What is Medicare Part B?
What Is Medicare Part B? Understanding Your Outpatient Medical Coverage
When people first explore Medicare, they quickly discover that it’s divided into different “parts” — each providing coverage for specific types of healthcare. One of the most essential components is Medicare Part B, which works hand-in-hand with Part A to form Original Medicare.
If Medicare Part A covers hospital care, Medicare Part B is your everyday medical coverage. It helps pay for the services you use most often, including doctor visits, preventive care, and outpatient treatment.
Let’s break down exactly what Part B covers, how much it costs, and why it’s so important.
What Does Medicare Part B Cover?
Medicare Part B focuses on outpatient and medically necessary services, meaning care you receive outside of an inpatient hospital stay. It also includes important preventive benefits to help you stay healthy.
👩⚕️ Doctor Visits and Medical Services
Covers routine appointments, specialist visits, urgent care, outpatient surgeries, and other medically necessary treatments.
🩺 Preventive Services
Includes everything from flu shots to cancer screenings — often at no cost to you when performed by an approved provider. Preventive care is a major part of keeping long-term health costs low.
🔬 Diagnostic Tests and Imaging
Part B covers lab tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other diagnostic procedures needed to diagnose or monitor a condition.
🚑 Outpatient Services
Includes outpatient hospital care, same-day procedures, mental health services, physical therapy, and more.
🧪 Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Covers items like walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, and diabetic supplies when medically necessary.
🚑 Emergency Medical Transportation
Medically necessary ambulance transportation is included under Part B.
How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost?
Unlike Part A, Medicare Part B always has a monthly premium. The premium amount is set by the federal government and may be higher for individuals with higher incomes (known as IRMAA charges).
You may also have:
An annual deductible
20% coinsurance for most covered services
(Medicare pays 80%, you pay 20%, without an out-of-pocket maximum under Original Medicare)
This is one reason many people pair Part B with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan or choose a Medicare Advantage plan for extra protection.
Who Is Eligible for Medicare Part B?
Most people become eligible at age 65 if they are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. You can also qualify earlier due to disability, ALS, or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Enrollment can happen:
Automatically (for those already receiving Social Security benefits)
Or manually, during specific enrollment periods like your Initial Enrollment Period or the General Enrollment Period
Why Is Medicare Part B Important?
Part B is the part of Medicare you’ll likely use most often. Without it, even routine medical care — like visiting your doctor or getting a diagnostic test — could become extremely expensive.
By covering essential outpatient services and preventive care, Part B helps ensure you stay healthier, catch potential issues early, and avoid high out-of-pocket medical bills.
The Bottom Line
Medicare Part B is a critical piece of your healthcare coverage, offering day-to-day protection that complements your hospital coverage under Part A. Together, they form the foundation of Original Medicare — giving you access to the care you need, when you need it.