РусскийMedicare Part B
Medicare Part B: How and When to Enroll, What It Covers, Costs, and Key Information
How and When to Enroll in Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B covers outpatient services, such as doctor visits, preventive care, and certain medical equipment. Enrollment follows the same rules as Part A, with an Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) for those who are still working.
- Initial Enrollment Period: Lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before the month you turn 65, and ending 3 months after.
- Special Enrollment Period: If you have employer-provided health insurance, you can enroll in Part B later, without a penalty.
- Late Enrollment: If you miss your IEP and don’t qualify for a SEP, you will face a penalty of 10% for every 12-month period you were eligible but didn’t sign up.
What Does Medicare Part B Cover?
Medicare Part B is designed to cover outpatient and preventive services. Here is what’s included:
| Service | What Part B Covers | Details |
| Doctor visits | Outpatient doctor visits, including specialists | Coverage for medically necessary visits, surgeries, and tests ordered by your doctor. |
| Preventive care | Annual wellness visits, screenings, and vaccinations | Includes flu shots, cancer screenings, and other preventive services, often at no cost to the beneficiary. |
| Lab tests | Diagnostic tests like blood work or X-rays | Medicare pays 100% for lab services when ordered by a physician. |
| Durable medical equipment | Equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen | Coverage for medically necessary equipment that is used in your home and prescribed by a doctor. |
| Mental health services | Outpatient counseling and therapy | Coverage for outpatient mental health services, including counseling and therapy sessions. |
| Home health care | Limited skilled nursing care and therapy | Covers part-time skilled nursing, physical therapy, and home health aides for those who are homebound and need skilled care. Does not cover long-term care. |
Costs of Medicare Part B
Unlike Part A, Medicare Part B requires everyone to pay a premium. However, costs are based on your income, so higher-income beneficiaries may pay more.
| Type of Cost | 2024 Costs | Details |
| Premium | $174.70 per month (standard) | Higher-income individuals may pay more due to IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). |
| Deductible | $240 per year | You must pay this amount before Medicare Part B starts covering its share. |
| Coinsurance | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount | After meeting your deductible, Medicare Part B typically covers 80%, and you pay 20%. |
Key Information About Medicare Part B
- Part B is essential for outpatient care, including doctor visits and preventive services.
- Premiums are income-based: Higher earners pay more under IRMAA.
- There is a 20% coinsurance: After you meet your deductible, Medicare covers 80%, and you are responsible for 20%.
- Penalties: If you delay enrolling without a valid reason (such as employer coverage), you may face lifelong penalties.
Source of information www.medicare.gov
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