Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B or medical insurance covers medically critical supplies and service required for the treatment or diagnosis of your health state. This includes outpatient services provided in a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, or any other health facility. Moreover, Part B helps cover a number of preventative services to detect illnesses or avoid them at an early stage.

Benefits of Medicare Part B

Medical supplies and services covered by Medicare Part B include, but are not limited to:

• Visits to the doctor
• X-rays and lab tests
• Long-lasting medical equipment
• Mental health services
• Preventative services, like flue flu shots, pap tests, and screenings
• Rehab services, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, as well as speech-language pathology services

The coverage offers you access to a range of outpatient medical services, as well as ordinary outpatient services such as doctor’s visits, home health care, ambulance ride, lab testing, and some kind of chiropractic care.

However, it also sometimes covers more costly services that occur in the hospital, such as radiation, surgeries, chemotherapy for cancer, medical equipment, and dialysis for failing kidneys.

Cost of Medicare Part B

You are required to make a monthly payment in order to receive the benefits of Medicare Part B. Most US citizens will pay the normal monthly payment as set by the government.

The base rate in 2023 for Part B is $164.90 per month for those individuals who are new to Medicare. But remember that you might owe more if your earnings are above a specific level.

For 2023 the Medicare Part B Premium will be.

• Individuals with 2022 income less than or equal to $97,000, or married couples with 2022 income less than or equal to $194,000, the Part B monthly premium amount would be $164.90.
• Individuals with 2022 income between $97,000 to $123,000 or married couples with 2022 income between $194,000 to $246,000, the Part B monthly premium amount would be $230.80.
• Individuals with 2022 income between $153,000 to $183,000 or married couples with 2022 income between $306,000 to $366,000, the Part B monthly premium amount would be $428.60.
• Individuals with 2022 income between $183,000 to $500,000 or married couples with 2022 income between $366,000 to $750,000, the Part B monthly premium amount would be $527.50.
• Individuals with 2022 income greater than or equal to $500,000 or married couples with 2022 income greater than or equal to to $750,000, the Part B monthly premium amount would be $560.50.

If you did not enroll in Part B when you were first eligible, you might have to pay a late-fee penalty via a higher premium, unless you are qualified for a Special Enrollment period. For individual supplies and services, your Medicare costs may differ accordingly.

Certain preventative services are fully covered if your health care provider accepts Medicare assignment. If the Part B deductible is applicable, you must pay all costs until you meet the annual deductible amount before Medicare starts paying its part.

Once your deductible has been met, you generally pay around 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the service. You might also owe a co-payment for some types of outpatient services. Consult with your doctor or healthcare provider regarding the supplies or services that you will need in order to better estimate the final cost.