What happens if I don't want 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.

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 to refuse 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. 

What happens if you 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. 

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

If you don't take Medicare Part B when first eligible and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), you'll face a permanent late enrollment penalty, paying an extra 10% premium for each 12-month period you delayed enrollment, and you'll have to wait for the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1-Mar 31) to sign up, with coverage starting later. This penalty applies unless you have other creditable health coverage, usually through a large employer, during that time, allowing for a SEP to avoid it. 

Beware of the Medicare Part B Penalty

Is it wise to cancel Medicare Part B?

You should only cancel Medicare Part B if you have other qualifying health coverage (like large employer insurance or TRICARE) to avoid significant late enrollment penalties and coverage gaps, otherwise, you risk paying 100% out-of-pocket for doctor visits, supplies, and preventive care, plus a permanent 10% penalty for each year you delay re-enrolling later. Canceling is generally a bad idea unless you're replacing it with better, qualifying coverage; if you have an HSA, you must stop contributing once you're on Part B. 

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.

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. 

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 do you get rid of Medicare Part B?

To cancel Medicare Part B, you must submit a written request using Form CMS-1763 (Request for Termination of Premium Part A, Part B, or Part B Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage), mail or fax it to the Social Security Administration (SSA), and return your Medicare card to get a new one showing only Part A if you keep it. You'll need to provide your Medicare number, contact info, and the date you want coverage to end; be aware that dropping Part B can lead to late enrollment penalties if you re-enroll later without a qualifying reason. 

Are there alternatives to Medicare Part B?

Alternatives to Medicare Part B primarily involve enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), which bundles coverage and often adds benefits like dental/vision, or supplementing Original Medicare with a Medigap policy (Medicare Supplement Insurance), which helps pay Part B costs but requires a separate Part D drug plan. Another option, if you're still working, is to stay on a current employer or union health plan as your primary insurance, but be aware of Part B penalties if you delay enrollment later. 

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 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. 

What does Dave Ramsey say about Medicare?

Dave Ramsey's Medicare advice centers on planning ahead, understanding enrollment periods to avoid penalties, using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) if possible, and supplementing Original Medicare with Medigap or Medicare Advantage (Part C) to cover gaps like dental, vision, and long-term care, stressing that mistakes can be costly and recommending expert advice for personalized choices. 

Why am I paying so much for Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B is expensive due to rising medical care costs (especially high-priced drugs and new tech), increased usage by an aging population, and a shift to outpatient care, all of which increase overall spending that premiums cover. Higher-income beneficiaries pay even more through Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA), and late enrollment penalties can also increase costs. 

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 5 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Medicare generally doesn't cover long-term care, most dental care, routine vision services (like glasses), hearing aids/fittings, and cosmetic surgery, though it does provide strong coverage for hospital and doctor services; you can often get coverage for these gaps through Medicare Advantage (Part C) or supplemental plans. 

What is the average monthly cost for Medicare Part B?

For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month, an increase from the 2025 rate, though some people pay more (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, IRMAA) or less due to "hold harmless" rules. The exact amount depends on your income and when you enrolled, with higher earners paying significantly more and some beneficiaries shielded from large increases by Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. 

What if I refuse 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. 

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). 

Why do people opt out of Medicare Part B?

Income too high – Higher earners pay a higher standard Part B monthly premium amount due to Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA). Some opt out due to premium costs. Failure to pay premiums – Part B coverage can be terminated if premium payments are delinquent for 12 continuous months.

Is there a penalty for opting out of Medicare Part B?

Canceling Medicare Part B doesn't trigger an immediate penalty, but if you re-enroll later without having other creditable coverage (like employer insurance), you'll face a late enrollment penalty: 10% of the standard premium for each full 12-month period you were eligible but didn't have Part B, potentially for life. The penalty is added to your monthly premium and increases with more uncovered years, making it crucial to have other qualifying coverage or to re-enroll during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to avoid it. 

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. 

Do I 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.