Medicare is an invaluable health care solution for elderly and disabled individuals, but one that is also confusing. While Medicare Part A, C, and D all serve unique and important purposes such as covering inpatient procedures or prescription medications, read below from a more in-depth look at Medicare Part B.

What Is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B covers medically-necessary outpatient care, including preventive services like flu shots, and heart, diabetes, or cancer screenings.

Additionally, it will pay for any medical equipment that is essential for your health—from diagnostic imaging to wheelchairs, sleep-apnea devices, blood sugar self-testing machines, doctor-recommended specialty shoes or any other equipment that you need to manage a disease or disability.

If you require part-time home health care or rehabilitative services, such as physical therapy, these are also covered with a doctor’s sign-off.

Who Qualifies for Medicare?

Medicare is a federally-funded program and has several eligibility requirements for each of its four parts. For Medicare Part B, you must:

• Be 65 years or older unless you have a qualifying disability such as end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
• Be a US citizen or a legal resident of the United States for a period of five years.

If you miss your early enrollment period, which begins three months before you turn 65 and lasts for a period of seven months, you will be forced to apply during the late-enrollment window running from January through March each year, with coverage beginning in July. You may also have to pay a late-enrollment fee.

Mary Marshall Medicare – Independent Broker knows how important health insurance is in a person’s life, which is why she’s committed to ensuring clients get Medicare Part A, B, C, and D coverage as needed. Located in Lakewood, CO, she’ll help you navigate the application and appeal processes so that you can get the care you need. Visit her website to learn more about her services and call (303) 241-6665 today to schedule an over-the-phone or in-office consultation.