Overview
Part B of Medicare typically covers two kinds of services:
Medically necessary services: Treatments or supplies that are needed to diagnose or treat a specific medical condition and meet accepted standards of care
Preventative services: Those that help prevent illness, such as the flu, or detect it in its early stages. These preventive services may be covered without cost if certain requirements are met, such as if they are provided by a healthcare provider who participates in Medicare.
It covers care you receive while an outpatient such as doctor visits, lab work, emergency services. But it also covers fees charged by doctors who participate in your care while in the hospital.
MEDICARE PART B: MEDICAL INSURANCE
Additional Information
Individuals who are already receiving Social Security benefits prior to the age of 65 will automatically be enrolled in both Parts A & B. Your Medicare ID card will be sent to your mailing address approximately three months before your 65th birthday.
If you are not already receiving Medicare benefits, you can apply online or by calling the Social Security Administration office. Your Initial Enrollment Period for Parts A & B begins three months before your 65th birthday and lasts three months after your birthday. If you don't enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period and do not have other creditable health insurance, you may incur a penalty.
For those who miss out on the Initial Enrollment Period due to other creditable health insurance, a Special Enrollment Period may apply to you. Be sure to check if you qualify so you can enroll without penalties.
If your Medicare Part B benefits get interrupted for any reason, you will need to reapply to get them reinstated.
What is typically included?
Ambulance services
Durable medical equipment
Mental health
Inpatient
Outpatient
Partial hospitalization
Limited outpatient prescription drugs
Clinical research
Preventive care like cancer screenings, vaccines, lab work, and more
Part B does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing benefits, services or treatments that are not considered medically necessary, most vaccinations and immunizations, and outpatient prescription drugs.
