Medicare Part B
Understanding Original Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B extends your coverage by providing essential medical services not included in hospital care.
What Does Part B Cover?
Medicare Part B helps pay for a wide range of essential medical services and supplies outside of hospital stays, including
Outpatient Services
Covers doctor visits, diagnostic tests (like lab work and X-rays), physical therapy, and preventive services such as mammograms and flu shots. These services are typically provided at clinics, hospitals, or physician offices.
Mental Health Care
Includes coverage for outpatient mental health services, inpatient care related to mental health, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
If prescribed as medically necessary, Part B helps cover the cost of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen supplies, and blood sugar monitors.
Certain Outpatient Prescription Drugs
While most prescription drug coverage falls under Part D, Part B covers specific medications administered in a clinical or outpatient setting—such as chemotherapy drugs or infusions given by a healthcare provider.
Unlocking the Benefits of Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B offers a wide range of medical services beyond hospital care, helping ensure your ongoing health and well-being—no matter where you live.
Outpatient Care Made Simple
Covers essential services such as doctor visits, lab work, X-rays, and therapies like physical rehabilitation—delivered in clinics, hospitals, or physician offices.
Preventive Services That Matter
From flu shots and mammograms to routine screenings, Part B focuses on preventive care to help detect and address potential health concerns early.
Mental Health Support
Recognizing the importance of mental health, Part B includes coverage for inpatient and outpatient services, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs.
Medically Necessary Equipment
Need support at home? Part B helps pay for durable medical equipment (DME) like walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, or blood sugar monitors.
Specialty Medications
In addition to general care, Part B also covers certain outpatient prescription drugs—especially those administered in a clinical setting, such as chemotherapy or injection-based treatments.
Cost of Medicare Part B
The IRMAA is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years ago. So, for example, your MAGI from 2023 is used to determine your IRMAA for 2025 The IRMAA is an additional surcharge that is added to your monthly premiums for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Part D (prescription drug coverage). If your income is below the thresholds in the table, you will not pay any IRMAA
Late Enrollment Penalty
If you delay enrolling in Part B beyond your initial eligibility, you might face a higher monthly premium. However, exceptions exist through Special Enrollment Periods.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Costs for individual services and supplies under Part B can vary. Certain preventive services are fully covered by some providers who accept Medicare assignment. There’s also an annual deductible you’ll need to meet before Medicare starts sharing costs. After that, you’ll typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services, along with potential copayments. Consulting your doctor or healthcare provider can help estimate your final out-of-pocket expenses
Medicare Part B Premium Refund – Get Money Back in Your Social Security Check
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a Part B give-back benefit, which can refund a portion—or in some cases, all—of your $185 monthly Part B premium. This money goes directly back into your Social Security check every month.
Eligibility varies by your zip code, plan availability, and other factors, but if you qualify, this benefit can save you over $2,200 per year. We can help you check if you’re in an area where these refund plans are offered.