Medicare Part B is the part of Medicare that covers doctor and outpatient medical services, plus many preventive services, in exchange for a monthly premium, an annual deductible, and cost‑sharing like coinsurance. In 2026, it includes the familiar mix of medically necessary care (like doctor visits and lab work) and preventive screenings, with updated premiums and deductibles set each year.

Core Part B coverage

Medicare Part B generally helps pay for two broad types of services. It is optional, but most people enroll because it fills major gaps that Part A (hospital) does not cover.

  • Medically necessary services to diagnose or treat a condition (must meet accepted medical standards).
  • Preventive services to prevent illness (like flu) or catch problems early when treatment works best.

Examples of what Part B covers

Part B coverage is centered on outpatient and physician‑related care.

  • Doctor visits (primary care and specialists) in the office, hospital outpatient department, or clinic.
  • Outpatient hospital services, including many same‑day surgeries and procedures.
  • Diagnostic tests and imaging such as lab work, X‑rays, and many preventive screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies when criteria are met, etc.).
  • Durable medical equipment (DME) like walkers, wheelchairs, and home oxygen when medically necessary.
  • Some home health services, such as skilled nursing or therapy, when eligibility rules are met.
  • Certain drugs given in a clinic or doctor’s office (for example, infused or injected medications) and, in special cases, immunosuppressive drugs after a kidney transplant.

What Part B does not usually cover

Knowing what Part B does not cover is just as important.

  • Most routine dental care, dentures, eye exams for glasses, and hearing aids.
  • Long‑term custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, etc. when that is the only care needed).
  • Most prescription drugs you pick up at a pharmacy (those are usually under Part D or other coverage).
  • Services not considered “reasonable and necessary,” and items for personal comfort (like most private‑duty nursing or hospital phones/TVs).

Costs for Part B in 2026

Part B has a monthly premium, an annual deductible, and typical cost‑sharing once that deductible is met.

  • Standard monthly premium in 2026 is $202.90 for most beneficiaries (higher‑income people pay more).
  • Annual Part B deductible in 2026 is $283 ; you generally pay this first before Medicare starts paying its share.
  • After the deductible, Part B typically pays 80% of the Medicare‑approved amount for covered services, and you pay the remaining 20% coinsurance (unless other insurance or a Medigap plan helps).

Quick FAQ style recap

Medicare Part B is medical insurance that covers outpatient and doctor services, many preventive services, some home health care, durable medical equipment, and certain drugs given in medical settings. It does not usually cover routine dental, vision, hearing aids, long‑term custodial care, or most retail prescription drugs, and you pay a monthly premium plus deductible and coinsurance for covered services.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.