Medicare is a government program that is broken down into multiple parts to provide various health benefits to United States citizens. Medicare part B is one section of the plan designed to provide medical insurance. Understanding the rules and guidelines for this plan can help you avoid confusion when you sign up.
Enrollment in Part B
To enroll in Medicare part B, you either have to be 65 years old or physically disabled. Three months before you turn 65, you will receive a Medicare card in the mail. This card is what you will use to show medical providers when you want to use your Medicare benefits. You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare part A and B once it is determined you are eligible. If you do not want part B, you can opt out of coverage by following the directions on the back of the card.
Premium
While Medicare part A can be received for free, part B comes with a premium payment. You have to make this premium payment in order to keep receiving benefits from Medicare part B. The amount you have to pay will depend on how much money you make. Most people will pay the standard premium amount. If you make more than the average person, you may be contacted by the Social Security Administration about paying a higher premium.
Coverage
Medicare part B covers a variety of expenses in relation to medical procedures. This plan covers preventive care as well as medically necessary services. For example, if you have to go to the doctor and have a test done, this insurance policy would provide benefits. Part B usually covers 80 percent of the covered medical costs. With this plan, lab tests, home health services, ambulance service, regular checkups and other medical costs can be covered.
What Is Not Covered?
While Medicare part B covers many different medical expenses, several items are not covered. For example, part B does not cover hospital expenses, which are covered instead by part A. Part B also does not provide benefits for prescription drugs, as this is covered by Medicare part D. With these plans, you also will not receive benefits for long-term care such as going into a nursing home.
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