Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B helps pay for important and common healthcare expenses such as doctor visits, lab work, diagnostic tests, and even durable medical equipment and home health visits. In contrast, Part A focuses on inpatient coverage, such as a hospital or hospice stay. These two parts of Medicare work together to cover a broad array of medical needs. Like Medicare Part A, Part B coverage can leave you with large, uncovered expenses like coinsurance, deductibles, and copays. Eligibility may depend on your age and health. Most people qualify at age 65. However, some beneficiaries are younger and suffer from a qualified disability or end-stage renal disease.
Cost
Most qualified seniors have to pay a monthly premium for Part B coverage. In 2023 the amount is $164.90 (or higher depending on your income). Seniors generally have this deducted from Social Security payments. For those who get Social Security benefits, If you pay your premium through your monthly Social Security benefit, you’ll pay less.
Doesn’t Cover
Every year, you will have a deductible to satisfy. After that, plans generally pay 80%, leaving you to pay 20%.
Only covers foreign health care or prescriptions under very limited circumstances.
Coverage for a share of the Medicare-approved amount, no matter what the provider charges.
If you only have Medicare, you may have a tough time predicting future medical costs. Even 20% of the bill for visits to specialists or some outpatient procedures can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars. That’s why most seniors enhance their coverage with other Medicare Plan options.
We Can Help
Our experienced insurance specialists have worked with seniors in Illinois for more than a decade and are well-versed in helping you enhance your Medicare benefits.