Does Part B cover any drugs?

Asked by: Dr. Evert Herman  |  Last update: December 11, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (29 votes)

Generally, Part B covers only drugs that are not usually self-administered.

Does Medicare Part B pay for any drugs?

Part B (Medical Insurance)

Covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. covers a limited number of outpatient prescription drugs under certain conditions.

What does Part B not cover?

Medicare Part B does not pay for some services that fall under the coverage of other parts. Examples include inpatient hospital services, which Part A funds, and most prescription medications, which Part D funds. Medicare regularly evaluates which services Part B will cover.

What does Medicare Part B actually pay for?

Part B helps pay for covered medical services and items when they are medically necessary. Part B also covers some preventive services like exams, lab tests, and screening shots to help prevent, find, or manage a medical problem.

Which item is not covered under Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B typically doesn't cover routine vision, hearing, and dental care, regular foot care, and aids like eyeglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids. But Part B policies often change, so it's important to verify coverage details with Medicare.

What does Medicare Part B Cover?

22 related questions found

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

What service is not paid under Medicare Part B?

We don't cover these routine items and services: Routine or annual physical checkups (visit Medicare Wellness Visits to learn about exceptions). exams required by third parties, like insurance companies, businesses, or government agencies. Eye exams for prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses.

Why is Social Security no longer paying Medicare Part B?

There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.

Does everyone pay $170 for Medicare Part B?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

Does Medicare Part B cover 100%?

With Medicare Part B, you pay 20 percent of the cost for the services you use. So if your doctor charges $100 for a visit, then you are responsible for paying $20 and Part B pays $80. There is no limit on Part B coinsurance costs, which could add up if you have a lot of doctor visits or need other services.

Is Medicare Part B free at age 65?

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free for almost everyone. You have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B (medical insurance). If you already have other health insurance when you become eligible for Medicare, you may wonder if it's worth the monthly premium costs to sign up for Part B.

What is excluded under Coverage B?

Coverage B is intended for other structures not attached to your home's primary dwelling, so attached decks, attached garages, patios, and even your home's roof would be excluded.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

Does Medicare Part B cover blood pressure medication?

Unfortunately, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not usually cover medication to treat high blood pressure. While Medicare Part B offers some prescription drug coverage, it has limited coverage of most drugs for chronic conditions, including high blood pressure. Learn more about Medicare Part B.

Which is better, Medicare Part B or D?

Medicare Part B only covers certain medications for some health conditions, while Part D offers a wider range of prescription coverage. Part B drugs are often administered by a health care provider (i.e. vaccines, injections, infusions, nebulizers, etc.), or through medical equipment at home.

Does Medicare Part B cover eye exams?

Original Medicare ( Part A and Part B ) doesn't cover eye exams or other vision-related costs, except for special situations. However, some people on Medicare have options, including vision coverage through individual insurance or Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) with vision coverage.

How do I avoid paying Medicare Part B?

You may refuse Part B without penalty if you have creditable coverage, but you have to do it before your coverage start date. Follow the directions on the back of your Medicare card if you want to refuse Part B.

Is Medicare Part B ever free?

Part B is a voluntary program that requires the payment of a monthly premium for all parts of coverage. Eligibility rules for Part B depend on whether a person is eligible for premium-free Part A or whether the individual has to pay a premium for Part A coverage.

How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?

To be eligible for the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit, you must:
  1. Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
  2. Pay your own Part B premium.
  3. Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

How much money is taken out of Social Security for Medicare Part B?

Each year, the Medicare Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates are determined according to provisions of the Social Security Act. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $185.00 for 2025, an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2024.

Who is exempt from paying Medicare Part B premiums?

Enrollees who have Medicaid, employer-sponsored health coverage, or retiree health benefits from an employer generally don't have to pay the full Medicare Part B deductible, as the other coverage picks up some or all of the cost (this varies depending on the plan).

Do I need Medicare Part B if I have other insurance?

You can enroll in Medicare Part B if you have other insurance, but you don't have to. However, depending on your other insurance, it may benefit you to have both. This depends on the cost of your other insurance and how it works with Medicare.

Does Medicare cover 100% of hospital bills?

Whether you're new to Original Medicare or have been enrolled for some time, understanding the limitations of your coverage is important as you navigate decisions about your healthcare. One of the main reasons why Original Medicare doesn't cover 100% of your medical bills is because it operates on a cost-sharing model.

Does Medicare Part B cover dental?

For Part B-covered dental services, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet the Part B deductible. If you get the covered service in an outpatient hospital or other facility setting, you'll also pay a copayment to the facility.

What can I get instead of Medicare Part B?

Part C (Medicare Advantage)

Part C is known as Medicare Advantage. It's an alternative to Parts A and B that bundles several coverage types, including Parts A, B, and usually D. It may also include: Vision.