Medicare Plan Part B (Medical Insurance)

Medicare Plan Part B is medical insurance to pay for medically necessary services and supplies provided by Medicare. Most people will have to pay a premium to receive this coverage.

Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, doctor's services, physical or occupational therapists, and additional home health care. While many services and products are covered, Medicare Part B is still not a 100% insurance coverage plan. Therefore, as with any other insurance policy, you should understand the plan and coverage completely upon enrolling.

Medicare Part B will provide additional coverage to help minimize your medical insurance concerns. Whatever health care insurance coverage you choose, make sure you have a clear understanding of options, coverage, and premiums. Seek a Medicare representative that will take time to explain what type of coverage you will receive and will offer clear instructions for signing on with Medicare.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) Helps Pay For:

Doctors' services, outpatient hospital care, and some other medical services that Part A doesn't cover, such as the services of physical and occupational therapists, and some home health care. Part B helps pay for these covered services and supplies when they are medically necessary. Get more information about your coverage under Medicare Part B and Medicare Preventive Services that are covered.

Medicare Plan Part B Cost:

Most people pay the Medicare Part B premium per month.  This amount may change periodically. In some cases, this amount may be higher if you did not choose Part B when you first became eligible at age 65.

The cost of Part B may go up 10% for each 12-month period that you could have had Part B but did not sign up for it, except in special cases. You probably will have to pay this extra 10% as long as you have Medicare Part B.

In addition, your Medicare Part B premium may be higher if your income is above a certain level. Enrolling in Part B is your personal choice. You can sign up for Medicare Part B anytime during a 7-month period that begins 3 months before you turn 65.  If you choose to have Part B, the premium comes out of your monthly Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or Civil Service Retirement payment.

If you do not get any of the above payments, Medicare sends you a bill for your Medicare Part B premium every 3 months. You should get your Medicare premium bill by the 10th of each month.

Medicare Part B Premium Amounts for 2010

Most Medicare beneficiaries will continue to pay the same Part B premium amount of $96.40 in 2010. If you currently have the Social Security Administration withhold your Part B premium and have an income of $85,000 or less, you will not have an increase in your 2010 Medicare Part B premium.

For everyone else, the standard Medicare Part B premium will increase 15% to $110.50 per month. This premium increase is due to possible increases in Part B costs during 2010. If your income is above $85,000 or $170,000 (married couple), then your Medicare Part B premium may be higher than $110.50 per month.

If you are having difficulty paying your premiums, you should contact your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office to determine if you can get some assistance.