What does Medicare Part B cover?

Medicare Part B is designed to cover various outpatient services and preventive care to help maintain an individual's health. Specifically, it primarily covers outpatient care, which includes doctor visits, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, and some ambulance services. Additionally, Part B includes coverage for preventive services such as vaccinations and screenings aimed at preventing or detecting illnesses early on.

Hospital room and board costs, which encompass inpatient care and services provided during a hospital stay, are generally covered under Medicare Part A instead. Consequently, understanding the role of Part B is essential for comprehending how Medicare works as a whole. Focus on the specific services included within Part B can help individuals make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.