Medicare Part B primarily pays for which category of health care services?

• A. Hospitalization and nursing facility care
• B. Physician services and outpatient hospital services
• C. Prescription drug coverage
• D. Inpatient psychiatric care

Answer: (B)

Medicare Part B pays for medical care you receive outside of an inpatient stay, specifically services provided by physicians and other clinicians and outpatient hospital services. That includes doctor visits, outpatient procedures, lab tests ordered by a physician, and many preventive services. This fits best with the category of physician services and outpatient hospital services. In contrast, hospital inpatient care is covered by Part A, prescription drugs are covered by Part D, and inpatient psychiatric care is typically covered under Part A when provided during an inpatient stay.