What Is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B is the medical insurance portion of Medicare, covering outpatient services, doctor visits, preventive care, durable medical equipment, and some home health services. Unlike Part A, most beneficiaries pay a monthly premium for Part B coverage.

What does Medicare Part B cover?

• Doctor visits: Includes primary care, specialists, and outpatient consultations.
• Preventive care: Covers screenings, vaccines (flu, pneumonia, COVID-19), and wellness exams.
• Durable medical equipment (DME): Includes wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen equipment when medically necessary.
• Outpatient care: Covers hospital outpatient services, lab tests, and imaging (e.g., X-rays, MRIs).
• Home health services: Limited coverage for medically necessary part-time skilled nursing care or therapy.
• Mental health services: Includes counseling, therapy, and psychiatric evaluations.

What are the costs?

• Premium: Starts at $174.70 per month (2024 rates), but higher-income beneficiaries may pay more.
• Deductible: $240 per year (2024 rates) before Medicare starts covering services.
• Coinsurance: Typically 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most covered services after the deductible is met.

How Solace can help

Understanding what Medicare Part B covers—and what it doesn’t—can be overwhelming. A Solace advocate can help you review your benefits, find in-network providers, appeal denied claims, and explore cost-saving options. If you need assistance securing covered medical services or equipment, an advocate can guide you through the process.