Comprehensive Guide to Medicare Part B Coverage
When you’re trying to get coverage for your medical needs, it’s important to opt for the right plan. Medicare recipients need to learn which plans apply to their needs and what kind of services are covered.
Part B coverage is a plan that you can bundle with Part A during your enrollment. So what is Medicare Part B coverage, and how can I get it?
Read below to learn the answers to these questions and others as you shop for coverage.
What Exactly is Medicare Part B Coverage?
When you start researching the Medicare program, you’ll notice that coverage is broken down into these categories. The main categories are Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D.
Part B deals with standard medical treatments and certain prevention services. This differs from Part A, which covers matters like hospital inpatient visits.
What Does Medicare Part B Cover and What Should I Know About It?
So what specifically does Medicare Part B cover? Here are some examples of Part B in action and what you should know about opting for this coverage:
1. Part B Covers Medically Necessary Services
When you go to the physician, specialist, or other professionals for medically necessary treatment, you’re using your Part B coverage. Some examples of eligible medical treatments include physician treatments, physical therapy services, diabetes testing, cardiologist exams, immunizations, blood work, and general physical examinations.
You’ll need to consult your Medicare handbook during enrollment to see the complete list of services covered.
2. This Might Include Medical Equipment and Ambulance Transport
Many patients also use Medical Part B for durable medical equipment.
Some examples of durable medical equipment might include scooters, crutches, wheelchairs, blood sugar monitors and testing strips, oxygen equipment, beds, and lifts. Check with your provider to see if ambulance services are covered, especially if you regularly take ambulance trips.
3. Understand Eligibility and the Enrollment Process
Enrollment and eligibility are foundational to you applying for and receiving the coverage that you need. With original Medicare plans, you must be 65 years of age or older, or quality for care based on certain disabilities.
You can start enrolling in Medicare coverage 3 months prior to your 65th birthday through 3 months after.
Once you’re eligible for Medicare and your initial enrollment period opens, you can apply for both Part A and Part B. You’ll avoid penalties or higher premiums when you opt for Part B at your time of eligibility, rather than later.
Apply for the Medical Coverage That You Need
Now that you understand a bit more about Medicare Part B coverage, check your eligibility and get the ball rolling on your application. You can enroll once you initially become eligible, or can apply during the general enrollment period, which runs from Jan. 31 to March 31.
Keep doing your research as you shop for original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Now that you understand Part B, you can pair it with your Part A coverage and a Part D plan that covers your prescription costs.