Medicare Part B is the second part of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Medicare Part B is often referred to as Medical insurance because most of what it covers is related doctor office visits and durable medical equipment.
What Medicare Part B Covers
- Services from doctors and other health care providers
- "Welcome to Medicare" exam and yearly wellness physical exams
- Outpatient Care
- Home Health Care
- Durable Medical Equipment
- Some Preventive Services - including screenings and vaccines
- Chemotherapy
- Diagnostic tests and lab work
- X-rays
- Ambulance Services: transport and travel to and from certain locations
Premiums for Medicare Part B
Unlike Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B does have a cost associated with it. What you pay is based on your income on your tax return form 2 years before. Some beneficiaries can qualify for low-income assistance for Part B.
Medicare publishes a chart to determine what your premium will be. Remember, it is using your tax return figures from 2 year prior.
File Individual Tax Return | File Joint Tax Return | You Pay Each Month (in 2020) | |
|---|---|---|---|
$87,000 or less | $174,000 or less | $144.60 | |
$87,001 to $109,000 | $174,001 to $218,000 | $202.40 | |
$109,001 to $136,000 | $218,001 to $272,000 | $289.20 | |
$136,001 to $163,000 | $272,001 to $326,000 | $376.00 | |
$163,001 to $499,999 | $326,001 to $749,999 | $462.70 | |
| $750,000 and above | $491.60 |
For details on how to apply for Medicare Part B, please click this link: How to enroll in Medicare
What You Pay with Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B has costs you have to cover before it starts covering 80%. The Part B deductible changes each year, however the change is usually just a few dollars. Once you have meet that deductible, you are responsible for the remaining 20%. That 20% has no yearly maximum.
Your Costs with Medicare Part B | What You Pay (2020) |
|---|---|
Deductible | $198/year |
Co Insurance | 20% of Approved Medicare Charges (no max limit) |
How to cover the gaps in Medicare Part B
The out of pocket exposure with Medicare Part B is significant. In order to avoid that exposure, many seniors will choose a Medicare supplement (Medigap) plan to cover those holes in Original Medicare. To learn more about the peace of mind a Medicare supplement plan can provide, click on this link: What is a Medigap Plan.