What providers can you see with Medicare Part B?

You can choose any doctor or health care provider who is eligible to participate in Medicare and who is accepting new patients.

Medicare Part B costs

Medicare Part B premium

Most people pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B. The premium amount depends on your yearly income. If you receive Social Security, the premium will be automatically deducted from your Social Security benefits. For 2012, Part B premiums range from $99.90 to $319.70 per month.

Important: You may pay a penalty if you don’t sign up for Part B when you are first eligible. Your cost for Medicare Part B may go up 10% for each full 12-month period that you could have had Part B but didn’t sign up for it. You’ll pay that penalty for as long as you’re enrolled in Part B.

This penalty may not apply to you if you are still working for an employer who provides group health coverage or if you have other credible coverage when you become eligible for Medicare.

Medicare Part B cost sharing

Medicare Part B deductible

Before Part B begins paying a share of your costs, you must first pay the deductible each year. In 2012, your deductible is $140 for the year.

Medicare Part B copay

Outpatient hospital services have copays that can range from a few dollars up to $1,156 in 2012.

Medicare Part B coinsurance

After you pay your deductible, Medicare Part B shares the cost of your care with you. Part B generally pays 80% and you pay 20% as coinsurance.

In Part B, you’ll pay a share of the cost of your care as you receive it. You’ll pay the same share whether you need a little care or a lot.