Medicare Part B
Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Understanding the complexities of Medicare can be confusing. In today’s 60 Second Housecall, Dr. Ken Davis tells us more about Medicare Part B.

Medicare Part B helps pay for physicians’ services, outpatient hospital care and some other medical services not covered by Medicare Part A. Part B helps pay for these services and supplies only when they are determined to be medically necessary.

Unlike Medicare Part A, most people pay a monthly premium of 90 to 150 dollars depending on income for Part B coverage. Part B insurance also has a 131 dollar annual deductible for covered services.

Medicare pays physicians on a pre-determined fee schedule. Part B generally pays 80 percent of Medicare allowed charges and the beneficiary is responsible for the remaining 20 percent. Medicare supplements (or Medigap insurance) can be purchased to help cover the deductibles and co-insurance. If the beneficiary is covered by both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicaid will cover most of the deductible and co-insurance.

If you have questions about any aspects of Medicare call 1-800-MEDICARE or log on to www.medicare.gov.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.