Do you pay for Medicare Part B?

Yes, most people pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B (medical insurance), with the standard amount for 2026 being $202.90, though higher-income earners pay more (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount or IRMAA), and some pay less due to the "hold harmless" rule or if it's deducted from Social Security. You also pay an annual deductible and 20% coinsurance for most services after meeting the deductible, with no limit on the coinsurance.

Do all seniors pay for Medicare Part B?

Part B coverage is optional. If you or your spouse is still working and covered by your employer group health plan, you may not need this part of Medicare until you or your spouse retires. Learn more. The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90.

Why do I have to pay Medicare Part B?

You pay for Medicare Part B because it's your essential medical insurance for doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services, requiring a monthly premium to cover these day-to-day healthcare needs, similar to private insurance, and if you delay signing up, you might face penalties. It's not free; it's your share of costs for services like tests, equipment, and doctor's fees, ensuring ongoing access to necessary medical support beyond just hospital stays (Part A). 

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 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 To Pay For Medicare Part B | Medicare Easy Pay

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.
 

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. 

Can I refuse to pay for Medicare Part B?

Yes, you can opt out of Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) by submitting Form CMS-1763 to the Social Security Administration (SSA) or by following instructions in your Medicare welcome packet, especially if you have other creditable employer coverage, but be aware you might face penalties if you re-enroll later without a qualifying reason. Dropping Part B means losing coverage for doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services, so it's crucial to have alternative health insurance, like from a current employer, to avoid gaps and potential future costs. 

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 if you can't afford to pay for 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.

Which part of Medicare do most people get for free?

Part A is free if you worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You may also be eligible because of your current or former spouse's work.

Is there an income limit for Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B has income limits, called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), where higher Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) leads to higher premiums, with 2026 brackets starting above $109,000 for individuals and $218,000 for couples, based on your 2024 tax return, with higher earnings pushing you into surcharges added to the standard $202.90 premium. For example, individuals earning over $109,000 (up to $137,000) pay the standard premium plus an $81.20 surcharge, while higher earners pay even more, with substantial jumps at higher income levels.
 

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. 

Why would someone not want Medicare Part B?

While Part A is generally premium-free for most individuals, Part B does come with a monthly premium. If your existing coverage is sufficient and you have no immediate need for the services covered under Part B, you may decide to delay enrollment to avoid paying unnecessary premiums.

How much will Medicare Part B cost in 2025?

For 2025, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $185 per month, with an annual deductible of $257, but higher-income earners pay more (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount - IRMAA), while some current enrollees may pay less due to the "hold harmless" rule. Your exact premium depends on your income from two years prior (2023 for 2025), and can range from the standard amount up to over $600 monthly for the highest earners. 

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. 

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. 

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). 

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.
 

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 can 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. 

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. 

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 much will Medicare Part B cost in 2026?

For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month, a nearly 10% increase from 2025, with higher income earners paying more (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount - IRMAA). The annual Part B deductible also increases to $283. Most people pay the standard premium, but some Medicare Advantage plans offer rebates to lower this cost, and Social Security notifies beneficiaries of their exact amount.