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.

Do you 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. 

What happens if I don't get Medicare Part B?

If you don't get Medicare Part B when first eligible and don't have other creditable coverage (like employer insurance), you'll face a permanent late enrollment penalty, a 10% premium increase for each full 12-month period you delayed signing up, which you'll pay for as long as you have Part B. You'll also have gaps in coverage for doctor visits, outpatient care, and medical supplies until you enroll, potentially during a General Enrollment Period (Jan-Mar) or a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify due to losing other insurance. 

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. 

Is Medicare Part B required for seniors?

NOTE: Medicare Part B is voluntary, and you must pay a premium if you decide you want the coverage, unless you get help from your state. If you're approaching age 65 and not receiving benefits, you should contact us about 3 months before your 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare.

Is Medicare Part B Mandatory? - CountyOffice.org

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. 

What is the alternative to Medicare Part B for seniors?

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)

A type of Medicare-approved health plan from a private company that you can choose to cover most of your Part A and Part B benefits instead of Original Medicare. It usually also includes drug coverage (Part D).

What happens if I opt out of Medicare Part B?

Canceling Medicare Part B means you'll pay 100% for outpatient care, face potential gaps in coverage, and likely incur a permanent 10% monthly late enrollment penalty if you re-enroll later without a qualifying Special Enrollment Period (SEP). To cancel, you must submit Form CMS-1763 to Social Security. It's generally risky unless you have other creditable coverage (like an employer plan with 20+ employees) to bridge the gap, as you might lose guaranteed rights to Medigap if you re-enroll later. 

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.

Why would a person not have Medicare Part B?

A person does not have to sign up for Medicare Part B when they turn age 65, provided they have creditable insurance coverage. Creditable coverage provides at least the same coverage level as Medicare, and people usually obtain it through an employer.

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. 

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).

Can you cancel Medicare Part B anytime you want?

Yes, you can drop Medicare Part B anytime by submitting Form CMS-1763 to Social Security, but you should have other creditable coverage (like employer insurance) to avoid a permanent late enrollment penalty if you re-enroll later. Canceling Part B creates a gap in outpatient coverage, so it's crucial to understand the risks, but there's no penalty for dropping it if you have qualifying coverage, only for re-enrolling without it later. 

What happens if I don't take Medicare Part B?

If you don't want Medicare Part B, you can decline it by following instructions in your Medicare welcome packet or by submitting Form CMS-1763 to Social Security, but you should only do so if you have other "creditable" coverage like a large employer plan (20+ employees) to avoid penalties later; otherwise, declining Part B means no coverage for doctor visits, outpatient care, and medical supplies, potentially costing more than premiums. 

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.
 

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 refuse part B on Medicare?

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. 

Can you get rid of Medicare Part B?

Yes, you can cancel Medicare Part B at any time by submitting a written request using Form CMS-1763 to the Social Security Administration (SSA), but be aware that you'll need other creditable health insurance (like employer coverage) to avoid a late enrollment penalty if you re-enroll later, as Part B is optional but important for continuous coverage. Your coverage ends the month after you file the form, and you can reverse the decision by contacting SSA before it ends. 

Is it mandatory to take 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. 

Can I skip part B of Medicare?

You may refuse Part B without penalty if you have creditable coverage, but you have to do it before your coverage start date. Follow the directions on the back of your Medicare card if you want to refuse Part B.

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). 

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. 

Do all seniors have Medicare Part B?

No, not all seniors automatically have Medicare Part B; it's optional, though most who receive Social Security are automatically enrolled unless they delay due to having other coverage, like a working spouse's large employer plan (20+ employees). Those who delay can sign up later without penalty, but skipping Part B when you don't have other coverage can lead to lifetime late enrollment penalties. 

What insurance provider denies the most claims?

In 2023, roughly one third of all in-network claims made to AvMed were denied by the medical insurance company. In this year, AvMed and United HealthCare were the medical insurance companies with the highest denial rate for in-network claims in the United States, at 33 percent each.

Why do people say not to get a Medicare Advantage plan?

People warn against Medicare Advantage (MA) plans due to limited doctor/hospital networks, complex pre-authorization for care, higher potential out-of-pocket costs for serious illnesses, annual plan changes (benefits/networks), denials of care, and difficulty switching back to Original Medicare with a Medigap plan later, especially if you become sick. While MA offers extra perks (dental, vision, low premiums), these restrictions can be burdensome, prioritizing insurer profits over patient freedom, making it risky for those with ongoing health issues.