Medicare Part B (2009)
Part B is Medical Insurance and covers physicians services, outpatient care, test, and supplies.
On Expenses incurred for: |
Medicare Covers | You Pay $135 Annual Part B Deductible PLUS |
Medical Expenses: Physicians services, impatient, outpatient medical/surgical services, physical/speech therapy, diagnostic test. |
80% of approved amount | 20% of approved amount |
Clinical Laboratory Services Blood Test, Urinalysis |
Generally 100% of approved amount | Nothing for Services |
Home Health Care Part-time or intermittent skilled care, home health aide services, durable medical supplies and other services. |
100% of approved amount; 80% of approved amount for durable medical equipment | Nothing for Services; 20% of approved amount for durable medical equipment |
Outpatient Hospital Treatment Services for the diagnosis or treatment of an illness or injury |
Medicare payment to hospital based on hospital cost | 20% of Billed Amount |
Blood | After first 3 pints of blood, 80% of approved amount | First 3 pints plus 20% of approved amount for additional pints |
On all Medicare-covered expenses, a doctor or other health care provider may agree to accept Medicare "assignment." This means the patient will not be required to pay any expense in excess of Medicare's "approved" charge. The patient pays only 20% of the "approved" charge not paid by Medicare. Physicians who do not accept assignment of a Medicare claim are limited as to the amount they can charge for covered services. |