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Original Medicare Part B
What Does Medicare Part B Cover?
Part B covers medical insurance, such as doctor visits, outpatient services, ambulance, and durable medical equipment.
Medicare Part B Eligibility
You must be 65 years old, and a US Citizen or a permanent resident. You also need to be eligble and enrolled in Part A.
Do I Have To Apply For Medicare Part B?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. You'll get automatic Medicare Part B enrollment if you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Disability for 24 months. Most people will need to apply for Medicare Part B. If you are unsure, please call us for assistance.
Do I Need Medicare Part B If I Have Other Insurance?
Maybe. Maybe not. This is a tricky question, and will depend on what the other coverage is. If you're covered by an employer with less than 20 employees, you should usually sign up for Part B when you first become eligible. If you have group coverage by an employer with more than 20 employees (yourself or spouse), you may be able to delay Medicare Parts A and B without penalties. Please call us with questions.
Cost Of Medicare Part B
The Medicare Part B premium for 2021 is $148.50/month, if your income is less than 88,000/year. If you earn more than $88,000/year, you'll pay more.
Help Paying Medicare Part B Premiums
Florida beneficiaries with lower incomes can get help paying Part B premiums. These programs are called Qualified Individual Program (QI), Specified Low-Income Benficiary (SLMB), and Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB). If you're covered by QMB, Medicaid will pay for your premiums and co-pays. Please see our page on Medicare Savings Programs.
Can I Get Medicare Part B For Free?
Sometimes, yes. Medicaid may pay your Part B premiums if you qualify. At other times, a Medicare Part C plan may put money back on your Social Security. They call that a "Part B Buyback" or "Part B Giveback" and we'll have to see if those plans are available in your zip code.
Medicare Part B Deductible 2021
The 2021 deductible is $203. However, if you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), you may have zero dollar deductibles for many services.
Medicare Part B Penalties
If you do not sign up for Medicare Part B when eligible, you'll pay penalties for life. The penalty is 10% increase in premium for every 12 months you were eligible and did not sign up. Click this link to see more details on Medicare penalties.