How do I not pay 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.

Is it possible to 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. 

Can you avoid paying for Medicare Part B?

Coverage usually starts the first day of your 65th birthday month. If you have other creditable coverage, you can delay Part B and postpone paying the premium. You can sign up later without penalty, as long as you do it within eight months after your other coverage ends.

Can Medicare Part B be waived?

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. 

How do I stop paying for Medicare Part B?

To stop paying for Medicare Part B, you must submit a written request (Form CMS-1763) to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and return your Medicare card, as keeping the card implies you want coverage, and you should consider if you have other creditable coverage (like employer plans) to avoid late enrollment penalties when you might re-enroll later. You can typically cancel anytime, but it's vital to talk to the SSA first to review risks, especially if you might need Part B later, to avoid permanent penalties. 

How to Never Pay Medicare Premiums Ever Again!

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.

How do I opt out of Plan B?

To find out more about how to terminate Medicare Part B or to schedule a personal interview, contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) or visit your nearest Social Security office.

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.
 

How can I get my Medicare Part B premium reduced?

You can reduce your Medicare Part B premium if you have a lower income due to a life-changing event (like retirement, job loss, marriage, divorce, or spouse's death) by submitting Form SSA-44 to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for a premium adjustment; alternatively, some Medicare Advantage plans offer a "Part B premium giveback" that lowers your premium, or you might qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to help pay for costs. 

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. 

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 paying for part B Medicare?

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 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.

Do seniors have to pay for Medicare Part B?

According to the CMS, most Medicare beneficiaries will pay the standard Medicare Part B premium amount. If you're enrolled in a CalPERS Medicare health plan, you must pay for and maintain enrollment in Medicare Part B to remain enrolled in the CalPERS health program.

Who qualifies for $800 Medicare reimbursement?

All you have to do is provide proof that you pay Medicare Part B premiums. Each eligible active or retired member on a contract with Medicare Part A and Part B, including covered spouses, can get their own $800 reimbursement. Download our Medicare Reimbursement Account QuickStart Guide to learn more.

What is the lowest cost for Medicare Part B?

The lowest cost for Medicare Part B is the standard premium, which is $185 per month in 2025 and increases to $202.90 in 2026 for most people, with no other income adjustments or late enrollment penalties. However, some people with low income might pay less if Medicaid covers their premium, or potentially $0 in certain circumstances, while higher earners pay more due to Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). 

What happens if I can't pay my Medicare Part B premium?

If the person with Medicare still doesn't pay the amount that's past due, the plan can disenroll them as of the first day of the month following the end of the grace period. When this happens, the plan will send a final notice to the member about the disenrollment.

Can you have 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 based on your income?

Yes, Medicare Part B premiums are based on your income, using an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) for higher earners, determined by your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from your tax return two years prior, meaning more income leads to a higher premium. About 8% of beneficiaries pay this extra amount, with thresholds and costs adjusted yearly. 

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. 

How to get Medicare plan 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 to avoid the Medicare levy?

Medicare levy surcharge is an extra amount that you can avoid by having private health cover. Without hospital cover though it won't count. If you're covered for part of the year then yes the amount is adjusted. Really recommend reading the website about Medicare and the surcharge (MLS).

What do I do if I don't want Medicare Part B?

2 ways to drop coverage

To drop Part B (or Part A if you have to pay a premium for it), you usually need to send your request in writing and include your signature. Contact Social Security.

How do I turn off Medicare Part B?

To opt out of Medicare Part B, you must submit a signed Form CMS-1763 (Request for Termination of Premium Part B Coverage) to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to formally end your enrollment, often by mail or fax, especially if you were automatically enrolled and received a welcome packet. It's crucial to have other credible coverage, like employer insurance, to avoid gaps, and be aware you'll need to return your Medicare card if you're dropping it. 

Is Medicare Part B mandatory?

No, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) is voluntary, not mandatory, but most people enroll because it covers essential doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services, and you may face penalties or need it to buy other plans if you delay without other creditable coverage. While you can delay Part B to avoid premiums if you have employer insurance (Special Enrollment Period), refusing it without good reason (like other solid health coverage) can lead to late enrollment penalties and issues joining Medigap or Medicare Advantage plans later.