What Is Medicare Part B?

Everything you need to know about getting signed up & what kind of coverage Part B offers

At A Glance

Part B is your medical coverage that comes with original medicare.

Wondering what Part B covers? It can seem complex but we’ll break it down to make it simple. While this list is not totally complete, it’s designed to give you a good idea of what is covered.

What Is Covered?

What Is Not Covered?

How Much Does It Cost?

Unlike your Part A insurance, which is free for most people, Part B does have a premium associated with it. It does change a bit each year, but in 2022 it is $170.10/mo. If you are already taking social security, you will be automatically enrolled & the premium will be taken from your Social Security check every month.

For most Americans, this will be your premium. However, it does increase with income starting at $91,000 per year. If you’d like to see the earnings to premium cost table, click here. However, Social Security will notify you if this applies to you.

senior couple on tablet
senior couple singing up for part b of medicare
part b sign up

How Do I sign Up?

If you are not automatically enrolled in Medicare for example you are waiting to start Social Security, you need to sign up yourself through Social Security Administration:  by phone 1(800)772-1213, in person at a Social Security office by faxing 1-(833)914-2016 forms CMS-40B and employer-signed CMS-L564 if you have worked past age 65 or if you are turning 65 and you have retiree insurance-COBRA – Market Place – group insurance from a small employer under 20 people – use this form (remember to apply only for Medicare if you do not want to start your Social Security benefit, online.

Create a my Social Security account.