Do I need Medicare Part B if I have insurance?

Whether you need Medicare Part B with other insurance depends on your employer's size and plan type; you likely need it if you have retiree coverage, COBRA, or coverage from a small employer (under 20 employees), as Medicare pays first, but may delay it with a large employer (20+ employees) or spouse's current job, as your job plan pays first, but you'll need Part B eventually to enroll in Medicare Advantage or Medigap. Enrolling late without a valid reason can lead to penalties.

Do you need Medicare Part B if you have insurance?

You can enroll in Medicare Part B if you have other insurance, but you don't have to. However, depending on your other insurance, it may benefit you to have both. This depends on the cost of your other insurance and how it works with Medicare.

Can I delay Medicare Part B if I have employer coverage?

Medicare rules allow you to delay enrollment in Medicare Part B and/or D when you are covered by an employer group health plan, regardless of the number of covered employees, if your health coverage is based on your or your spouse's current, active employment.

Is Medicare Part B really necessary?

You need Medicare Part B if you're 65+ and don't have other creditable health coverage (like from a large employer or union), or if you have retiree coverage, Medicaid, or COBRA and want to avoid penalties, as Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services, making it a crucial part of your health plan when it's primary. Delaying enrollment can lead to permanent late enrollment penalties unless you have qualifying coverage, so it's essential to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you're still working. 

Who is exempt from paying Medicare Part B?

While most people pay Medicare Part B premiums, some low-income individuals qualify for help through Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), which cover premiums, deductibles, and copays, or dual-eligible individuals on both Medicare and Medicaid. Additionally, those receiving Social Security/Railroad Retirement Board benefits automatically enrolled get premium-free Part B if they're already receiving benefits before becoming Medicare-eligible, though they can decline it.
 

Do I Need Medicare If I Have Private Insurance? 🤔

How do I avoid paying Medicare Part B?

You can avoid the Medicare Part B premium by delaying enrollment if you have creditable employer coverage (from a current job with 20+ employees) or by qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to have the state pay it, but generally, you must enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or face lifelong penalties if you don't have other qualifying coverage. If you have other creditable insurance, you can delay Part B and sign up later within 8 months of that coverage ending without penalty. 

Does everyone pay $170 for Medicare Part B?

Costs for Part B (Medical Insurance)

$185 each month ($202.90 in 2026) (or higher depending on your income). The amount can change each year. You'll pay the premium each month, even if you don't get any Part B-covered services.

What if I do not want Medicare Part B?

You can decline Medicare Part B if you have other creditable coverage (like a large employer's health plan) to avoid penalties later, but if you don't have other insurance, refusing it means you'll likely pay a late enrollment penalty (10% extra per year) and have gaps in outpatient care, so it's usually best to only delay Part B if you have current job-based coverage and sign up within 8 months of it ending. To opt out, follow the instructions in your initial Medicare packet or submit a written request to Social Security, but be aware you might need a personal interview to review the risks before dropping it. 

What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?

The biggest Medicare mistakes involve missing enrollment deadlines, failing to review plans annually, underestimating total costs (premiums, deductibles, copays), not enrolling in a Part D drug plan with Original Medicare, and assuming one-size-fits-all coverage or that Medicare covers everything like long-term care. People often delay enrollment, get locked into old plans without checking for better options, or overlook financial assistance programs, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses and penalties. 

Why would a person not have Medicare Part B?

A person does not have to sign up for Medicare Part B when they turn age 65, provided they have creditable insurance coverage. Creditable coverage provides at least the same coverage level as Medicare, and people usually obtain it through an employer.

Is it better to go on Medicare or stay on private insurance?

Neither Medicare nor private insurance is universally "better"; the best choice depends on individual needs, but Medicare often offers lower overall costs and simplicity for seniors, while private insurance excels in covering dependents and potentially offering more choice with networks/out-of-pocket caps, though at higher premiums. Medicare boasts lower admin costs and standardized coverage, but Original Medicare lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, a feature typically found in private plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C). 

Can I have both employer insurance and Medicare Part B?

Key takeaways: You can have both employer-sponsored insurance and Medicare. As long as you have creditable coverage through your job, you will not be penalized if you don't enroll in Medicare when you turn 65.

Should I enroll in Medicare Part B if I'm still working?

If you're still working past 65 and have health coverage from an employer with 20 or more employees, you can generally delay Medicare Part B without penalty, using your employer plan as primary; but if your employer has fewer than 20 people, you'll need Part B as primary to avoid gaps, and if you have COBRA or retiree coverage, you likely need to enroll in Part B when first eligible. Most people sign up for premium-free Part A but skip Part B until they stop working to avoid paying premiums, as Part B has a monthly cost and a late penalty if delayed unfairly. 

What can I get instead of Medicare Part B?

Alternatives to Medicare Part B primarily involve enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), which bundles coverage and often adds benefits like dental/vision, or supplementing Original Medicare with a Medigap policy (Medicare Supplement Insurance), which helps pay Part B costs but requires a separate Part D drug plan. Another option, if you're still working, is to stay on a current employer or union health plan as your primary insurance, but be aware of Part B penalties if you delay enrollment later. 

Can I add Medicare Part B at any time?

No, you can't add Medicare Part B at any time; you must enroll during specific periods, like your Initial Enrollment Period (around turning 65) or a Special Enrollment Period (if you have job-based coverage), otherwise you might have to wait for the General Enrollment Period (Jan-Mar) and pay a late enrollment penalty. The main exception is if you have employer coverage, allowing you to sign up anytime while working and for 8 months after coverage ends without penalty. 

Should I cancel my health insurance when I get Medicare?

There is usually no reason to keep an individual or Covered California plan once you have Medicare. Once you have Medicare: It is illegal for someone to sell you a marketplace or individual market policy. You are not eligible for tax credits or other savings, which means you would pay full price for a marketplace plan.

What does Dave Ramsey say about Medicare?

Dave Ramsey's Medicare advice centers on planning ahead, understanding enrollment periods to avoid penalties, using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) if possible, and supplementing Original Medicare with Medigap or Medicare Advantage (Part C) to cover gaps like dental, vision, and long-term care, stressing that mistakes can be costly and recommending expert advice for personalized choices. 

Is it better to have plain Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

Neither Original Medicare nor Medicare Advantage (MA) is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and preference for provider choice, with Original Medicare offering nationwide provider freedom but requiring separate drug/supplement plans, while MA provides all-in-one coverage with networks and extra benefits like dental/vision but often requires referrals and has regional limits. 

Why are doctors dropping Medicare patients?

Physician Medicare reimbursement dropped 33% since 2000, when adjusted for inflation, according to the AMA. As a result, Ferguson said, many practices—particularly small, independent ones—can no longer afford to absorb the losses. "It's gotten to a point where you can't absorb it.

Do I need Medicare B if I have private insurance?

The only time you need to enroll in Medicare Part B if you have other insurance is if you work for a company with fewer than 20 employees. You can face penalties if you don't enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period. If you have both Medicare and other health insurance, you can have more comprehensive coverage.

How much will Medicare Part B cost in 2025?

For 2025, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $185 per month, but this can be higher based on your income (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount - IRMAA) or lower due to the "hold harmless" rule for some. The actual amount depends on your 2023 income and you might pay the standard $185, more if higher income, or potentially less if your Social Security benefit increase (COLA) was small and you're held harmless. 

Do I really need Medicare Part B?

You need Medicare Part B if you're 65+ and don't have other creditable health coverage (like from a large employer or union), or if you have retiree coverage, Medicaid, or COBRA and want to avoid penalties, as Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services, making it a crucial part of your health plan when it's primary. Delaying enrollment can lead to permanent late enrollment penalties unless you have qualifying coverage, so it's essential to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you're still working. 

How much is taken out of my social security check for Medicare Part B?

For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium deducted from most Social Security checks is $202.90 per month, but higher-income earners pay more (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount or IRMAA), and some beneficiaries (new enrollees, higher earners, those not getting Social Security) pay directly or have different rates, with the standard annual deductible set at $283. 

How can I lower my Part B costs?

If you've had a life-changing event that reduced your household income, you can ask to lower the additional amount you'll pay for Medicare Part B and Part D. Life-changing events include marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, loss of income, and an employer settlement payment.

Why is Social Security no longer paying Medicare Part B?

There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.