Medicare Part B is one of the two parts of Original Medicare. Part B covers outpatient services, preventive care, and screenings.

Part B may cover certain types of prescription medications, especially when you receive them in specific ways.

Medicare Part B covers a limited amount of prescription drugs in certain circumstances. Generally, it covers medications you can’t usually give yourself, such as medications you receive in a doctor’s office or an outpatient hospital setting.

Some examples of medications that Part B covers are:

  • monoclonal antibodies to treat early Alzheimer’s disease
  • medications used with durable medical equipment (DME), such as infusion pumps and nebulizers
  • HIV preventive drugs
  • infused and injectable drugs
  • injectable osteoporosis drugs
  • immunosuppressive drugs for transplants
  • oral cancer drugs
  • vaccinations
  • oral anti-nausea drugs

Medicare Part B-ID

As of January 1, 2023, Medicare began offering specific coverage for people eligible for Medicare coverage based on end stage renal disease (ESRD). If your coverage ends 36 months after a kidney transplant, Medicare offers the Part B immunosuppressive drug benefit (Part B-ID).

This new benefit only covers continuous immunosuppressive drugs.

You’re eligible if you have ESRD, your Medicare coverage ends 36 months after a transplant, and you don’t have any other healthcare coverage.

Once you meet the Part B deductible, you’re responsible for a coinsurance payment of 20% of the Medicare-approved costs.

In 2025, the Part B deductible is $257.

The coinsurance amount you pay for Part B-covered medications may change depending on the price of the medication. You may also pay a lower coinsurance if the cost of your covered medications rises faster than the inflation rate.

However, if you receive a non-covered medication in an outpatient setting, you’re responsible for paying 100% of the cost.