B
Coverage

Part B

Doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services.

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, and durable medical equipment.

It has a standard monthly premium set each year. Higher-income enrollees pay more (see IRMAA).

Key points

  • Standard monthly premium, plus an annual deductible.
  • After the deductible, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
  • Delaying Part B without qualifying coverage triggers a lifetime penalty.
  • Preventive services (annual wellness visit, screenings) are often $0.

Common questions

Next steps

Related topics

Educational only. This information is not personalized advice. For your specific situation, verify at Medicare.gov or speak with a licensed Medicare professional.