What Does Medicare Part B Cover

Author: Stacy Fox
Published: 2009/03/19
Category Topic: U.S. Medicare System - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Medicare part B covers basic outpatient care including doctors visits on a government sponsored pay for service scheme.

Introduction

Main Content

Many people want to know what does Medicare Part B Cover. The array of Medicare programs is complex. This article will help you sort out the various programs.

Part A covers hospital related expenses.

Part B covers basic outpatient care including doctor's visits on a government sponsored pay for service scheme.

Part C combines parts A and B in a premium service that you pay private insurers for.

Part D is the prescription drug program for part A and B recipients.

Okay, so getting back to the central question of what does Medicare Part B Cover.

Unlike Part A, Part B requires a monthly premium which is generally deducted from your Social Security check.

Medicare Part B covers a number of outpatient services, tests, and preventive treatments that are common among senior health care patients. These are not covered in the Part A plan which is hospital related only.

While many services and products are covered, remember that Part B is not a 100% insurance coverage plan. You should understand the plan and coverage completely upon enrolling. Part B helps cover only these medically necessary services:

Tests

Labs

Preventive services to help prevent, manage, or diagnose a medical problem.

Glaucoma tests if given by a legally authorized eye examiner.

Bone mass measurement

Colorectal cancer screenings to find any pre-cancerous growths including fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopies, colonoscopies, and barium enemas.

Diabetic screenings if necessary.

Diabetic supplies

Diabetic self-management training

Cardiovascular screenings

If you want more comprehensive coverage, look into getting a Part C private insurance plan that replaces both parts A, B, and often D.

I hope that helps you determine what does Medicare Part B Cover.