of doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some home health care. It also helps cover the costs of durable medical equipment (DME), such as wheelchairs and walkers.
There is a monthly premium for Medicare Part B. In 2023, the standard premium is $164.90. However, your premium may be higher or lower depending on your income.
There is a deductible for Medicare Part B. In 2023, the deductible is $226. This means that you'll have to pay the first $226 of your covered medical expenses each year.
To be eligible for Medicare Part B, you must be 65 or older or have certain disabilities. You can also be eligible for Medicare Part B if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
You can enroll in Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is the seven-month period that begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your 65th birthday. You can also enroll in Medicare Part B during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs are available for certain life events, such as losing job-based health insurance.
Medicare Part B is a medical insurance program. It does not cover inpatient hospital stays.
You can get Medicare Part B even if you're still working.
If you're eligible for Medicare Part A, you're automatically enrolled in Part B.
You can choose to have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.
You can get help paying your Medicare Part B premiums if you can't afford them.
You can get more information about Medicare Part B by visiting the Medicare website or calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You can also talk to a Medicare counselor. Medicare counselors are trained to help you understand your Medicare options.