Medicare Part B Physician Visits, Out Patient Coverage & Enrollment

Medicare Part B:

Enroll Now or Wait?

Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, durable medical equipment, and many services outside the hospital. The difficult question is often not what Part B covers, but whether you should enroll now, delay enrollment, or use a Special Enrollment Period later.

Medicare.gov – Sign Up for Part A and Part B

BREAKING NEWS – One time $90 refund!

Quick Decision Guide

Retired?
- Usually enroll in Part B when first eligible.
Still working?
- You may be able to delay Part B if covered by a qualifying employer plan.
Covered under a spouse’s employer plan?
- You may be able to delay Part B.
COBRA or retiree coverage?
- Medicare usually expects you to enroll in Part B.
VA coverage only?
- Review your options carefully before delaying Part B.

Most Common Medicare Part B Questions FAQ’s

I’m still working. Do I need Part B?
- Whether you need Part B depends on your employer coverage, employer size, and whether coverage is based on active employment.
  - Learn About Medicare and Employer Coverage
Can I enroll later without a penalty?
- If you qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period, you may be able to enroll later without a late enrollment penalty.
  - Learn About Medicare Special Enrollment Periods
What if I missed my enrollment period?
- You may need to wait for the Medicare General Enrollment Period and could be subject to a late enrollment penalty.
  - Learn About the General Enrollment Period
How does the Part B penalty work?
- Medicare generally adds a 10% penalty for each full 12-month period that you could have had Part B but did not enroll and were not eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
  - Learn About the Part B Late Enrollment Penalty
Why is Medicare billing me for several months at once?
- Many people receive an initial Medicare bill covering multiple months. This often happens when premiums are billed directly instead of being deducted from Social Security.
  - Learn Why Medicare Bills Multiple Months at Once
I have VA benefits. Do I still need Medicare?
- VA benefits and Medicare work differently. Many veterans choose to enroll in Medicare even when they have VA coverage.
- VA Coverage Compared to Medicare
I have limited income. Can someone help pay my Part B premium?
- Medicare Savings Programs may help eligible beneficiaries pay some Medicare costs, including the Part B premium.
  - Learn About Medicare Savings Programs
What do Medicare Part A Hospital and Part B Outpatient Cover?

Need Help?

Every Medicare situation is different.
If you are unsure whether to enroll in Part B, delay enrollment, use a Special Enrollment Period, or avoid a late enrollment penalty, contact Steve for assistance before making a decision.
- Email Steve Shorr

Official Medicare Resources

Medicare Eligibility, Premium & Late Enrollment Calculators

Not sure when you're eligible for Medicare or what your Medicare premium may be?

These calculators and resources can help.

Medicare Part A & Part B Eligibility and Premium Calculator

Medicare.gov — Estimate My Medicare Eligibility & Premium
- Estimate when you're eligible for Medicare.
- Estimate your Medicare Part B premium.
  - Medicare.gov — Current Medicare Premiums, Deductibles & Costs
- Estimate a possible Part B late enrollment penalty — my web page
- Medicare.gov — Avoid Late Enrollment Penalties
- Estimate an income-related premium surcharge — IRMAA — my web page
  - Medicare.gov — Current Medicare Costs
- Check whether you may qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A — my web page
  - Medicare.gov — Part A Premiums & Costs

Important:
Medicare's calculator is an estimate. Social Security determines your actual Medicare premium. The calculator may not be able to estimate your Part B premium in certain situations, including if you previously had Part B and dropped or lost it, or if you're enrolling through a Medicare Part B Special Enrollment Period — my web page
.

Part D Prescription Drug Late Enrollment Penalty

If you went without Medicare Part D or other creditable prescription drug coverage for too long, you may have a Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty — my web page
.
You can also review Medicare.gov — Part D Late Enrollment Penalty.

Part D Late Enrollment Penalty Calculator — The Medicare Family

Medicare premiums and deductibles can change every year.
Medicare.gov — Check Current Medicare Premiums, Deductibles & Costs

Related Child & Sibling Pages

Site Map