What is the purpose of Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B is designed to provide voluntary supplemental medical insurance, which is significant for covering a range of outpatient services. This includes physician visits, preventive care, diagnostic tests, and specific therapies. Beneficiaries can elect to enroll in Part B to obtain insurance for services that are not covered under Medicare Part A, which primarily focuses on inpatient hospital care.

The coverage offered by Part B is essential for comprehensive health management, as it helps individuals access necessary medical services outside of hospital stays, promoting preventive health measures and enabling timely medical attention for ongoing health issues. This aspect of Medicare Part B distinguishes it from the other options presented, as it does not focus specifically on hospital stays, prescription drugs, or dental surgeries. Additionally, Medicare Part D is responsible for prescription drug coverage, while dental and certain surgical procedures often have different coverage guidelines and may not be included under traditional Medicare plans.