Understanding Medicare Part B Coverage
Both Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Part A (hospital insurance), make up Original Medicare and play a vital role in healthcare for millions of Americans. Because Part B provides essential coverage for outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and more; understanding Medicare Part B coverage is essential.
What’s Covered by Medicare Part B
Part B helps pay for a range of services and supplies, including but not limited to:
- Doctor’s visits (primary care and specialists)
- Wellness and preventive visits
- Urgent care services
- Laboratory tests (e.g., blood work, urinalysis)
- Diagnostic imaging (X‑rays, scans)
- Emergency ambulance transportation
- Mental health services (outpatient therapy, counseling)
- Durable medical equipment/DME (e.g., wheelchairs, oxygen tanks)
- Rehabilitative services (physical, occupational, speech therapy)
- Preventive services (e.g., flu shots, pap smears, cancer screenings)
Beneficiaries may receive these services in doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics, and other outpatient facilities.
Medicare Part B Costs (2025 Rates)
Premium
- Standard monthly premium: $185.00 in 2025; up from $174.70 in 2024.
- Beneficiaries who receive Social Security payments have this amount automatically deducted from their Social Security checks. Those who opt not to take Social Security payments receive a quarterly bill for $555.00.
High-income earners pay higher premiums under IRMAA (Income‑Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts), with surcharges ranging from an additional $74 to $443.90, depending on tax filing status and income level.
Deductible & Coinsurance
- Annual deductible: $257 for 2025, this amount is up from $240 in 2024
- Coinsurance: Once the beneficiary meets the deductible, they pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost for most services after Medicare pays it’s share (80%).
Late Enrollment Penalty
Those who don’t sign up for Part B when first eligible (and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period), incur a 10% penalty for each full 12 months they were eligible but didn’t enroll. This penalty is added to the monthly premium and lasts for as long as they have Part B.
Watch a YouTube video on OEP, Special Elections & Late Part B Enrollments
How to Enroll
You can sign up for Medicare Part B online via the Social Security Administration, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your local Social Security office.
Ready to sign up for Part B? Click here to enroll now.
We’re Here to Help
Medicare agents can be a valuable source of information and guidance. There is no fee for the appointment. Whether you’re new to Medicare or looking to optimize your coverage, licensed agents are ready to assist.
Agents: if you are ready to join the team at Crowe; click here for contract.
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Keeping up with annual updates, such as; Part B premiums and deductible as well as nay plan changes, can help you budget effectively and avoid surprises.