Medical Billing: Medicare B

Medicare Part B is generally know as Medical Insurance. Medicare Part B helps to cover your doctor’s services and outpatient care. It also helps to cover some of the medical services that Part A does not cover. It is important for the Senior to know that if they do not sign up for Part B when first eligible, there is a lifelong penalty fee. The penalty is a 10% increase in premium for each twelve month period that the senior opted to not sign up for Medicare Part B.

Medicare Part B Coverage:

• Doctor’s Services
• Diagnostic Tests
• Outpatient medical/surgical services
• Durable Medical Equipment. Such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen, and walkers.
• Outpatient Mental Health
• Some Physical and Occupational Therapy
• Some Preventive Screenings, shots, and tests such as Glaucoma, Hepatitis B shots, Pneumococcal shot, Pap test, Pelvic exam, Clinical Breast exam, Prostate screening, Mammogram Screening.
• Clinical Laboratory Tests
• Pints of Blood
• Welcome to Medicare” one time physical exam (must be taken within 6 months of sign-up

The monthly premium cost of Medicare Part B is $88.50 and annual deductible of $124.00. The Medicare deductible may change every year in January.