What is Medicare Part B also known as?

Medicare Part B is commonly referred to as Supplementary Medical Insurance. This part of Medicare primarily covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and some home health services. It is designed to complement the coverage provided by Medicare Part A, which primarily covers inpatient hospital services.

Understanding that Medicare Part B is supplementary in nature is crucial because it provides additional layers of coverage that are not issued under Part A. For instance, while Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, Part B allows beneficiaries to receive medical services without staying in a hospital. This makes it essential for managing health care costs associated with outpatient services.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of what Medicare Part B encompasses. For example, the term 'Health insurance' is too broad and does not specify the supplementary aspect that is characteristic of Part B. 'Long-term care insurance' refers to a different type of coverage that focuses on extended care services not included in Medicare. Lastly, 'Preventive care insurance' would imply coverage limited to preventive services, while Part B includes a wider array of outpatient medical services. Thus, recognizing Medicare Part B as Supplementary Medical Insurance encompasses its comprehensive scope and its role in the broader Medicare program.