Part B Eligibility

• The Social Security Administration provides Part A free to individuals of age if they are eligible to receive Social Security benefits or railroad retirement benefits, or if they or their spouses were employees of the government and paid Medicare taxes. Dependents of a deceased parent with an accumulation of 10 years of work are also eligible. If a person qualifies for Part A coverage, then by paying a premium, he can receive Part B coverage.
  
  

Enrollment

• There is a seven-month window in which an individual eligible for Part A benefits can enroll in Part B. Beginning three months prior to the person's 65th birthday, the person has until the last day of the third month following his birthday to sign up for Part B coverage. The start of the coverage period depends on which month the person chooses to enroll. Each year after, the person can still elect to enroll from Jan.1 until March 31.
  
  

Premiums

• Changes to the premiums for Medicare Part B coverage began in 2011, however it only affects individuals with an income of greater than $85,000 or married couples with a combined income greater than $170,000. The standard premium for Part B in 2011 is $115.40. However, the government pays a portion of this premium for persons with income less than the amounts provided. In some cases, it will pay for the total cost of the premium, depending on annual income.
  
  

Coverage

• Medicare Part B covers medically necessary and preventative services. Medically necessary services include doctor visits, outpatient treatments, physical therapy and requirements to diagnose a medical condition. Preventative services include vaccinations and early detection provisions for many illnesses. An individual's Medicare card shows Part B enrollment, which he shows to the doctor or pharmacist during a visit.