What Does Medicare Part B Cover
Author: Stacy Fox
Published: 2009/03/19
Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Related Publications
Synopsis: Medicare part B covers basic outpatient care including doctors visits on a government sponsored pay for service scheme.
Introduction
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.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.