Introduction to Medicare Part B Coverage

Medicare Part B coverage is a service you may want to apply for. If you do not have private health insurance, this can be one of the most comprehensive plans to help you access medical care. Depending on your situation, there are different methods you can use to apply for Medicare Part B benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) can accept your application for enrollment.

Whether you are wondering what your Medicare Part B premium will be or when you should apply, there are many factors to consider regarding this insurance part. Before you submit your Medicare Part B enrollment application, you need to make sure you understand how this insurance can help you.

Do I need Medicare Part B?

Depending on your health care needs, you may need to consider Medicare Part B enrollment. If you need general medical insurance, Part B may be a helpful option for you. However, only you can decide if it would be in your best interest to sign up for Medicare Part B. If you have specific questions about how this insurance part could benefit you, speak with a representative at your closest Social Security office.

Medicare Part B Eligibility

Before you submit your Medicare Part B application, it is important to know whether you qualify to enroll in this program. Keep in mind that the only way to know if you qualify for Medicare Part B is by knowing your Medicare Part A eligibility. If you automatically qualify for Medicare Part A, you can enroll in Part B. However, if you choose to purchase Part A, there are additional requirements you must meet to purchase Part B. For example, you must be:

• At least 65 years of age.
• A legal resident in the United States.
• A lawfully-present immigrant or a U.S. citizen.

How to Apply for Medicare Part B

You may be wondering how to sign up for Medicare Part B. If you qualify for this health insurance benefit, you can apply at a Social Security office near you. You can also apply by phone. You can reach the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Can I sign up for Medicare Part B online?

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to apply for Medicare Part B online. To use this method, you must:

• Not be currently receiving benefits from other SSA programs.
• Not be applying for Social Security retirement at the same time.
• Be without Medicare coverage.
• Be at least 64 years and nine months of age.

When should I sign up for Social Security Medicare Part B?

It is important that you understand when you should submit your Medicare B application form. Usually, you can apply for enrollment three months before you turn 65 years of age. If you sign up later, you may be required to pay a Medicare Part B penalty fee for the rest of the time that you are enrolled in the program.

Additionally, keep in mind that you may be able to avoid this penalty by applying during the Medicare Part B Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs are different for each potential applicant. In fact, your SEP Medicare Part B enrollment period includes one of the following:

• A month when you are still covered under your or your spouse’s group health insurance policy
• Any month during the eight-month time frame after your coverage or your associated employment ends

What does Medicare Part B cover?

There are various Medicare Part B benefits you can receive. In fact, this program allows you to receive health care services relating to:

• Preventative medical services.
• Mental health services.
• Clinical research and ambulance transportation.
• Durable medical equipment (DME).
• Certain outpatient prescription drugs.

Does Medicare Part B cover dental?

Before you fill out your Medicare Part B enrollment form, you may wonder if this insurance covers dental procedures but it is important to know it does not. In fact, there are only a few severe instances when Medicare covers the cost associated with any dental services. If you have specific questions about dental coverage, contact your Social Security office.

How much is Medicare Part B?

Many individuals want to know, “How much does Medicare Part B cost?” Unlike Medicare Part A, Part B comes with an associated fee that enrollees must pay. Applicants should keep in mind that this total can vary from year to year. Furthermore, the cost of Medicare Part B that enrollees can expect to pay also depends on the applicant. Regardless, the average Medicare Part B premium in 2019 that applicants pay is $135.50.

What is the Medicare Part B deductible?

Similar to your premium, your Medicare Part B deductible can vary from one year to another. In 2019, the average deductible for Medicare Part B inpatient hospital care was $1,364.