What is Medicare Part B?
- How do I afford health care in retirement?
- 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?
- Where can I learn more about Medigap?
- What is Medicaid?
- What does Medicaid cover?
- Should I get long-term care insurance?
- How can I tell if a nursing home is a good one?
- Will my health coverage be affected if my spouse dies?
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.
