Paying for care
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It helps pay for doctor and provider services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs, and many preventive services. With Part A it forms Original Medicare. Most people pay a monthly premium, a yearly deductible, and coinsurance.
Why it matters for your family
Part B can pay for a walker, wheelchair, or hospital bed when a doctor orders it and the item meets Medicare rules. For many covered services, you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after the deductible. Part B does not pay for a caregiver to help with bathing, dressing, or meals when that is the only care needed. A common mistake is to read the words medical insurance and assume it covers everyday help at home. It covers medical services. Check the Medicare handbook or call 1-800-MEDICARE before counting on coverage for any item.
Source: medicare.gov
Read more: What Medicare Doesn't Cover
Related terms
- Medicare Part AMedicare Part A is hospital insurance.
- Medigap (Medicare supplement insurance)Medigap is private insurance that helps pay your share of Original Medicare costs, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
- WalkerA walker is a frame with four legs that a person grips to steady themselves while walking.
- WheelchairA wheelchair is a chair on wheels that lets a person move when walking is hard or unsafe.
- Hospital bedA hospital bed is an adjustable bed used at home for a person who needs help with positioning, rest or transfers.
- Medicare home health benefitThe Medicare home health benefit pays for part-time or intermittent skilled care at home.
