What Is Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B is the medical insurance part of Original Medicare. It helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, durable medical equipment, some home health care, and other medically necessary services.
In 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month, although higher-income beneficiaries may pay more because of IRMAA. The annual Part B deductible is $283. After the deductible is met, Medicare generally pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered Part B services, and you are typically responsible for the remaining 20%What does Medicare Part B cover?
Medicare Part B helps cover two main categories of care:
- Medically necessary services: Services or supplies needed to diagnose or treat a medical condition and that meet accepted standards of medical practice.
- Preventive services: Care intended to prevent illness or find it early, such as certain screenings and vaccines, when Medicare coverage rules are met.
Examples may include doctor visits, outpatient services, lab tests, durable medical equipment, ambulance services when covered, mental health services, and many preventive and screening services.
How is Part B different from Part A?
Original Medicare includes Part A? and Part B. Part A is hospital insurance and generally focuses on inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B is medical insurance and generally focuses on outpatient medical care, doctor services, preventive care, and certain medical equipment and supplies.
Together, Part A and Part B make up Original Medicare, but they have different coverage rules and different costs.
What does Medicare Part B cost in 2026?
In 2026, the standard Medicare Part B monthly premium is $202.90 for most people. Some people with higher income may pay more because of an income-related monthly adjustment amount.
In Original Medicare, the 2026 Part B deductible is $283. After you meet the deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for many Part B-covered services if the provider accepts assignment. Costs can differ if you have Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Medigap, employer coverage, or other coverage.
Does Part B cover everything?
No. Medicare Part B does not cover every health care cost or service? Medicare Part B does not cover every health care cost or service. Coverage depends on Medicare rules, medical necessity, frequency limits, provider participation, and the type of service.
Original Medicare also does not cover some items and services, such as most long-term care, dentures, and routine physical exams. Prescription drug coverage is usually handled separately through Medicare Part D or through a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, although Part B covers certain drugs in specific situations.
When do you sign up for Medicare Part B?
Most people first become eligible for Medicare around age 65 and may sign up for Part A and Part B during their Initial Enrollment Period. Some people are enrolled automatically, while others need to sign up through Social Security.
If you delay Part B because you or your spouse has current employer group health coverage, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period later. Medicare says this Special Enrollment Period generally lasts 8 months after you stop working or lose that coverage, whichever happens first. COBRA and retiree coverage may not protect you from late enrollment rules in the same way.
Can you pay a late enrollment penalty for Part B?
Yes, a late enrollment penalty may apply if you do not sign up for Part B when you are first eligible and you do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or another exception.
Medicare says the Part B penalty is generally an extra 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but did not sign up. The penalty is added to your monthly Part B premium and, for most people, lasts as long as they have Part B.
From First Meeting to Medicare Enrollment
We begin by helping you understand how Medicare works and how the different pieces fit together. We walk through Original Medicare, Parts A and B, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement insurance, and Part D prescription drug coverage, including how formularies, drug tiers, and plan rules can affect your costs.
We also explain dental, vision, and hearing coverage, along with other products that may help fill gaps in your healthcare plan. Depending on your needs, that may include short-term in-home healthcare coverage, hospital indemnity insurance, or coverage designed to provide additional financial support following a cancer diagnosis, heart attack, or stroke.
Once you understand the landscape, we move into the planning stage. That is when we review your doctors, hospitals, prescription drugs, current coverage, and other personal details so we can begin evaluating the Medicare plan options that fit your situation.
Official Sources
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What Part B covers | Medicare
Verifies that Medicare Part B is medical insurance and helps cover medically necessary services and preventive services. -
Fact sheet 2026 Medicare costs Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) costs
Verifies the 2026 standard Part B premium amount and Medicare cost information. -
Your Medicare Benefits This official government booklet has
Verifies the 2026 Part B deductible and the typical 20% coinsurance after the deductible for many covered services. -
When can I sign up for Medicare? | Medicare
Verifies Medicare sign-up timing, including first eligibility and Special Enrollment Period information for Part B. -
Avoid late enrollment penalties | Medicare
Verifies how the Part B late enrollment penalty is generally calculated and when it may apply. -
Benefits Planner: Retirement | Medicare Premiums | SSA
Verifies that higher-income beneficiaries may pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount for Part B.
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