Medicare Part B is also referred to as what?

Medicare Part B is commonly known as Supplementary Medical Insurance. This designation highlights its role in providing coverage for a variety of outpatient medical services, including doctor visits, preventive care, and various diagnostic tests, which are not covered under Medicare Part A. The term "supplementary" underscores that Part B is intended to enhance the coverage provided by the hospital insurance component of Medicare, helping to fill in gaps and provide more comprehensive healthcare access to beneficiaries.

This option effectively captures the essence of what Medicare Part B offers, directed towards medically necessary services and certain preventive services, ensuring that beneficiaries have additional support for their healthcare needs. Understanding this is critical as it clarifies the distinct purpose of Part B within the broader context of Medicare coverage.