Medicare Part B

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Medicare Part B helps cover your doctors visits and other services including: outpatient procedures, x-rays, lab tests, and preventative services. 

Medicare Part B is also known as “medical insurance” and covers services such as doctors, x-rays, lab tests and other outpatient services.

• Outpatient Care
• Clinical Research
• One-Time “Welcome to Medicare” Wellness Exam
• Annual “Wellness” visit every 12 months
• Laboratory Tests – X-rays, blood work, etc.
• Ambulance Services
• Durable Medical Equipment (DME) – Wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, home oxygen equipment, etc.
• Prosthetics & Orthotics
• Mental Health Care
• Preventative Services

You must pay a monthly premium for your Medicare Part B coverage. In most cases, people will pay the Part B premium of $148.50 per month in 2021, if you are already enrolled in your Social Security income benefits. In this case, Medicare will automatically deduct your Part B premiums from your Social Security check. However, there are some exceptions for some people to be aware of:

• If you are NOT enrolled in SS, and have to buy Part A, you typically will be required to pay for a Medicare Part B, and pay monthly premiums for both. In this case, Social Security will bill you quarterly. 
• If your annual income is greater than $88,000 (single) or $176,000 (married), then your premium will be higher. Reference the table below to find out how much your monthly premium will be based on your income bracket
• AVOID PART B PENALTIES: It is important to know, that if you enroll late into Part B, your monthly premium may go up 10% for each 12-month period you should have had Part B. In most cases, you’ll have to pay this penalty each time you pay your premiums, for as long as you have Part B. And, the penalty increases the longer you go without Part B coverage. So it is important not to miss this initial enrollment window!