Part B helps pay for covered medical services and items when they are medically necessary. Part B also covers some preventive services like exams, lab tests, and screening shots to help prevent, find, or manage a medical problem.

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Generally, you're first eligible to sign up for Part A and Part B starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible, you might have to wait to sign up and go months without coverage.

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You must visit your local Social Security Office, apply online at medicare.gov call Social Security at (1-800-772-1213) to sign up for Part B. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778. If you don't enroll in Part B when you're first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B.

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