Do you still pay for Medicare Part B with an Advantage plan?

Yes, you must continue paying your Medicare Part B premium even if you join a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan (Part C), as Part B is a requirement for joining, but some MA plans offer a "Part B giveback" benefit that pays some or all of that premium for you. You pay the Part B premium to the government and a separate premium (if any) for the MA plan to the private insurer; the MA plan covers your hospital and doctor services, but you stay enrolled in original Medicare Parts A & B.

Do Medicare Advantage plans pay for part B?

Yes, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans bundle Part A & B, and many offer a "Part B Giveback" benefit that pays some or all of your standard Part B premium, reducing your monthly Social Security deduction, though you still need to stay enrolled in Part B. You must pay your Part B premium to keep both, but some MA plans give you money back on it as an extra benefit, reducing your out-of-pocket costs. 

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. 

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.

Do You Still Pay Medicare Part B With An Advantage Plan?

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. 

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.

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. 

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). 

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.
 

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. 

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.

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.
 

What is the downside of having a Medicare Advantage plan?

Medicare Advantage (MA) disadvantages include restricted provider networks (HMO/PPO), needing prior authorization for care, potential denials of coverage, limited out-of-network/travel coverage, annual plan changes (benefits/networks), and complex marketing, making it harder to budget for unexpected costs compared to Original Medicare's broad network and more predictable expenses. 

At what age do you stop paying Medicare premiums after?

Your CalPERS health coverage will automatically be canceled the first day of the month after you turn 65. See Cancellation of CalPERS Health Coverage for information on reinstating your health coverage.

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. 

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their social security?

You qualify for an extra ~$144 on your Social Security check if you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with a "Part B Giveback" benefit, which refunds some or all of your Medicare Part B premium, appearing as extra cash in your check, but eligibility depends on living in the plan's service area and paying your own Part B premiums. The "144" figure was common when the Part B premium was around that amount, but the actual refund varies by plan and location, potentially exceeding the full premium. 

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 can I reduce Medicare Part B cost?

You can reduce your Medicare Part B premium by reporting a qualifying life event (like retirement or divorce) to Social Security using Form SSA-44, applying for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) if you have low income, or enrolling in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that offers a Part B premium giveback benefit. Other methods include using a Health Savings Account (HSA) or deferring income if you have credible coverage elsewhere, like through a working spouse's plan, to avoid penalties. 

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 do they take out of your 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. 

Are seniors going to get a raise in Social Security in 2025?

Yes, Social Security recipients received a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025, effective January 2025, increasing average benefits by about $48 monthly; this was announced in late 2024, with the next COLA for 2026 announced in October 2025. The 2025 increase followed a larger boost in 2024, reflecting lower inflation, and notifications for the 2025 raise were sent out in late 2024. 

How do I pay for Medicare Part B if I don't get 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.