California Life and Health Insurance Practice Exam

After meeting the annual deductible, what percentage of remaining covered expenses does a Medicare Part B patient typically pay?

1. 10%

2. 20%

3. 30%

4. 50%

The correct answer is: 20%

After meeting the annual deductible for Medicare Part B, patients typically are required to pay a coinsurance rate of 20% for most covered services. This means that once the deductible is satisfied, Medicare will cover 80% of the allowable charges for services, and the patient is responsible for the remaining 20%. This structure is designed to share the cost of healthcare services between Medicare and the beneficiary, ensuring that Medicare remains sustainable while providing beneficiaries with access to necessary medical care. This 20% coinsurance generally applies to various outpatient services such as doctor visits, durable medical equipment, and certain preventive services, making it essential for patients to understand their financial obligations under the Medicare Part B plan. Understanding this cost-sharing mechanism is crucial for beneficiaries as they plan for healthcare expenses, and recognizing that there are certain services that may have different coverage rules is also important for overall financial planning.