Explanation of Part B Benefits

Unlike Medicare Part A, which covers hospital services, Medicare Part B helps those 65 and older cover medically necessary and preventive services. Enrollment in Medicare Part B is voluntary and covered individuals must pay a monthly premium.

Benefit Enrollment

• Enrollment in Medicare Part B occurs automatically for most upon reaching the age of 65. Those under 65 years of age receiving disability benefits from Social Security become enrolled in Medicare after receiving 24 months of disability benefits.

Benefits

• Medically necessary services covered by Medicare Part B include doctor visits, physical therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and surgical services. Physical exams, pelvic exams, diabetes screenings and flu shots represent just a few of the preventive services covered by Medicare Part B.

Considerations

• Medicare, including Medicare Part B, does not provide coverage for services related to acupuncture, dentures and hearing aids. Signing up for Medicare Part B after the initial enrollment period results in a late enrollment penalty. Patients enrolled in Medicare Part B pay a portion of the fee for covered services once a deductible is met. Typically this equates to 20 percent of the Medicare-approved fee for the service provided.