What does Medicare Part B primarily cover?

Medicare Part B primarily covers preventive services and outpatient care. This segment of Medicare is designed to provide essential health services that are not typically covered by Part A, which primarily focuses on inpatient hospital care. Part B includes a wide array of services such as doctor visits, diagnostic tests, lab work, outpatient surgery, and certain preventive services like flu shots and cancer screenings.

It is vital for beneficiaries to have Part B because it helps cover routine checkups and necessary medical necessities that keep individuals healthier. This focus on preventive care is crucial for early detection and management of health issues, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for seniors.

Considering the other options, hospitalization is covered under Medicare Part A, while long-term care is not covered by any part of Medicare but may exist through Medicaid or other insurances. Prescription drugs, on the other hand, fall under Medicare Part D, which specifically addresses outpatient prescription medication coverage. Thus, the focus and coverage scope of Medicare Part B is accurately captured in the correct answer, which emphasizes preventive services and outpatient care.