Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B covers a wide range of medically necessary outpatient services. While Medicare Part A focuses mainly on hospital stays, Part B helps cover medical care provided by doctors and other healthcare professionals, both inside and outside of the hospital.

Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B, and after meeting the annual deductible, Medicare generally pays 80% of approved services, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%.

What Does Medicare Part B Cover?

Medicare Part B helps cover many of the healthcare services you use most often. This includes a variety of outpatient medical services, such as:

Doctor and specialist visits
Lab work and diagnostic testing
Preventive services like flu shots, colonoscopies, and mammograms
Outpatient surgeries
Ambulance services
Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen equipment)
Home health care services
Some chiropractic care

Part B also covers certain treatments that may occur in a hospital but are performed by physicians. These can include:

Radiation or chemotherapy treatments
Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans
Dialysis treatments for kidney failure
Physician services during a hospital stay

Part B may also cover certain medications administered in a medical setting, such as injections, infused drugs, and insulin used with an insulin pump.

Prescription medications you pick up at a pharmacy are typically covered under Medicare Part D.

Is Medicare Part B Required?

Medicare Part B is technically optional, but most people enroll because it covers the majority of everyday medical care.

If Medicare will be your primary health insurance, you will need Part B. In addition, you cannot enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan without having Part B.

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost?

Medicare Part B requires a monthly premium.

In 2026, the standard monthly premium is $202.90 for most people. Individuals with higher incomes may pay more for their Part B. An income bracket can be found by clicking on Medicare Part B/IRMAA.

If you receive Social Security benefits, your Part B premium is usually deducted automatically from your monthly Social Security check. If you are not yet receiving Social Security, Medicare will send you a bill. Medicare will provide you with options to pay your Part B premium.

Medicare Part B – 2026

In addition to the monthly premium, you will have some out-of-pocket costs when using Part B services.

For 2026, these include:

Annual deductible: $283
20% coinsurance for Medicare-approved services
Possible excess charges from providers who bill above the Medicare-approved amount

Because there is no maximum limit on the 20% coinsurance, medical costs can add up quickly for expensive procedures or treatments.

Many people choose to purchase Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans or Medicare Advantage plans to help cover these costs.

How Do You Enroll in Medicare Part B?

If you are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits when you turn 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part B. Your Medicare card typically arrives 1–2 months before your 65th birthday.

If you are not receiving Social Security benefits yet, you will need to apply for Part B yourself. You can enroll:

Online through The Social Security website – ssa.gov
By Phone with Social Security –1-800-772-1213
In person at your local Social Security office – local social security office

Your Medicare card will usually arrive within a few weeks after enrolling.

Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalty

If you delay enrolling in Part B and do not have other creditable health coverage, you may face a late enrollment penalty.

The penalty increases your premium by 10% for each full 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll. This increase is permanent and added to your monthly premium.

However, if you had employer health insurance from a company with 20 or more employees, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Once that coverage ends, you have 8 months to enroll in Part B without a penalty.

What Medicare Part B Does Not Cover

Medicare Part B does not cover certain services, including:

Hospital expenses covered by Part A
Cosmetic procedures
Routine dental care
Routine vision exams and glasses
Hearing aids
Most prescription medications from retail pharmacies
Routine foot care

Prescription drugs that you pick up at a pharmacy are typically covered by Medicare Part D drug plans.

Protecting Yourself From Out-of-Pocket Costs

There are two main ways people help reduce their Medicare expenses:

1. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
These plans help cover the deductibles and coinsurance that Medicare Parts A and B do not pay.

2. Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans
These are private insurance plans that provide your Part A and Part B benefits and often include additional coverage.

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