What is the difference between Part B and Part D?
Asked by: Sherwood Ruecker | Last update: November 18, 2025Score: 5/5 (42 votes)
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.
Is Medicare Part D free for seniors?
No, Medicare Part D isn't free. But in 2025, at least one $0-premium plan is available in 43 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Most plans do have a monthly premium. And all plans have other costs beyond premiums, such as copays, coinsurance and deductibles.
Do I need Medicare Part D if I have A and B?
If you have Medicare Part A and/or Part B and you do not have other drug coverage (creditable coverage), you should enroll in a Part D plan. This is true even if you do not currently take any prescription drugs.
What are the disadvantages of Medicare Part D?
Disadvantages of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans include: Need to anticipate your prescription drug needs for the year: Part D plans differ in the types of drugs they cover. Knowing your medical situation can help you select a plan that is right for you and covers the prescription drugs you expect to need.
Difference Between Medicare Part B and Part D Drug Coverage - Senior Solutions Group
Is Medicare Part D really necessary?
Is Medicare Part D required? No, Medicare Part D isn't a requirement. However, many people find that enrolling in a Part D plan is worth the investment. Your health can be unpredictable, so while you may not need many (or any) prescription drugs now, you may need them in the future.
What is the best Medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?
Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.
What happens if I refuse Medicare Part D?
If you don't sign up for a Part D plan when you are first eligible to do so, and you decide later you want to sign up, you will be required to pay a late enrollment penalty equal to 1% of the national average premium amount for every month you didn't have coverage as good as the standard Part D benefit.
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.
What is the most popular Part D drug plan?
The best Medicare Part D provider is Aetna. It has top ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and affordable premiums. Other great providers include Wellcare and UnitedHealthcare.
What is the $2000 limit for Medicare Part D?
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, in 2025 annual out-of-pocket costs will be capped at $2,000 for people with Medicare Part D.
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 are the top 5 medicare supplement plans?
💬 From our Nerds: What are the top five Medicare supplement plans? "Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?
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.
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.
What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?
- Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
- Long-term care.
- Cosmetic surgery.
- Massage therapy.
- Routine physical exams.
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.
Is dental and vision included in Medicare Part B?
While original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers a range of vital health care services, coverage for dental, vision, and hearing is limited. In most cases, if you receive these services, you will be responsible for all costs unless you have private insurance or a supplemental Medigap insurance plan.
How much is an eye exam without insurance?
The cost of an eye exam can vary widely depending on factors such as location, the types of tests that are performed, and whether you have vision insurance. Without insurance, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a standard eye exam.
Do diabetics get free glasses?
Having diabetes can make us more susceptible to certain health issues and so people with diabetes qualify for free sight tests and, if your diabetes is treated with medication, no prescription charges. To qualify for free prescriptions, you need to apply for a medical exemption certificate.
Is Medicare Part D deducted from Social Security?
You can pay premiums directly to the company, set up a bank draft, or have the monthly premium deducted from your Social Security check.
Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?
Once you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare (or add Part B to existing Part A coverage).
How do I get my Part D penalty waived?
- C2C Innovative Solutions Toll free fax: (833) 946-1912.
- Part D LEP Reconsiderations Customer Service: 833-919-0198.
- PO Box 44165.
Is there a Medicare plan that pays 100%?
Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C):
Deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments vary based on which plan you join. Plans also have a yearly limit on what you pay out-of-pocket. Once you pay the plan's limit, the plan pays 100% for covered health services for the rest of the year.
Why do people say not to get a Medicare Advantage plan?
Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, limited provider networks, and limitations on extra benefits.
What is the new Medicare rule for 2025?
Medicare Part D cap of $2,000
Beginning January 1, 2025, people with Part D plans through traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage won't pay more than $2,000 over the calendar year in out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications.