Part B
The Foundations of Medicare Part B
Making up the other half of Original Medicare, Medicare Part B helps beneficiaries keep costs low for outpatient and routine services. Included in the Part B plan include coverage for preventative services, outpatient care, ambulance services, and durable medical equipment. For those that require physical therapy or rehab, there is a portion of the policy that will help to lower the cost of the services.
Coverages Provided by Medicare Part B
Original Medicare is a great option for anyone who qualifies and is looking for a comprehensive insurance plan with no bells and whistles. While there is no clause in the plan to provide coverage for such routine care items as dental cleanings or vision screenings, there is a multitude of services it will help with. Included in this list is a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit, hepatitis B shots, cancer screenings, cardiovascular screenings, diabetes screenings, and flu shots. There are also added features for those who have high-risk factors for diabetes such as obesity, dyslipidemia, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure that will provide screenings and self-management training.
Short-term home health services and part-time care make up a large part of the Medicare Part B plan. Many policyholders will only be responsible for paying a portion of expenses from supplies and equipment. These costs could be for wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen equipment, or CPAP devices. Part B can also help lower the expenses associated with clinical trials, chiropractic services to correct spinal issues, and emergency room visits.
Where Original Medicare falls short is in the routine care coverage part of the plan. While there are sections for preventative services, it doesn’t provide for dental cleanings, vision screenings, or hearing devices. To receive added benefits for these areas you have a couple of options. One way is to obtain an individual private plan under Medicare Part C that will allow for additions to the scope of coverage.
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Planning for Medicare Expenses
Unlike its Original Medicare counterpart, Medicare Part B is not waived due to the number of years you work in the United States. Therefore, beneficiaries will be expected to pay monthly premiums, deductibles, and occasional copays. If the cost of Part B proves to be a little too high, you can always elect to skip enrollment. It is important to note that if you decide to go this route then you will have to pay a fee to obtain coverage later in life.
Have Questions About Part B?
As you start down the path to receiving coverage under Medicare, you may have questions about what Original Medicare is and what benefits are available to you. The team at Advanced Insurance Concepts is here to help answer those questions and make the enrollment process smooth and easy. To schedule a free consultation, give us a call today at 816-476-8191.