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Medicare Part B Vs. D

Medicare is government health insurance for people age 65 and older or younger people with certain disabilities or in end-stage renal disease. For those who need prescription coverage or coverage for medical equipment, Medicare Part B will help cover these costs and Medicare Part D will supplement that coverage.

  1. What Is Medicare Part B?

    • Medicare Part B is medical insurance that covers preventative care and medical equipment. Recipients of this coverage pay a premium that may increase or decrease based on income. When you meet the eligibility requirements, you must call Social Security to sign up for benefits within three months before or after the month in which you become eligible. If you fail to enroll when you are first eligible, you may be charged a late fee when you do enroll.

    Part B Coverages

    • Part B covers Durable Medical Equipment Supply Drugs, such as inhalers and infusion pumps. The drugs are supplied as a necessary component of the equipment. Other drugs are covered for certain medical conditions. For example, immunosuppressant drugs are covered if the patient received an organ transplant under Medicare, but not for other conditions or transplants. In addition, Part B coverage does not cover vaccines except for influenza, pneumonococcal and Hepatitis B. In addition to the drug coverages, Medicare Part B covers preventative care, such as colon cancer and diabetes screenings.

    What Is Medicare Part D?

    • Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. When eligible for Medicare, individuals can choose to enroll in Part D as a supplement to Medicare Part A or B, but it may not be obtained on its own. Like the Part B plan, if you fail to enroll when you are first eligible, you may be charged a penalty if you decide to enroll at a later date.

    Part D Coverages

    • Medicare Part D covers a much larger range of medications and drugs but does not cover any medical care. Part D covers FDA-approved, prescription medications. Diabetic patients are also covered for supplies needed to inject insulin under this plan. Part D will not cover medications covered by Part B or drugs related to weight loss or gain, fertility, cosmetic drugs, non-prescription drugs or prescription vitamins.

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