Understanding Medicare – Part B and Part D

More than 40 million Americans are enrolled in the Medicare program, but not all of those Medicare beneficiaries have identical Medicare plans. Medicare programs can be made to suit the needs of each Medicare beneficiary, which means that Medicare beneficiaries need to take time to understand the differences between major Medicare options so that they can ensure they select their best plans for their needs.

Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D are popular Medicare options that beneficiaries can select. However, unlike some other Medicare plans, Medicare Plan B and Plan D can be combinedr. Here is an overview of the differences between Medicare Plan B and Medicare Plan D that every Medicare beneficiary needs to know:

Coverage differences

Medicare Part B is the Medical coverage plan. Part B will cover the cost of doctor visits, home health care, and lab tests. Additionally, some medications and medical equipment is covered under Medicare Part B, including items such as diabetic test strips and wheelchairs.

Medicare Part D is the medications coverage plan. Part D pays for many medications that a Medicare subscriber takes on a regular basis. These medications may include drugs for diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. Additionally, some short-term medications may also be taken, such as an antibiotic.

Types of medications generally covered by each plan

Medicare Part B and Part D cover different types of medications, in many cases. Part B may cover the following types of medications:

- Allergy injections
- Blood products, such as plasma protein
- Hemophilia drugs
- Flu vaccines (when the vaccine is provided according to state law)
- Intra-articular injections, which may include Orthovisc, Synvisc, and Carticel
- IV flushes, including Heparin and Saline solutions
- Pneumonia vaccines ordered by a doctor

Part B may also cover a vaccine if the vaccine is required as a result of an injury. For example, if a Medicare Part B subscriber steps on a nail, the subscriber may be covered for a tetanus shot. Part B will cover inhaled nebulizer medications for beneficiaries who are not in a long-term care facility.

Part B will also cover immunosuppressive medications after a transplant as well as oral anticancer medications, Hepatitis B vaccines for high-risk individuals, oral anti-emetic medications used to treat nausea within 48 hours of chemotherapy that is related to cancer chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition medications used to treat permanent dysfunction of the digestive tract, injectable medications administered at home that require an infusion pump, and more.

Medicare Part D may cover the following types of medications:

- Any medicine regularly taken by a Medicare beneficiary for chronic conditions.
- Medications subscribed for short-term medical conditions

Medicare Part D may cover a vaccine if the vaccine is prescribed by a doctor for reasons unrelated to injury. Part D will cover inhaled nebulizer medications for beneficiaries who are in a long-term care facility.

Part D will also cover immunosuppressive medications after a transplant as well as oral anticancer medications required for reasons other than cancer treatment, Hepatitis B vaccines, oral anti-emetic medications used to treat nausea that is related to cancer chemotherapy – after 48 hours of the chemotherapy or for other reasons, total parenteral nutrition medications required for reasons other than permanent dysfunction of the digestive tract, injectable medications not administered at home that do not require an infusion pump, and more.

Medicare beneficiaries should speak with a healthcare advisor for more information about what specific medications and treatments are covered by Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D. In many cases, Medicare beneficiaries can save money and ensure greater coverage by enrolling in Medicare Supplemental insurance policies or by adjusting their current Medicare policies to better suit their specific healthcare needs and budgets.

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