Last updated: October 8, 2026

Part B is the medical insurance portion of Original Medicare.

It helps cover medically necessary care and many preventive services. It also covers doctors' services during a hospital stay, even though the inpatient hospital facility costs generally fall under Part A.

What does Part B cover?

• Doctor and other health professional services, outpatient care, and qualifying diagnostic tests.
• Preventive services, including eligible screenings, certain vaccines, and yearly Wellness visits.
• Durable medical equipment, such as medically necessary walkers or wheelchairs.
• Covered outpatient mental health care, therapy, ambulance services, and certain home health services.
• Certain prescription drugs, including some drugs administered in a medical office. Most prescriptions taken at home require separate drug coverage.

Coverage depends on the service and Medicare's requirements. Most covered preventive services cost you nothing when your provider accepts assignment and all coverage conditions are met. A yearly Wellness visit is not a routine physical exam.

Telehealth: Through December 31, 2027, Medicare allows covered telehealth services from any location in the United States, including your home. The Part B deductible and usual cost sharing generally apply. Ask your provider whether your visit qualifies.

Part B costs for 2027

2027 cost update: As of October 8, 2026, final 2027 Part B premium and deductible amounts were not available in the official sources reviewed. See Medicare's latest costs and check the year shown.

After the annual deductible, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services when your provider accepts assignment. Some services have different payment rules. Original Medicare has no annual limit on your out-of-pocket Part A and Part B costs.

Part B premiums

Part B has a monthly premium. Higher-income beneficiaries may pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Social Security generally uses tax information from two years earlier. If a qualifying life-changing event reduces your income, you can ask Social Security to reconsider your IRMAA. Medicare Savings Programs may help eligible people pay Medicare costs.

Who is eligible?

Medicare generally covers people age 65 and older and certain younger people with disabilities, ESRD, or ALS. Other eligibility requirements apply, including updated citizenship, nationality, and immigration status requirements described on page 9 of the 2027 handbook. Confirm your situation with Social Security.

When should you sign up?

Your first enrollment opportunity generally lasts seven months around your 65th birthday. You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you have group health coverage based on current employment. COBRA and retiree coverage do not extend the usual eight-month employment-based Part B enrollment window. Check with Social Security and your employer before delaying Part B.

If you need the General Enrollment Period, it runs January 1-March 31, and coverage starts the month after you sign up. A late enrollment penalty may apply. This is different from fall Medicare Open Enrollment.

Medigap has a separate enrollment window. Your federal six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During that window, insurers cannot deny an available Medigap policy or charge more because of your health. Other federal or state protections may apply outside this window.

Read Medicare & You 2027, pages 9, 15-23, 32-58, and 79-82. Contact our office to review your coverage options.