Original Medicare Part B | Doctors Coverage

Learn About Your Doctors Coverage

Medicare Part B (medical insurance) is the part of Original Medicare that covers medical services and supplies that are necessary to treat a health condition.

What Is Covered?

Part B coverage can include

Outpatient care
Preventative services
Durable medical equipment
Part-time or intermittent home health and rehab services (physical therapy)–if ordered by your doctor to treat your condition

What Are Preventative Services?

Some of the preventative services Part B covers include

Am I Eligible for Part B?

Anybody who is eligible for premium-free Part A is eligible for Part B by enrolling and paying a monthly fee, called a premium. If you’re not eligible for premium-free Part A, you can qualify for Part B if you are age 65+ and a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident for at least 5 continuous years.

You may also be eligible for automatic Part B enrollment through disability. If you’re under 65 and have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), you may also be eligible for Part B.

What Does Part B Cost?

Part B does come with a price tag. Most people will pay the standard premium of $174.70 per month in 2024, and if you spend $240 you will meet the annual Medicare Part B deductible of $240. After this deductible is met, you only need to pay around 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount for a majority of doctor services, outpatient therapy, and durable medical equipment.

When Can I Enroll?

It depends. If you are getting retirement benefits before 65 or qualify for Medicare through disability, you’re typically automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B once you become eligible.

Most people should sign up when they’re first eligible, during the Initial Enrollment Period—the 7 months surrounding their 65th birthday.

If you’re not auto-enrolled, you can apply for Medicare through Social Security. You can do this in-person at a local office, online, or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

When You Might Delay Enrollment

Some people decide not to sign up during their Initial Enrollment Period because they are currently covered under an employer group plan (either their own or through their spouse’s employer).

If you delay Part B enrollment because you already have current employer health insurance, you can sign up later—during a Special Enrollment Period—without paying a late fee.

Start Your Medicare Journey Here.

Are you confused your Medicare options? You’re not alone, and we’re here to help!

The thing to remember is: for most people, Original Medicare is not enough. When you call us, we’ll set up a meeting to go over the Medigap enrollment process—the best time to apply is right after you enroll in Part B. Don’t wait, call 501-881-2050 today.

Medicare Part B