What Does Medicare Part B Cover?

Exactly what Part B covers in 2026, and what it does not. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP.

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Quick answer

Medicare Part B covers medically necessary doctor visits, outpatient care, lab tests, durable medical equipment, mental health services, and most preventive care like screenings and the annual wellness visit. It pays about 80% of approved costs after the 2026 deductible of $283 (CMS).

Part B is the medical side of Medicare. Here is a clear rundown of what it does and does not pay for.

What services does Part B cover?

Part B covers two broad categories: medically necessary services and preventive services. Medically necessary care includes doctor visits, outpatient surgery, emergency room visits, ambulance services, lab work, X-rays, durable medical equipment like walkers and wheelchairs, and mental health care. Preventive services include the annual wellness visit, flu and other vaccines, cancer screenings, diabetes screenings, and cardiovascular checks, many at no cost to you. Part B also covers some limited prescription drugs administered in a clinical setting, such as infusions. For a full review of what your care needs, call 1-800-MEDIGAP.

What does Part B not cover?

Part B does not cover most prescription drugs you take at home, which require a separate Part D plan. It also excludes routine dental, vision, and hearing exams, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and most long-term care. And because Part B has no annual out-of-pocket maximum, your 20% coinsurance is unlimited. These gaps are why many seniors pair Part B with a Part D plan and a Medicare Supplement (MEDIGAP) policy. A licensed agent at 1-800-MEDIGAP can show you how to fill them.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare Part B cover doctor visits?+

Yes. Part B covers medically necessary visits to doctors and specialists, both in and out of the hospital, as long as the provider accepts Medicare. After your annual deductible, you typically pay 20% of the approved amount. A MEDIGAP plan can cover that 20%.

Does Part B cover prescription drugs?+

Generally no. Part B covers only drugs administered in a clinical setting, such as chemotherapy infusions or injections given in a doctor's office. Prescriptions you fill at a pharmacy require a separate Part D plan. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to find Part D coverage.

Does Medicare Part B cover preventive care?+

Yes. Part B covers a wide range of preventive services, including the annual wellness visit, many vaccines, mammograms, colonoscopies, and diabetes and cardiovascular screenings. Many of these are free when you use a Medicare-accepting provider. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP with questions.

Does Part B cover durable medical equipment?+

Yes. Part B covers medically necessary durable medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen equipment, and blood sugar monitors when prescribed by your doctor. You typically pay 20% after the deductible. A MEDIGAP plan can reduce that cost; call 1-800-MEDIGAP.

Does Part B cover dental or vision?+

No. Original Medicare Part B does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care, eyeglasses, or hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans add these benefits. To compare your options for covering these gaps, call 1-800-MEDIGAP for free guidance.

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