Understanding Medicare Part B:
Your Coverage for Everyday Health Care

Medicare Part B, also called Medical Insurance, helps cover many of the services you need to maintain your health and treat illness. While Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, Part B focuses on care you receive outside the hospital—like doctor visits, outpatient services, and preventive care.

What Does Part B Cover?

Doctor Visits & Outpatient Care

Part B helps pay for medical care you receive in a doctor’s office, clinic, or outpatient setting—including specialists, lab tests, and X-rays.

Preventive Services

Part B covers many screenings and vaccines to help keep you healthy and catch issues early. This includes flu shots, cancer screenings, and annual wellness visits.

Medically Necessary Services

If you need care or equipment that’s considered medically necessary—meaning it’s required to diagnose or treat a health condition—Part B may help cover the cost.

Do I Need Part B

Part B is optional, but it’s an important piece of your Medicare coverage. You’ll need it if you want Original Medicare or if you plan to join a Medicare Advantage plan or purchase a Medigap policy.

Keep in mind that there is a monthly premium for Part B. Delaying enrollment without other qualifying coverage may lead to penalties, so it’s important to understand your options and timing carefully.