I'm on Medicare Part B, and I'm wondering how my physical therapy visits are covered. Do I have to hit my deductible first?

Question

Wayne Rigby · Accepted Answer

I am assuming you are on Original Medicare Part B and not an Advantage plan.

Yes, you have to meet your Part B deductible then you would have copayments for those services.  The deductible this year is $257.

Mike Alexander · Answer

If you are on traditional medicare then you must 1st meet your part b deductible of $283, then you would owe 20% of the medicare approved charge and if you have a med supp policy it would pick up the 20%.
If you have a medicare Advantage then you would be subject to a co pay goe every visit

Mark Bilgere · Answer

Yes, you need to reach the annual deductible before your Medicare Part B will start helping with PT visits. Once you reach the deductible Medicare Part B acts as an 80%/20% plan, Part B paying 80% and leaving you 20%. If you have a Medicare supplement, your supplement will pay the 20%. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, your Advantage plan absorbs the Part B deductible and has you pay a set copay for each visit.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on December 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK

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Terri Reagin · Answer

Medicare Part B. If you only have original Medicare and it is only being covered by Part B, you have no supplement in place and you're not on an Advantage plan, then yes, your physical therapy will be subject to your Part B deductible and your 20% co-insurance. Additionally, they can limit the amount of physical therapy visits that they cover per year. So they can say we're only going to give you 20 visits or 30 visits, etc. But original Medicare does tend to be very liberal with how many visits they permit. I hope this helps.

Christopher Boyd · Answer

Yes, always must pay the deductible on post 2020 Medicare Supplements (not enrolled in Plan F or Plan C). However, you must verify the therapy practice accepts Medicare Assignment.

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

Yes. In 2026, Medicare Part B covers medically necessary outpatient physical therapy with no session limit, typically requiring a 20% coinsurance payment after the deductible.

Ann Sanfelippo · Answer

Yes — with Medicare Part B, you’ll first need to meet your annual deductible. After that, Medicare typically covers 80% of the approved amount for physical therapy, and you’re responsible for the remaining 20% unless you have supplemental coverage.

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo on October 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 14 other states

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Bill Wheeler · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part B requires you to meet your annual deductible before it covers physical therapy. After meeting the $257 deductible (for 2025), you'll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for medically necessary physical therapy services, while Medicare covers the remaining 80%. You are responsible for the 20% coinsurance unless you have secondary insurance, such as supplemental Medigap, a Medicare Advantage plan.

Answered by Bill Wheeler on September 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in KY & IN

Answered by Bill Wheeler Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Graves · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part B does cover physical therapy, but there are a few things to keep in mind about how the costs work.

First, you’ll need to meet your Part B deductible, which for 2025 is $240. Until you hit that amount, you’ll pay the full cost of your physical therapy visits out of pocket.

After you’ve met the deductible, Medicare typically covers 80% of the approved amount for your therapy, and you’re responsible for the remaining 20%. If you have a Medigap plan or other supplemental insurance, it might help cover that 20%.

There’s no longer a strict cap on how much Medicare will pay for therapy each year, but if your total therapy costs go above a certain threshold (around $2,330 in 2025 for physical therapy and speech therapy combined), your therapist may need to show that the treatment is still medically necessary in order for Medicare to keep covering it.

So in short: yes, it’s covered—but you’ll need to pay the deductible first, then usually 20% of the cost after that. The 20% of the cost may be reduced by your Medicare Supplement or Advantage Plan. 


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Legal: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, financial, or insurance advice. While I strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information, Medicare rules and policies are subject to change. You should consult directly with Medicare, a licensed insurance agent, or a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation. I am not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.

Don Hudson · Answer

Medicare Part B covers 80% of the physical therapy visits that have been approved by Medicare. You will be responsible for the remaining 20% and you have to meet your deductable first.

Robert Pennington · Answer

If your on Medicare A and B only you would 20%.  If your on a Medicare Advantage Plan, it usually has a copay that would be deductible for the MOOP.

Darlene Murphy · Answer

Yes, you must always come up with the deductible in the beginning of the year however, Medicare does still cover the first 80%. You will receive bills up to the deductible amount. Once you’re deductible as me, you don’t have any more bills to worry about, but you do have to worry about the physical therapy allotment allowed for visits. That is different depending on different diagnosis.

Answered by Darlene Murphy on January 26, 2026

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, ID & 7 other states

Answered by Darlene Murphy Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Zaruba · Answer

Any medical visit, with the exception of many preventatives (not all) will need to go under the Part B deductible cost to the patient.

Michael White · Answer

Yes. If PT is medically necessary then you will be responsible for 20% of all the bills unless you are enrolled in a Supplement or advantage plan.

Eli Roque · Answer

Yes, you must pay Part B deductible and most like will have to cover 20% of the total cost of your physical therapy. Due to that Part B of Medicare normally cover 80% of total cost. ( advise) Talk to doctor who referred to the therapy and the provider and figure out how long the treatments will be so you can figure out a budget.

Answered by Eli Roque on July 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, FL & 8 other states

Answered by Eli Roque Medicare Insurance Agent

Michelle de Guzman · Answer

If you are covered on Medicare Part B only, you are first responsible for the Part B deductible. Once you have met that you will pay 20% and Medicare will pay 80%. If you have a medicare Supplement Plan G you will pay $0 after the deductible is met.

Answered by Michelle de Guzman on April 27, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, CA & 10 other states

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Robert Fracchia · Answer

After you meet your Medicare Part B deductible ($257), you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for physical therapy. Medicare pays the remaining 80%

Kip Nussbaum · Answer

If you are on Original Medicare only, then yes, you would have to meet your deductible first ($257 for 2025). Upon meeting your deductible, Medicare would cover 80% of the visit and you would be responsible for 20%.

If you are on Original Medicare with a supplemental plan, some plans cover the Part B deductible but most do not.

If you are on Medicare with and Advantage Plan (also called Part C), most plans simply have a copay for your visit. Some plans (a limited amount in my area) do have a medical deductible but like I said, most just have a set copay amount.

Robin Mulcahy · Answer

You would need to first satisfy the Medicare part B deductible, then you would need to pay 20% coinsurance.

Kent Pike · Answer

If you have just Original Medicare, you would be obligated for any Medicare Services to reach the Part B deductible unless you have a Grandfathered Plan Such as Plan F.

Rebecca Davis · Answer

If you only have original Medicare then yes you will have to pay the $257 deductible first then 20% of the bill each time.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

The Part B deductible in 2025 is $257.00. Once you go over that threshold, your PT is indeed covered by your Part B. This is determined by your doctor's “Plan of Care” which can be of any duration he sees fit. This can be increased if in the doctor’s assessment, you have not made as much progress as he initially thought. Medicare grants the doctor's opinions.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Jim Tretola · Answer

If you have had no other medical expenses in the calendar year. Yes, you must first pay your yearly deductible, then your physical therapy will be covered at 80%. So, to limit this financial exposure you should consider either a Medigap or Medicare Advantage Plan.

Answered by Jim Tretola on November 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in NJ, CA, CT & 6 other states

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Timothy Brown · Answer

Physical therapy is covered under Medicare B (Outpatient Services) but it's the additional coverage (Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage) that what your coinsurance or copay:
If you have a Medicare Supplement, all cost that under Medicare Part B will be covered after the $257 annual deductible has been met. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you will have a copay for each physical therapy visit. The copay will be listed in the summary of benefits of the insurance carrier.

Priscilla Ramos · Answer

Yes, with Part B, you must meet your yearly deductible first. After that, Medicare typically pays 80% of approved costs for medically necessary outpatient therapy, and you pay the remaining 20%.

Rick Boyd · Answer

If your provider certifies that you need physical therapy, after your part B deductible, Medicare pays 80%, you pay the remaining 20%

Gus Karigan · Answer

Medicare no longer has a hard “cap” on therapy visits, but there is an annual “therapy threshold” (around $2,330 for 2025 for combined physical therapy and speech-language pathology services).

If your therapy costs go beyond that, your provider must document that the services remain medically necessary for Medicare to continue coverage.

Cheryl Lockhart · Answer

Yes you must meet your Part B deductible of $257.00 for the year 2025 before Medicare starts paying. The deductible is projected to be $288.00 for the year 2026. After you meet the deductible, Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount and you will pay 20% coinsurance.

Answered by Cheryl Lockhart on November 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, CO, KY, NC & WV

Answered by Cheryl Lockhart Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Schnell · Answer

It depends on what kind of Medicare coverage you have. Some plans you have to pay some, others you don't. An agent can help you find a plan that fits your needs.

Sandy Nelson-Tittsworth, CMIP · Answer

On Medicare Advantage plans, physical therapy visits are copays. Original Medicate and Medicare Supplements require paying the Medicare deductible first, then 20%.

John Zentner · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part B covers medically necessary physical therapy (PT), but you must meet your annual Part B deductible first. Once met, Part B generally pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount, leaving you with 20% coinsurance.

Answered by John Zentner on April 13, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by John Zentner Medicare Insurance Agent

Jeffrey Adams · Answer

Yes, if you are on Original Medicare or if you have a Medicare Supplement plan G or N, you must meet thte deductible of $283 in 2026 before your Physicail Therapy would be covered. On Original Medicare, you would then pay 20%. On a Supplement, it would be covered 100% after the deductible. On a Medicare Advantage plan, copays for Physical Therapy will vary by plan, but range from $25-$50 per visit

Answered by Jeffrey Adams on March 16, 2026

Agent Licensed in MO, AR, AZ & 13 other states

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Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part B requires you to meet your deductible before it begins covering physical therapy. The Part B deductible for 2025 is $257. Once you've met this deductible, Medicare will pay 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for your physical therapy, and you will be responsible for the remaining 20%. 
Elaboration:
Deductible:
Before Medicare starts paying for any covered services, including physical therapy, you'll need to meet your annual Part B deductible, which is $257 for 2025. 
Coinsurance:
Once your deductible is met, Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the approved amount for physical therapy. You are then responsible for the remaining 20% (your coinsurance). 
Medigap:
If you have a Medigap plan, it may help cover the remaining 20% coinsurance, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket costs. 
Medically Necessary:
Medicare only covers physical therapy that is considered medically necessary to treat, diagnose, or monitor a health condition. 
Provider Notification:
If your provider believes your therapy may not be considered medically necessary, they must inform you in writing before providing the services.

Mary Brown · Answer

If you’re on Original Medicare, yes, you must meet your Part B deductible first before Medicare pays 80% for your physical therapy.
If you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan’s Summary of Benefits for its specific copay and deductible rules.

Meghan Blankenship · Answer

Yes, under Medicare Part B, you must first meet your annual deductible before coverage for physical therapy kicks in. In 2025, that deductible is $257.

Mark Boone · Answer

Yes, with Medicare Part B, you must first meet your annual deductible before coverage for physical therapy begins. After the deductible is met, Medicare Part B pays 80% of the approved amount for outpatient physical therapy services, and you are responsible for the remaining 20%.

Answered by Mark Boone on October 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in MN, FL, MI & NC, OH, SC & VA

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Ben Washington · Answer

I'm on Medicare Part B, and I'm wondering how my physical therapy visits are covered. Do I have to hit my deductible first? Yes medicare has part B deductible of 257 then you will pay 20% of the cost. under original medicare. With a medicare Advantage plan you don't have me et a deductible under most plans.

Answered by Ben Washington on May 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, FL, MN, SC, TX & WI

Answered by Ben Washington Medicare Insurance Agent

Julie Thompson · Answer

If you are only on Medicare Part B without another plan, then yes Part B deductible applies then you will pay 20% of the Medicare approved cost. But if you have an Advantage plan generally its a co-pay and Supplements its subject to the Part B deductible and will depend on what Med Supp plan you have to determine if additional costs after the deductible.

Answered by Julie Thompson on October 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, KY, NV & TN

Answered by Julie Thompson Medicare Insurance Agent

Linda Davies · Answer

Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the approved amount for physical therapy services after you meet your annual deductible, which is $257 in 2025. You are responsible for the remaining 20% (coinsurance), any copay, and costs not covered by Medicare.

Answered by Linda Davies on June 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in IL

Answered by Linda Davies Medicare Insurance Agent

Ken Banks · Answer

Yes, you do need to meet your Part B deductible before Medicare begins covering your physical therapy costs. Once your deductible is met, Medicare will typically cover 80% of the approved cost for outpatient physical therapy, and you will be responsible for the remaining 20%. The Part B deductible for 2025 is $257. Medicare will only cover physical therapy that is deemed medically necessary.

Answered by Ken Banks on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, AL, DC & 5 other states

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Robert Remin · Answer

Robert Remin, expert Medicare plan advisor, licensed in NY, CT, NJ, and FL. If you have a balance or have not paid any of your part B deductible you will be billed for it once PT starts. Once deducttible paid you have unlimited zero cost PT visits each calendar year as long as Medicare deems they are medically necessary. FYI-If you have an additional private carrier Advantage plan or the G+ aka HDG plan you will have additional copayments besides part B original Medicare deductible

Answered by Robert Remin on July 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, FL & NJ

Answered by Robert Remin Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Murphy · Answer

Yes, for 2026 the deductible is $283.  After the deductible Medicare Part B will cover 80% of your visit.

William Murray · Answer

If all you have for non-inpatient coverage is Original Medicare Part B, then physical therapy is covered just like all Part B treatments.
That is, you have your 2025 Part B deductible of $257. Whatever is left to be met must be paid first. After that, any remaining charge will be covered at 80% by Part B. You will be responsible for the remaining 20%.

Kevin Chaikin · Answer

Yes on traditional Part B you would need to pay your deductible first. Then, depending on your supplemental coverage you may have additional copays and as little as $0 extra cost for Physical Therapy.

Adam Paul · Answer

Yes, you must first meet your Medicare Part B deductible before it starts covering physical therapy visits. After you meet the annual deductible, Medicare Part B covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount, and you are responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance.

Answered by Adam Paul on October 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, NV, OK & OR

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Robert Nunn · Answer

First not sure what rehab it is but if you go to Medicare.gov and download the 2025 Medicare and you book . Go to Section 2 : Find out what Medicare covers starting on page 25 .

Dennis Sullivan · Answer

This is all dependent on the plan your'e on. This is a tough question to answer, not knowing the specifics of the plan...

Danielle Jimison · Answer

Medicare Part B requires you to pay 100% of the cost of your outpatient physical therapy until you meet your annual deductible.  After the deductible: Medicare pays 80%, you pay 20% 
nless you have:
• 	A Medigap plan (often covers the 20%)
• 	A Medicare Advantage plan (uses set copays instead of the 20%)

Rene Apack · Answer

The short answer to the question is the one that no one likes. " I depends."

It depends on the Medicare plan that you currently own. 

On the Medicare Advantage plan side, some plans have a deductible, but mainly, they have a copay that you and the insurance company pay.

Again, on the Medicare Supplement side, it depends on your own Medicare Supplement plan. Plan F has no deductible, whereas Plan G has an annual deductible of $257 for 2025, which is amortized over several doctor's visits, lab work, etc.

Best wishes,
Rene Apack

Steven Rodriguez Giudicelli · Answer

Yes, you do have to meet your Part B deductible first. For 2025, the Part B deductible is $257.
Once you've paid that $257 for the year, Medicare Part B will generally cover 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for your physical therapy visits. You'll be responsible for paying the other 20%, which is called coinsurance.
So, in short: Deductible first, then Medicare pays most of it.

Chris Prang · Answer

And here's the question: "I am on Medicare Part B and I am wondering how my physical therapy visits are covered. Do I have to hit my deductible first?"

So, if you are on original Medicare and you got A and B, your physical therapy is going to fall under Medicare Part B. For 2025, that has a Part B deductible of $257 that you need to meet first. Now, given that we are in August, you may have already actually met it.

So you can go to medicare.gov. If you don't have an account, set it up, and you can actually see how much of your deductible you have met and how much you have left. So you will have to meet the deductible for the physical therapy. After that, Medicare is going to pay 80%, and then we have 20% left over. That is either going to be your responsibility or the Medicare supplement company's responsibility in one way or another, depending on the plan that you have.

If you have a Plan G, the Plan G will pay all the 20%. If you have a Plan N, it will pay the 20%, but they may deem that possibly as one of the office visits that you can get billed up to $20.

So the bottom line is, if you're on original Medicare and you're doing physical therapy, it's under Part B, and you do need to meet the $257 Part B annual deductible. Now, if by chance you're on Medicare Advantage, in most cases, no deductible applies, and you would simply more than likely have a co-payment of some sort, probably ranging anywhere from $25 to $50, depending on the plan that you have.

So I hope that answers your question. If you need my help, please, by all means, reach out to me as long as you're from one of the states I'm licensed in.

Tanja Roulhac · Answer

Physical therapy is covered under Medicare Part B, however you must first meet your deductible then benefits are paid. Medicare will pay 80% and the beneficiary is responsible for 20% of the approved cost.

Answered by Tanja Roulhac on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, CA & 7 other states

Answered by Tanja Roulhac Medicare Insurance Agent

Kim White · Answer

If you only have original Medicare, you will pay the first $283 in 2026 and then 20% after Medicare pays. If you have a supplement with your Medicare, you will pay your $283 deductible. Then your cost depends on which plane you have. If you have an advantage plan, you will have a co-pay with each visit and that depends on which plane you have, summer as low as $10 per visit.

Answered by Kim White on December 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN

Answered by Kim White Medicare Insurance Agent

Jeff LeSourd · Answer

Every year you always have to meet your deductible first for any medical procedure. In 2026 that is $202.90. Once the deductible is met Medicare will cover 80% of all approved PT expenses. If you have a Medigap plan the remaining 20% of all Medicare approved expenses will be covered. 
You need to make sure all your PT expenses are Medicare approved with the correct codes. If the PT group uses the wrong codes you will not get reimbursed by Medicare or have them qualify for your deductible.

Dionisio Guillermo · Answer

These visits are covered by Part B if it is ordered by a doctor as medically necessary. Part B covers 80% of the approved amount for the therapy service after applying the deductible and you are responsible for the 20% coinsurance.

Answered by Dionisio Guillermo on May 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in HI

Answered by Dionisio Guillermo Medicare Insurance Agent

John Ward · Answer

Physical Therapy generally has a co-pay that your responsible for, amount depends on your plan. Your physician must order the therapy and number of visits allowed. If in doubt check your plan summary or call your insurance company in advance. Always be a self-advocate.

Answered by John Ward on July 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, FL, GA, LA, NM & OK

Answered by John Ward Medicare Insurance Agent

Lily Genao · Answer

It all depends on which plan you are on. Medicare part B covers you doctors only 80 percent. Some plans have a deductible that must be met or just a co-pay per visit .

Jesse Martinez · Answer

There are a few variables that go into that. Depending if you’re on original Medicare only or on an advantage plan. Most advantage plans allow physical therapy with the pre approval from a doctor for a specific copayment usually around $20-$40 per session. If you’re only on Part B ( no advantage plan) you will have to pay your deductible first usually around $240 or so. After that Medicare will cover 80% and you will pay the remaining 20% of the physical therapy cost.

Answered by Jesse Martinez on June 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Jesse Martinez Medicare Insurance Agent

Jaye Anna Hill · Answer

Yes, you must meet your Medicare Part B annual deductible. The deductible amount could change from year to year. The amount for 2026 is $283. Medicare Part B will cover only 80% of your Medicare-approved medical expenses. The additional 20% is co-insurance, which can be paid in cash or through additional insurance coverage.

Answered by Jaye Anna Hill on March 20, 2026

Broker Licensed in SC, AL, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Jaye Anna Hill Medicare Insurance Agent

I'm on Medicare Part B, and I'm wondering how my physical therapy visits are covered. Do I have to hit my deductible first?

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