What does Medicare Part B cover? Is it enough?

Question

Deborah Bates · Accepted Answer

After a $257 deductible (in 2025), part b covers 80% of most medically necessary services when using a doctor or facility that accepts medicare assignment. Some places may charge 15% more, but still accept Medicare patients. You or your supplement would be responsible for the excess charges.

Answered by Deborah Bates on March 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ, FL, MN, NM, TX & UT

Answered by Deborah Bates Medicare Insurance Agent

Melonie Wood · Answer

Medicare Part B, or medical insurance, covers medically necessary services like doctor's visits, outpatient care, and certain preventive services

William Lawler · Answer

Medicare Part B covers doctors, outpatient, medical equipment, but it does not cover hospital, which is Part A.

Joseph Bachmeier · Answer

Medicare Part B is the medical portion of Medicare. It is not enough to cover all costs because if you do not have a Medigap plan you would be responsible for 20% of the medical costs you incure.

Nikki Rowland · Answer

Part B covers your Dr. and Medical but only at 80%. You are responsible for the other 20% with no max. Meaning, if you have a hospital bill of $100K, you will receive a bill for the 20% at $20K. Supplemental plans are designed to pick up that other 20%. So in my opinion, NO Part A and Part B are not enough on their own.

Answered by Nikki Rowland on May 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in SC & NC

Answered by Nikki Rowland Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Pennington · Answer

It covers 80% of day to day medical needs and some Rx.  It would not be enough if you were having to pay 20% of a large medical bill.

Sandra Bailey · Answer

Medicare Part B covers medical insurance including, Doctor’s services, outpatient care, many preventive services.  It covers 80%  & you’ll pay 20%

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Medicare Part B covers 80% of the cost when you visit your doctors, have your blood drawn, having needed to obtain physical & speech therapy when an accident or health incident has occurred. The 20% "coinsurance" balance is then covered by a Medicare Supplement plan to its fullest extent and an Medicare Advantage plan to a decent but lesser extent. It should cover enough of the cost especially since seniors do obtain an inflation percentage increase to cover the cost of living from the prior year.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Gregg Matheny · Answer

Medicare part B covers quite a bit, including: Doctors, exams, outpatient care, preventative care, durable medical equipment, therapy, home health services, ambulance. Keep in mind that the Medicare part be deductible for 2025 is $257. If you’re on a Medicare supplement plan, you would have to meet that deductible For any of the above listed services.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

Part B covers Doctors, like Part A covers hospitals. It is important to note that it gives you free access and control to the Professionals you trust, not being assigned. It also covers DME - Durable Medical Equipment such as crutches, chairs, commodes, beds, etc. that many MA plans have you pay. But Part B doesn’t pay your Co-Insurances or Co-pays and has a $257 Deductible before it pays 80% to your billing. You are responsible for the balance. Many people smartly decide to add a strong Supplement plan to their original Medicare, and that price is dependent on the Plan, the company, and whether you are in an Issue age state or an Attained age state.

Answered by Norman Smith on March 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

John L Herman Jr · Answer

PART "B" covers non-hospital charges such as Doctor's fees.  Having PART "B" opens up the world of MEDIGAP and MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS which could be invaluable when getting the right coverage.  Since the Doctors you see and the Prescriptions you take and the budget you have for Health Care is unique to you...always consult with an Independent Broker to help guide you to the right options.

And remember...and Independent Broker should ever charge you a fee for their help.

Steve Houchens · Answer

Medicare Part B, also known as medical insurance, helps cover medically necessary doctor's services, outpatient care, home health services, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services, but generally not inpatient hospital care or long-term care. However it’s only covers 80% with no cap on possible out of pocket cost which is why you need to purchase either a Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage plan to protect yourself from some possible large out of pocket cost and limit you liability.

Answered by Steve Houchens on April 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Aaron Solomon · Answer

Part b covers the following:

Doctor visits

outpatient lab test

outpatient services and surgeries

Peventive Health appointments

Certain durable medical equipment

Michael Kim · Answer

Part B covers doctor visits, tests, outpatient services, preventive care, and medical equipment and supplies.

Julie Joyce · Answer

Medicare Part B covers outpatient services.  It works on 80/20% coinsurance, so NO it is not enough.  Plus there is no limit on what you can be charged.  You need a plan to come in and cover that 20%

Gretchen Morris · Answer

80% of the costs of Durable medical equipment, non self administered drugs and skilled doctor and nursing services.  You are liable for 20% with NO MAX OUT OF POCKET.  So YES  you need more coverage.

Tammie Rutledge · Answer

Part B covers Doctor visits, outpatient care, medical tests, some immunizations and some medications.  It also covers Durable Medical Equipment.  Part B covers at 80% and 20% is the patient's responsibility. 

There is no max out of pocket protection, so if you were diagnosed with Cancer and were prescribed Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy, it could financially devastate you. 

That is why we recommend a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement to protect you for catastrophic health loss.

Fred Manas · Answer

Medicare Part B covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor's visits, outpatient care, and some preventive services. However, it's not a comprehensive plan on its own and doesn't cover everything. It's generally recommended to have both Part A and Part B for more complete coverage, says mutualofomaha.com. 
What Part B Covers:
Outpatient Care: According to ehealthinsurance.com This includes visits to doctors' offices, outpatient surgeries, and other services not requiring an overnight stay. 
Preventive Services: GoodRx.com notes This includes screenings for certain diseases, immunizations, and a "Welcome to Medicare" visit. 
Durable Medical Equipment: As stated by healthline.com This includes items like wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen equipment. 
Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Care: Says medicare.gov 
Ambulance Services: Medicare.gov states
Some Outpatient Prescription Drugs: Medicare.gov notes 
Limited Home Health Care: According to healthline.com
What Part B Doesn't Cover:
Inpatient Hospital Stays: eHealth.com states
Skilled Nursing Facility Care: According to Humana.com
Most Prescription Drugs: Notes eHealth.com
Vision, Dental, and Hearing Services: Humana.com notes
Routine Physical Exams: Humana.com states
Cosmetic Surgery: Humana.com notes 
Is it Enough?
Part B alone is often not sufficient for comprehensive healthcare coverage. While it covers many essential services, it has limitations and doesn't cover all potential needs. Medicare Part A, which covers hospital and skilled nursing facility care, is essential to round out coverage. Many people also choose Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) which often offer additional benefits like vision, dental, and hearing coverage,

Brian Krantz · Answer

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, lab work, preventive services, and some medical equipment. But it only covers 80% — no cap on out-of-pocket costs — so no, it’s not enough on its own. You’ll need a Supplement or Advantage plan to fill the gaps.

Answered by Brian Krantz on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Brian Krantz Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Simm · Answer

Medicare Part B will cover all outpatient services. Which includes primary care doctor, specialist outpatient Imaging or lab, outpatient physical therapy, occupational mental therapy, outpatient surgery, out-patient hospitalization, surgical center, durable medical equipment, and chemo and radiation centers as well too. Once you have paid your deductible of $257 then you are responsible for 20% of all medical expenses. I would highly recommend either a Medicare supplemental plan or make your Medicare Advantage plan to at least cap your outpatient medical expenses.

Answered by Robert Simm on April 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AL, AR & 15 other states

Answered by Robert Simm Medicare Insurance Agent

David Christian · Answer

Hello. Medicare Part B, also known as medical insurance, covers a wide range of outpatient medical services and some preventive care. It helps pay for doctor's visits, outpatient hospital care, some home health services, durable medical equipment, and certain other medical and health services. 

Is it enough is a subjective question.  The services are robust and rich. The costs to the individual will depend on what type of coverage the person has.

Chuck Winslow · Answer

Medicare Part B helps cover your outpatient care. That includes doctor visits, lab work, durable medical equipment (like walkers or oxygen), preventive screenings (like mammograms or colonoscopies), mental health services, and even some home health care.

But is it enough? For many, not quite. Part B doesn’t cover prescriptions, dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term care. Plus, you still pay a monthly premium, an annual deductible, and usually 20% of the cost of services.

That’s why many people add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan to fill in those gaps.

Ryan Ross · Answer

Medicare Part B covers your everyday medical needs, like doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services (like flu shots), lab tests, X-rays, mental health services, and some durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs). It also covers ambulance services and limited home health care.

Is it enough?
Not always. Part B usually only covers 80% of approved costs after you meet your deductible—you’re responsible for the other 20%. Plus, it doesn’t cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term care. That’s why many people add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan or a Medicare Advantage plan to help fill in the gaps.

Let me know if you would like to meet and I will find what is best for you, with you.