What Medicare Part B Covers

Medicare is a health insurance program that offers coverage for those that are 65 or older and those younger who have a qualifying disability or disease. Medicare comprises four parts, with one of them being Medicare Part B. This is the part of Medicare that provides medical insurance. Medicare Part B can be used to cover several outpatient services. This way, Medicare Part B picks up health coverage from where Medicare Part A benefits end.

Medicare Part B is optional, but those that depend on Medicare for primary coverage are advised to enroll in Part B to get more comprehensive coverage for their healthcare needs. 

Let’s take a look at what Medicare Part B covers.

Medically Necessary Services

These are the services and supplies required to diagnose and treat a Medicare beneficiary’s medical condition. Medically necessary services also include medical equipment such as oxygen equipment, wheelchairs, and hospital beds.

Related Post: Medicare Part B Enrollment Information

Preventative Services

Medicare Part B offers coverage for preventative services. When you first sign up for Medicare Part B, you can schedule an appointment with your doctor for the “Welcome to Medicare” exam. This will be an across-the-board summary discussion with your physician about your health needs. You will also qualify for an Annual Wellness Visit.

The Annual Wellness Visit is more comprehensive and includes mental health screenings, measurements, family medical history, and more. Also included under Medicare Part B are preventative vaccines like yearly flu shots. More preventative services include:

• abnormal cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• obesity
• high blood sugar
• glaucoma
• cardiovascular disease
• depression
• HIV
• various cancers
• smoking and alcohol cessation

Mental Health

While Medicare Part A covers inpatient mental health care, Part B pays for outpatient mental health services such as medication management, certain prescriptions, no-cost annual depression screenings, limited partial hospitalization, and more. Keep in mind that you’ll only receive coverage when you see a physician that accepts Medicare. 

Laboratory Tests and X-Rays

Medicare Part B covers lab tests that help diagnose a health condition or serve as part of an annual checkup. Medically essential blood tests and diagnostics are covered by Medicare Part B. They include tissue lab work, blood work, urine tests, and a couple of screenings. Medicare Part B also covers X-rays that your doctor orders.

Related Post: Medicare Part B Explained

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

This part of Medicare also provides coverage for durable medical equipment. However, before an item can be considered durable medical equipment, you must be able to use it repeatedly and at home for medical purposes only. Some DME examples include commode chairs, canes, infusion supplies, blood sugar strips, and more.

If you have other questions about Medicare Part B or wish to speak to an experienced Medicare expert directly, you can contact Bobby Brock Insurance today.