Medicare Part B: Your Outpatient Essential

While Part A covers the hospital bed, Medicare Part B is your "medical insurance". It handles almost everything else—from routine doctor visits to life-saving screenings.

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Together, Parts A and B make up Original Medicare.

Covered California

What Does Part B Cover?

Part B is designed to keep you healthy and manage conditions outside of a hospital stay. Key services include:

• Doctor Visits: Medically necessary outpatient services to diagnose or treat health conditions.
• Preventive Care: Annual wellness visits, flu shots, and screenings for cancer or diabetes.
• Clinical Research & Lab Tests: X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other essential diagnostic tests.
• Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Walkers, wheelchairs, and oxygen equipment.
• Ambulance Services: Emergency transportation to a hospital.Medicare.org +4

The Costs You Should Know for 2026

Unlike Part A, almost everyone pays a monthly premium for Part B.

MediGap Advisors

• Standard Monthly Premium: In 2026, the standard amount is $202.90.
• Annual Deductible: You must pay a $283 deductible once per year before Medicare begins to pay its share.
• Coinsurance: Generally, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most services after you meet your deductible.www.medicare.gov +3

Note: High-income earners may pay more due to an "Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount" (IRMAA).

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When to Sign Up (and Avoid Penalties)

Most people sign up during their Initial Enrollment Period, which is a 7-month window around their 65th birthday.

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• Delaying Coverage: If you are still working and have "creditable" employer insurance, you may be able to delay Part B without a penalty.
• The Late Penalty: If you wait to sign up without creditable coverage, you could face a permanent 10% premium penalty for every year you delayed enrollment.Social Security Administration (.gov) +2

Let Douglas Insurance Group Guide You

Navigating the transition from employer coverage to Medicare Part B is one of the most common hurdles for seniors. Douglas Insurance Group can help you determine if your current insurance is "creditable" and manage the paperwork to ensure you avoid lifetime penalties.

Whether you need help with enrollment forms or want to explore Medigap policies to cover that 20% coinsurance, their team provides the personalized support you need to make a confident decision.

Contact Douglas Insurance Group today:

• Phone: 865-805-8620
• Address: 111 S. Main St, Clinton, TN 37716

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized medical or financial advice. Always double-check physical labels and official government resources at Medicare.gov to confirm current rates, coverage, and dosages. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for specific plan details.