Medicare Supplement Plan B, also known as Medigap Plan B, is a type of private insurance that is designed to supplement Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). The plan is standardized by the federal government, which means that the coverage is the same across all insurance companies, but the cost can vary.

One of the key benefits of Medicare Supplement Plan B is that it covers many of the out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare does not. These include co-insurance for hospital stays, co-payments for doctor visits, and the first three pints of blood each year. Additionally, Plan B also covers co-insurance for hospice care, and a portion of the cost for medically necessary emergency medical care received outside of the United States.

One of the main advantages of Medigap Plan B over Original Medicare is the lack of network restrictions. With Original Medicare, beneficiaries must choose from a network of approved providers, while with Medigap Plan B, they can see any provider that accepts Medicare.

The cost of Medigap Plan B can vary depending on a number of factors, including the insurance company, the location of the individual, and their age at the time of enrollment. Additionally, some states have different regulations regarding the cost of Medigap plans, which can affect the overall cost.

Enrollment in Medigap Plan B is available to individuals who are already enrolled in Original Medicare and are at least 65 years old. In addition, individuals who are under 65 and are eligible for Medicare due to a disability may also be able to enroll in a Medigap plan.

It's important to note that Medicare Supplement plans like Plan B, do not cover prescription drugs. For prescription drug coverage, Medicare beneficiaries will need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.

In summary, Medicare Supplement Plan B, also known as Medigap Plan B, is a type of private insurance that supplements Original Medicare by covering some out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare does not. Medigap Plan B does not have network restrictions and can be a good option for those who want more flexibility in choosing providers. However, it's important to keep in mind that it does not cover prescription drugs.