You must have heard the term Medicare Part B very often when talking about health insurance, but how aware are you of what it means and how it works? Medicare Part B is an important term related to health insurance and is a part of the Original Medicare, which covers the supplies as well as services that are important for your health and well-being. This includes preventive services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and ambulance services. In addition, it covers home health and part-time health services if they have been ordered by your doctor for your condition.
Who is eligible for Medicare Part B?
Those eligible for the Medicare Part A premium-free service are equally eligible for Medicare Part B. There will be a monthly premium payment for those who wish to enroll. However, those who are not eligible for premium-free Part A may enroll for part B if they are over 65 years of age and are a citizen of the country. Individuals who receive retirement benefits before they are 65 years old or have qualified for Medicare due to disability are automatically enrolled for Parts A and B once they are eligible. Those who do not sign up on time might be required to pay a penalty.
Most individuals have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B. Medicare Part A is considered to be premium free. Since Part B has a premium, a lot of people do not sign up for it in the starting of the enrollment period when they are already covered by the employer insurance group plan. You may choose to enroll in Medicare Part B even when you are covered under an employer plan.
Medicare Part B premiums
The premium for Medicare Part B may change from one year to another, and this amount will vary from person to person. On an average, beneficiaries who have enrolled themselves this year pay around $134. The income of the applicant will also play a role in determining the premium payable. Individuals who are in receipt of Social Security and federal retirement benefits will have their premium amount directly deducted from the monthly benefit. Those who are not receiving the benefits will receive a bill quarterly.
Timely enrollment for part B is very important, and it is equally important to understand the costs associated with the same before you make a decision to enroll for it.