Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Medicare Part B is a voluntary program that requires the payment of a monthly premium for all parts of coverage. Eligibility rules for Part B depend on whether a person is eligible for premium-free Part A or whether the individual must pay a premium for Part A coverage. Medicare Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage. The list below provides a summary of Part B-covered services and coverage rules: Provider services: Medically necessary services you receive from a licensed health professional. Durable medical equipment (DME): This is equipment that serves a medical purpose, can withstand repeated use, and is appropriate for use in the home. Examples include walkers, wheelchairs, and oxygen tanks. You may purchase or rent DME from a Medicare-approved supplier after your provider certifies you need it. Durable Medical Equipment Home health services: Services covered if you are homebound and need skilled nursing or therapy care. Ambulance services: This is emergency transportation, typically to and from hospitals. Coverage for non-emergency ambulance/ambulette transportation is limited to situations in which there is no safe alternative transportation available, and where the transportation is medically necessary. Preventive services: These are screenings and counseling intended to prevent illness, detect conditions, and keep you healthy. In most cases, preventive care is covered by Medicare with no coinsurance. Therapy services: These are outpatient physical, speech, and occupational therapy services provided by a Medicare-certified therapist. Mental health services. X-rays and lab tests. Chiropractic care when manipulation of the spine is medically necessary to fix a subluxation of the spine (when one or more of the bones of the spine move out of position). Select prescription drugs, including immunosuppressant drugs, some anti-cancer drugs, some anti-emetic drugs, some dialysis drugs, and drugs that are typically administered by a physician.