Do you have to pay Medicare Part B if you have a Medicare Advantage plan?

Yes, you must keep paying your Medicare Part B premium even if you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, as enrollment in both A & B is a requirement to join an Advantage plan, but some plans offer a "giveback" that pays some or all of that Part B cost back to you. You'll pay the standard Part B premium to the federal government and potentially another premium to your Advantage plan, though many have low or $0 premiums.

Do you pay for Medicare Part B if you have a Medicare Advantage plan?

Yes, you must continue paying your Medicare Part B premium even if you have a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, because you need Part B to be eligible for an MA plan, and the MA plan covers your Part A and B benefits but doesn't replace the requirement to pay the Part B premium to Medicare. Your Part B premium goes directly to Original Medicare, while your MA plan premium (if any) is paid to the private insurer, along with copays for services. 

What is the biggest disadvantage of the Medicare Advantage plan?

The biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans is often the limited provider networks and restricted access to care, requiring prior authorizations, referrals, and potentially forcing you to switch doctors or travel far for specialists, creating barriers to timely treatment, especially for complex health issues, with potential for denials and mid-year changes. While MA offers extras like dental/vision, these networks can significantly limit choice and create hurdles for consistent, high-quality care compared to Original Medicare. 

Do I need Medicare Part B if I have a Medicare Supplement Plan?

Yes, you absolutely need Medicare Part B (and Part A) to buy a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, as Medigap plans work with Original Medicare to cover your costs (like deductibles and coinsurance) but don't replace it; you must stay enrolled in Part B and pay its premium to keep your Medigap policy active. Your providers first bill Medicare, Part B pays its share (usually 80% of outpatient costs), and then your Medigap plan pays the rest of your share.
 

Do all Medicare Advantage plans include part B?

Part C is known as Medicare Advantage. It's an alternative to Parts A and B that bundles several coverage types, including Parts A, B, and usually D. It may also include: Vision. Hearing.

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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.
 

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.

Can I get Medicare Part B for free?

No, Medicare Part B is generally not free, as most people pay a monthly premium (around $202.90 in 2026), but you can get it covered or reduced through programs like Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) for low-income individuals, or receive reimbursements if you're still working. Other ways to lower costs include certain Medicare Advantage "giveback" plans or if your employer pays for it, but it's not inherently free. 

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. 

Can I avoid Medicare Part B?

You may or may not have to sign up for Part B when you turn 65, depending on your retiree coverage and plan rules. All retiree plan members must enroll in Part A. Speak with your retiree plan administrator about the benefits and costs of your plan as well as other coverage choices you have once you're on Medicare.

Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?

Yes, you can drop your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan and return to Original Medicare, typically during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) (Oct 15–Dec 7) or the MA Open Enrollment Period (OEP) (Jan 1–Mar 31), though you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you move or have other qualifying life events, but be aware you'll need to get a Part D plan and might want a Medigap plan to help with costs. 

Why do people say stay away from Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare Advantage offers extra benefits, but out-of-network care may be limited or costly. Other disadvantages include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, and limitations on extra benefits.

What are the hidden costs of Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage plans bundle these costs into one plan, but you may notice that they charge you additional fees. For example, high drug deductibles and specialist visit copays can add up very quickly over time with some Medicare Advantage plans.

Is it better to have straight Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan?

Neither Original Medicare nor Medicare Advantage (MA) is inherently "better"; the best choice depends on your health, budget, and lifestyle, with Original Medicare offering provider freedom and MA providing bundled benefits (dental/vision) and cost predictability via an out-of-pocket maximum, but often with network restrictions. Choose Original Medicare + Medigap for nationwide access and no networks, ideal for travelers or those wanting maximum choice, while Medicare Advantage suits those wanting all-in-one coverage (including drugs/extras like dental/vision) with lower upfront costs and a cap on yearly spending, provided they stay in-network. 

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.

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. 

Do I need part B if I have Medicare Advantage?

Yes, you absolutely need both Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) to join a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), and you must keep paying your Part B premium to stay in the plan, even though the Advantage plan provides your benefits. Medicare Advantage plans essentially replace Original Medicare, covering all your Part A and Part B services, plus often extra benefits like vision or dental. 

Why am I being charged for Medicare Part B?

You pay for Medicare Part B because it's your outpatient medical insurance, covering doctor visits, hospital outpatient care, and preventive services, with premiums shared by you (about 25%) and the government (about 75%). It's a voluntary program, but most people pay a standard monthly premium, with higher earners paying more, and there's a penalty if you delay signing up without other coverage. 

Why would you not enroll in Medicare Part B?

People who delay enrollment in Parts B and D often do so to save money on their monthly premiums. However, it depends on your plan. If your employer plan acts as your primary insurer and has high cost sharing, having Medicare as your secondary insurer may help pay some of your costs.

What happens if I can't afford Medicare Part B?

If you can't afford to pay your Medicare premiums and other medical costs, you may be able to get help from your state. States offer Medicare Savings Programs for people entitled to Medicare who have limited income. Some programs may pay for Medicare premiums and some pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance.

What qualifies you to have your part B Medicare paid for?

Generally, you're eligible for Medicare Part B if you meet 1 or more of the following qualifications: You are 65 or older and either you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully present resident who's lived in the United States for at least 5 years.

How to not pay Medicare Part B premium?

You can't completely avoid paying the standard Medicare Part B premium unless you qualify for government assistance or have other specific coverage, but you can get help paying it through programs like Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) for low-income individuals, appeal high-income surcharges (IRMAA) after life events like divorce or job loss, or have your state pay it via Medicaid buy-in. If you have other coverage (like an employer plan), you can delay enrollment to avoid penalties and premiums, but for most, paying the standard premium (around $202.90/month in 2026) or getting help is the path. 

Do you still pay Medicare premiums with an Advantage plan?

Yes, you must continue paying your Medicare Part B premium even with a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, and often pay an additional plan premium (though $0 premium plans are common) and other costs like copays/deductibles, but some plans offer a "giveback" to help cover part of your Part B cost.
 

How can you get Medicare Part B free?

You can get Medicare Part B premiums paid for by qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) through Medicaid if you have low income/assets, receive employer reimbursement via an HRA, or enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) with a "giveback" benefit. While not truly free, these methods can cover or significantly reduce the monthly premium for those who can't afford it, especially those on Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits. 

What is the most you have to pay for Medicare Part B?

The maximum Medicare Part B premium is income-dependent, with the highest tier for 2026 reaching $689.90 per month for individuals with Modified Adjusted Gross Incomes (MAGI) of $500,000 or more, or married couples filing jointly with MAGI of $750,000 or more, based on their 2024 income. This is an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) that increases with higher incomes, with lower income beneficiaries paying the standard premium.