What kinds of costs does Medicare Part B cover?
Part B medical insurance is intended to help pay doctor bills for treatment in or out of the hospital. It also covers many medical expenses you incur when you are not in the hospital, such as the costs of necessary medical equipment, and tests and services provided by clinics and laboratories. The lists of services specifically covered and not covered are long and do not always make a lot of sense, but making the effort to learn what is and is not covered can be important. You may get the most benefits by fitting your medical treatments into the covered categories whenever possible. Part B insurance pays for: • doctor services (including surgery) provided at a hospital, a doctor’s office, or your home • mammograms, pelvic exams, bone density tests, and PAP smears for women • an annual flu shot • a one-time physical exam (called a “wellness exam”) done within six months of when you enroll in Medicare Part B • medical services provided by nurses, surgical assistants, or laboratory or X-r
