Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B is part of what is called the original Medicare plan. Part B helps to cover doctor bills, outpatient services, and other medical services. It may also help cover some preventative services. It’s important to note that Part B may not pay for all of these expenses. Most recipients of Part B pay a standard monthly premium.
Part B medical insurance helps pay for some services and products not covered by Medicare Part A, usually on an outpatient basis. Part B is optional and may be postponed if the beneficiary or their spouse is still actively working. There is a lifetime penalty (10% per year) imposed for not enrolling in Part B unless actively working.
Part B Premiums
Most people have to pay a premium for Part B. You can check to see if you are qualified to receive help from your state to pay for premiums. Otherwise, the premium is usually deducted from a Social Security, Railroad Retirement or Civil Service Retirement check. The Part B premium can be paid through the electronic payment option, or Medicare Easy Pay.
Coverage
Part B coverage includes the following: physician and nursing services, x-rays, laboratory and diagnostic tests, influenza and pneumonia vaccinations, blood transfusions, renal dialysis, outpatient hospital procedures, limited ambulance transportation, immunosuppressive drugs for organ transplant recipients, chemotherapy, hormonal treatments, and outpatient medical treatments administered in a doctor's office. Medication is covered under Part B only if it is administered by the physician during an office visit. See Medigap Texas or Medicare Supplemental Insurance Texas.
Medicare Part B covers Tests, Labs and Screenings, Preventive services include exams, lab tests, or screening inoculations that will help prevent, manage, or diagnose a medical problem.
Glaucoma tests are covered once per year if performed by a legally authorized eye examiner.
Bone mass measurement is covered every two years (or as medically necessary). This is to see if you are at risk for broken bones.
Lab Services such as blood tests or urinalysis are covered.
Also covered are colorectal cancer screenings to look for any pre-cancerous growths.
Diabetic screenings are covered if you have high blood pressure, obesity, or high blood sugar.
Diabetic supplies covered include monitors, test strips, lancet devices, and therapeutic shoes. Diabetic self-management training is covered if prescribed by your doctor.
Cardiovascular screenings to help prevent heart attack or stroke are covered. A screening consists of testing your triglyceride, lipid, and cholesterol levels every five years.
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