What does Medicare Part B cover?

Medicare Part B primarily covers outpatient care, which includes medically necessary services such as physician visits, outpatient hospital services, and preventive screenings. This component of Medicare is designed to provide coverage for services that do not require an overnight stay in a hospital.

The coverage of physician services means that when beneficiaries visit their doctors for evaluations, diagnosis, or management of their conditions, these visits are generally covered under Part B. Preventive screenings, such as mammograms and yearly wellness exams, are also an essential part of Part B, emphasizing the program's focus on preventive health care to help catch health issues early when they are often more treatable.

In contrast, other options reflect services covered under different parts of Medicare or not directly under Medicare at all. For instance, inpatient hospital care falls under Medicare Part A, and prescription drugs are typically covered under Part D. Eye exams and dental services generally require additional private insurance or are not covered under standard Medicare benefits. Thus, Part B specifically addresses outpatient services and preventive care, making it a distinct component within the broader Medicare program.