Is Medicare Part B free at age 65?

No, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) is generally not free at age 65; most people pay a monthly premium, which can be higher for those with greater income, although Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) is often premium-free if you've paid Social Security taxes for about 10 years. While Part A is free for many, Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care and requires a standard monthly payment, with the 2026 standard premium set at $202.90, plus potential penalties for late enrollment.


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. 

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.


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 get charged for Medicare Part B?

Part B is a voluntary program that requires the payment of a monthly premium for all parts of coverage. Eligibility rules for Part B depend on whether a person is eligible for premium-free Part A or whether the individual has to pay a premium for Part A coverage.


Social Security Beneficiaries Are Shocked by Their January Check Amounts!



Why did they stop paying my 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 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. 

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.
 


What is the average cost of Medicare Part B per month?

The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium for most people in 2026 is $202.90, but it can be higher if your income is above a certain threshold, with premiums adjusted based on your income from two years prior (e.g., 2024 income for 2026 costs). Some beneficiaries might pay less due to "hold harmless" rules linked to Social Security cost-of-living adjustments, while high-income earners pay a higher Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). 

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. 

How do I know how much I will pay for Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B premiums are calculated based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your tax return filed two years prior, with higher incomes paying an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) on top of the standard premium, which is determined by a sliding scale set by the Social Security Administration and CMS each year. The Social Security Administration pulls your tax info from the IRS to figure this out, adding tax-exempt interest to your AGI to get MAGI, and if you're married filing jointly, they look at your combined income. 


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 you can't pay for Medicare Part B?

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.

What Medicare is free for seniors?

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.


Does Social Security automatically enroll you in Medicare Part B?

Yes, Social Security automatically enrolls you in Medicare Part A and Part B if you're already receiving Social Security benefits (or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)) for at least four months before turning 65, and you'll get your Medicare card mailed about three months before your 65th birthday. If you're not getting Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you must sign up for Medicare yourself, but you'll be enrolled in Part A automatically if you're eligible, with Part B requiring active enrollment. 

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. 

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.
 


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. 

Is Medicare Part B ever 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 I cancel Medicare Part B if I live abroad?

Yes, you can cancel Medicare Part B if you live abroad, and it's often wise since Medicare generally doesn't cover care overseas, but you must formally notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) in writing (often by mail or visiting a consulate) to stop premiums and avoid penalties if you want to re-enroll later. Canceling means you'll lose coverage, but if you have other credible health insurance from work abroad, you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to delay Part B without penalty upon return, so it's best to check with SSA or Medicare resources before deciding. 


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

If you're not on Social Security, you pay Medicare Part B directly via online bill pay through your MyMedicare.gov account, setting up Medicare Easy Pay (automatic bank draft), using your bank's online bill pay, calling with a card, or mailing a check/money order to the Medicare Premium Collection Center. The fastest way is online through your Medicare account, while Easy Pay offers convenient monthly deductions from your bank. 

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. 

How to 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. 


Can I lose Medicare Part B?

Yes, you can lose Medicare Part B coverage, primarily by not paying your premiums, but also by committing fraud, moving out of the U.S., or if your eligibility was tied to Social Security Disability benefits that ended. Losing Part B also terminates associated Medigap/Part D plans, and you could face penalties if you try to re-enroll later without a valid reason, according to Medicare's official guidance.