What is Medicare Part B?
- When I retire, can I keep the health plan I have now?
- What is COBRA?
- What if I retire and have no health plan?
- How much will health insurance cost me in retirement?
- Where can I purchase individual health coverage?
- Does my spouse need a separate policy when I retire?
- What if I can't get individual coverage?
- How can I keep my health costs down in retirement?
- Where should I put my health care savings?
- How does a Health Savings Account (HSA) work?
- Who can participate in an HSA?
- What is Medicare?
- Who pays for Medicare?
- What is Medicare Part A?
- What is Medicare Part B?
- What is Medicare Part C?
- What is Medicare Part D?
- What is Medigap insurance?
- Which Medigap policy should I buy?
- What is Medicaid?
- What does Medicaid cover?
Medicare Part B provides coverage for doctor visits and other "outpatient" costs such as medical equipment and physical therapy. It also covers some preventive costs such as diabetes testing, glaucoma screening, and colon and prostate cancer screening.
Part B comes with a monthly premium you must pay; in 2008, the base premium is $96.40. But if your adjusted gross income is above $80,000 (or $160,000 for married couples filing a joint tax return), you'll be hit with a supplemental premium that will add at least 35% to your cost.
