Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover 2 types of services: Medically necessary services: Services or supplies that meet accepted standards of medical practice to diagnose or treat your medical condition. Preventive services: Health care to prevent illness (like the flu) or detect it at an early stage when treatment is likely to work best.

Apply online to sign up for Part B if you already have Part A. Have the employer fill out form CMS-L564. Send the completed form to your local Social Security office by fax or mail.

Understand the parts of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D and Medigap, and how they relate to Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

Part B Premium: $185 each month (or higher depending on your income). The amount can change each year. You’ll pay the premium each month, even if you don’t get any Part B-covered services. Who pays a higher premium because of income? How do I pay my Part B premiums?

Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). Original Medicare covers things like inpatient hospital care, doctors’ services and tests, and preventive services.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers a limited number of outpatient prescription drugs under certain conditions. Usually, Part B covers drugs you wouldn't typically give to yourself, like those you get at a doctor's office or in a hospital outpatient setting .

You must have Part B and keep paying your Part B premium to stay in your plan. Will my Medicare Advantage Plan help pay my Part B premium? Compare costs for specific health care plans.

The official U.S. government website for Medicare, a health insurance program for people age 65 or older and younger people with disabilities.

Generally, you need Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy. Some Medigap policies offer coverage when you travel outside the U.S. Generally, Medigap policies don’t cover long-term care (like care in a nursing home), vision, dental, hearing …

If you qualify for premium-free Part A: Your Part A coverage starts the month you turn 65. (If your birthday is on the first of the month, coverage starts the month before you turn 65.) Part B (and premium-Part A): Coverage starts based on the month you sign up: