Medicare Part B covers a wide range of medically necessary outpatient services, preventive care, and doctor visits for millions of Americans in 2026. As of February 21, 2026, Medicare Part B continues to provide coverage for physician services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, mental health services, and many preventive screenings under current federal guidelines.
For seniors and eligible individuals with disabilities, understanding exactly what Medicare Part B includes is critical for managing health care costs. Here is a complete, up-to-date breakdown of what is covered this year.
Table of Contents
What Is Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B is the medical insurance portion of Original Medicare.
While Part A generally covers inpatient hospital care, Part B focuses on outpatient and physician-based services. It applies to people age 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or qualifying medical conditions.
Most beneficiaries pay a monthly premium for Part B. In 2026, premiums and deductibles follow updated federal guidelines set annually.
Doctor Visits and Outpatient Services
A major category Medicare Part B covers includes physician services.
This includes:
- Office visits with primary care doctors
- Specialist consultations
- Outpatient hospital services
- Second opinions before surgery
If a doctor accepts Medicare assignment, Part B typically pays 80 percent of the approved amount after the annual deductible is met. The patient pays the remaining 20 percent unless supplemental coverage applies.
Preventive Services
Preventive care remains a central component of Medicare Part B coverage in 2026.
Covered preventive services include:
- Annual wellness visits
- Flu shots
- COVID-19 vaccines
- Pneumococcal vaccines
- Hepatitis B shots for high-risk individuals
- Mammograms
- Colon cancer screenings
- Cardiovascular disease screenings
- Diabetes screenings
Many preventive services are covered at no cost if providers accept Medicare assignment.
Early detection and routine screenings reduce long-term health risks.
Mental Health and Behavioral Health Services
Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health services.
Coverage includes:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Psychiatric evaluations
- Substance use disorder treatment in outpatient settings
- Depression screenings
In recent years, Medicare expanded access to behavioral health providers, including licensed clinical social workers and certain counselors.
Part B also covers telehealth mental health services when eligibility requirements are met.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Durable medical equipment plays a significant role in outpatient care.
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary equipment such as:
- Wheelchairs
- Walkers
- Hospital beds for home use
- Oxygen equipment
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines
The equipment must be prescribed by a Medicare-enrolled provider and obtained from approved suppliers.
Patients generally pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the deductible.
Diagnostic Tests and Lab Services
Part B covers diagnostic services ordered by a physician.
Examples include:
- Blood tests
- X-rays
- MRIs
- CT scans
- EKGs
- Biopsy procedures
Laboratory tests are often covered at no cost if the provider accepts Medicare assignment.
Advanced imaging may require coinsurance payments.
Outpatient Surgeries and Procedures
Many surgical procedures do not require hospital admission.
Medicare Part B covers outpatient surgeries performed in:
- Ambulatory surgical centers
- Hospital outpatient departments
Examples include cataract surgery and certain orthopedic procedures.
Patients typically pay 20 percent of the approved amount after meeting the deductible.
Emergency Services
Medicare Part B covers emergency department visits when treatment occurs on an outpatient basis.
If a hospital admits a patient, Part A coverage usually applies instead.
Ambulance services may also be covered under Part B when medically necessary.
Home Health Services
Medicare Part B covers certain home health services when eligibility criteria are met.
Covered services may include:
- Part-time skilled nursing care
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology services
The patient must be under a physician’s care, and the services must be medically necessary.
Telehealth Services in 2026
Telehealth coverage expanded significantly in recent years.
As of 2026, Medicare Part B continues to cover approved telehealth services for eligible beneficiaries.
Covered telehealth services may include:
- Primary care visits
- Mental health appointments
- Certain specialist consultations
Coverage depends on federal regulations in place this year.
Telehealth allows patients to receive care from home in many cases.
What Medicare Part B Does Not Cover
Understanding exclusions is just as important.
Medicare Part B generally does not cover:
- Routine dental care
- Most routine vision exams
- Hearing aids
- Long-term custodial care
- Cosmetic surgery
- Routine foot care (with limited exceptions)
Beneficiaries often purchase supplemental insurance or enroll in Medicare Advantage plans for additional benefits.
2026 Cost Overview
Medicare Part B requires beneficiaries to pay:
- A monthly premium
- An annual deductible
- 20 percent coinsurance for most services
Premium amounts and deductibles are adjusted annually.
Higher-income beneficiaries may pay Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA).
Understanding cost-sharing helps patients budget for care.
How Medicare Part B Works with Other Coverage
Many beneficiaries carry supplemental insurance.
Options include:
- Medigap policies
- Employer-sponsored retiree coverage
- Medicare Advantage plans
Medigap policies can cover the 20 percent coinsurance.
Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare but must provide at least the same level of Part B coverage.
Who Is Eligible for Medicare Part B?
Eligibility generally includes:
- Individuals age 65 or older
- Certain younger individuals with qualifying disabilities
- Individuals with end-stage renal disease
- Individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Enrollment typically occurs during initial enrollment periods, general enrollment periods, or special enrollment periods.
Late enrollment may result in premium penalties.
Quick Coverage Summary
Here is a simplified look at what Medicare Part B covers in 2026:
| Service Category | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Doctor visits | Yes |
| Preventive screenings | Yes |
| Mental health outpatient care | Yes |
| Durable medical equipment | Yes |
| Routine dental | No |
| Long-term nursing home care | No |
This table reflects current federal Medicare policy.
Why Understanding Part B Coverage Matters
Healthcare costs can rise quickly without insurance coverage.
Knowing what Medicare Part B covers helps beneficiaries:
- Avoid unexpected bills
- Schedule preventive care
- Access medically necessary equipment
- Plan for coinsurance expenses
Coverage rules change periodically, so staying informed remains important.
The Bottom Line in 2026
Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive screenings, mental health treatment, durable medical equipment, diagnostic tests, and many telehealth services. It does not cover routine dental, long-term custodial care, or most vision and hearing services.
Understanding these details helps beneficiaries make informed healthcare decisions under current federal guidelines.
Do you have questions about your Medicare Part B benefits? Share your experience and stay updated on coverage changes that may affect your care.
