Medicare Part B is also known as what type of insurance?

Medicare Part B is officially referred to as Supplementary Medical Insurance. This component of Medicare primarily covers outpatient services such as doctor visits, preventive care, lab tests, and some home health services. The term "supplementary" signifies that it is intended to supplement the coverage provided by Medicare Part A, which deals primarily with hospital insurance and inpatient care. Understanding this distinction is crucial when navigating the various parts of Medicare.

In contrast, hospital insurance is synonymous with Medicare Part A, which covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and some home health services. Managed care insurance typically refers to health plans such as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) that provide a variety of health services through a network of providers, while long-term care insurance helps cover the costs associated with long-term care that is not covered by Medicare or standard health insurance. This context helps clarify the unique role of Medicare Part B within the broader Medicare framework.