Medicare Part B:
What It Covers, What It Costs, and How Enrollment Works
Part B is your medical insurance, covering doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services. Understanding how Part B works is key to avoiding surprises — and penalties.
What medicare Part B Covers
Doctor Visits
Routine and specialty care
Outpatient Care
Tests, treatments, and procedures
Emergency visits
ER visits not resulting in admission
Durable Medical Equipment
Walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, etc.
Preventive Screenings
Early detection and wellness exams
Lab work & imaging
Bloodwork, x-rays, MRI, CT scans, etc.
What Medicare Part b costs
Annual Dedcutible
Part B has an annual deductible each year before coinsurance begins. In 2026 the Part B annual deductible is $283.
Coinsurance
After the deductible, Medicare pays 80% and you pay 20% of approved charges. There is no annual limit on these costs.
Excess Charges
Some doctors may bill up to 15% above Medicare’s approved amount. You pay 100% of this difference.
Out-of-pocket costs
Medicare Part B has no annual limit on what you could pay out of pocket. Cost-sharing can add up.
Part B monthly premium
Most people pay a standard monthly premium for Part B. In 2026 the standard premium is $202.90 per month (subject to change each year). Higher-income beneficiaries may pay more due to an additional charge called IRMAA.
This premium is separate from Medigap plans and is not covered by insurance.
How Medicare Supplement Plans Protect You
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help cover many of the out-of-pocket costs from Medicare Part B, including deductibles, coinsurance, and excess charges.
These plans work alongside Medicare to make your healthcare expenses more predictable and affordable.
Can Cover Part B Coinsurance
Some Medigap plans, like Plan G, help pay the 20% coinsurance for doctor visits, outpatient services, and other Part B costs
Coverage for Excess charges
Some Medigap plans, like Plan G, cover the 15% excess charges that some doctors may bill above Medicare’s approved amount
No networks - Nationwide coverage
With Original Medicare + Medigap, you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.
Predictable Out-of-Pocket Costs
Medigap can help reduce financial uncertainty and protect you from unlimited out-of-pocket costs.
No Referrals Needed
See specialists directly — no doctor permission or HMO restrictions.
Curious which Medigap plan may fit your needs and budget?
I can help you compare options in Texas — with no pressure or sales tactics.