Do you pay anything for Medicare Part B?

Yes, you generally have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), as it's optional coverage for doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services, unlike Part A which is often premium-free. Most people pay the standard premium, but higher-income earners pay more (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount or IRMAA). If you don't sign up when first eligible and don't have other qualifying coverage (like an employer plan), you might face a late enrollment penalty.

Do you have to pay for Medicare Part B?

Part B (Medical Insurance) costs. $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.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $565 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($202.90 in 2026).

How much do most people pay for Medicare Part B?

For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B monthly premium is $202.90, with higher amounts for higher incomes, plus a $283 annual deductible before Medicare pays its share (typically 20%). Most people pay the standard rate if they sign up when first eligible and receive Social Security benefits.
 

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. 

Medicare Part B Premiums | How To Pay Your Medicare Bill

Why am I being billed 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. 

Is anyone exempt from paying for 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.
 

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 is the income limit for Medicare Part B?

There's no income limit to qualify for Medicare Part B, but higher incomes mean paying higher premiums (IRMAA) on top of the standard amount; for 2026, individuals earning over $109,000 (or $218,000 married filing jointly) pay more, with tiers increasing the monthly cost based on your income from your 2024 tax return, using 2023 income data. 

Is Medicare Part B worth paying for?

Yes, Medicare Part B is generally considered worth it for most people because it covers essential outpatient care like doctor visits, tests, and preventive services, but its value depends on your other insurance, income (due to IRMAA), and health needs, making it crucial for those without other coverage but potentially costly for high-income earners. It's vital if Medicare is your primary insurance (e.g., if you're over 65 with small employer coverage) to avoid large bills, but less beneficial if you have great employer coverage that coordinates well with Medicare, especially if you pay high income-related premiums (IRMAA). 

How do you get Medicare Part B for 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 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. 

How much is deducted from social security 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 Medicare Part B premium?

You can lower your Medicare Part B premium by requesting a reduction from Social Security if you've had a life-changing event (like retirement, divorce, or death of a spouse) that significantly lowered your income; file form SSA-44, provide documentation, and submit to SSA. Alternatively, look for a Medicare Advantage plan with a "Part B premium reduction" or "giveback" benefit, which reimburses some of your premium, notes Medicare Interactive and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (.gov). 

Does a person 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 will Medicare Part B cost in 2025?

For 2025, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $185 per month, but higher-income earners pay more through Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA), with costs increasing based on income brackets (e.g., a standard premium plus an extra $406.90 for higher earners). If you receive Social Security benefits and are under the income threshold, your premium might be deducted directly from your check and could be lower due to the "hold harmless" rule, though new enrollees in 2025 will pay the full $185. 

How can I avoid paying for 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. 

How much money can you have in the bank when you are on Medicare?

Medicare itself doesn't have a bank account limit, but if you need help paying costs through Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), asset limits apply (around $9,660 for individuals, $14,470 for couples in 2025) for programs like QMB, SLMB, and QI, though California eliminated asset tests for its state-run MSPs. These limits cover countable assets like savings, but your primary home and one car usually don't count. 

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.

Why am I suddenly paying for Medicare Part B?

If you have a higher income, you'll pay an additional premium amount for Medicare Part B and Medicare prescription drug coverage. We call the additional amount the “income-related monthly adjustment amount.” Here's how it works: Part B helps pay for your doctors' services and outpatient care.

How do I pay for Medicare Part B if I am not collecting Social Security?

If you're not collecting Social Security, you pay your Medicare Part B premium directly to Medicare via quarterly bills (CMS-500) using options like online payments through your Medicare account or bank bill pay, Medicare Easy Pay (automatic bank deduction), or by mailing a check, money order, or card to the St. Louis Premium Collection Center, as deductions aren't taken from benefits. 

Do all retirees pay for Medicare Part B?

Everyone enrolled in Medicare must pay a monthly premium to the federal government for Part B. For those with higher incomes, this premium is indexed to your modified adjusted gross income.

Why is my Medicare Part B free?

Your Medicare Part B premium is likely zero because you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan with a "Part B giveback" that covers the full premium, you qualify for a state's Medicare Savings Program (MSP) or full Medicaid, or your employer's health plan reimburses it; the most common reason is joining a $0 premium MA plan that uses government funds to give savings back to you. 

How do I get Medicare Part B for free?

You can get Medicare Part B for "free" (premium paid for you) primarily through a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) if you have low income/assets, an employer HRA covering it, or potentially via a Medicare Advantage "giveback", but generally, Part B requires a premium unless you qualify for state assistance or employer help. If already on Social Security/RRB, premiums are deducted, but if you're working past 65 with creditable coverage, you can delay enrollment without penalty, avoiding premiums until coverage ends. 

What are the 5 things Medicare does not cover?

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn't cover most dental, vision (like glasses/contacts), hearing aids, routine foot care, and long-term custodial care, plus many alternative therapies, cosmetic surgeries, and prescription drugs (without Part D). You'll need supplemental plans (like Medigap or Part C) or separate insurance for these common needs.