What's the cost for Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B costs include a monthly premium, an annual deductible, and 20% coinsurance for most services, with the standard 2026 premium being $202.90/month, an annual deductible of $283, and typically 20% coinsurance after the deductible, though costs rise with higher income.

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.

What will Medicare Part B premiums cost in 2025?

Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($185 in 2025). Social Security will tell you the exact amount you'll pay for Part B in 2025. You pay the standard premium amount if you: Enroll in Part B for the first time in 2025.

How much does Medicare Part B cost per month for seniors?

For 2025, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $185 per month, but higher-income earners pay more, while some seniors on Social Security might pay less due to the hold-harmless rule, with the standard rate increasing to $202.90 for 2026. Your exact amount depends on your income from two years prior, with higher incomes (over $106,000 for individuals) leading to higher income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAA). 

Is Medicare Part B based on income?

Yes, Medicare Part B premiums are based on income, with higher earners paying an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) on top of the standard premium, using your tax return from two years prior (e.g., 2024 income for 2026 premiums). This higher cost affects roughly 8% of beneficiaries, determined by your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). 

Medicare Part B Premium Cost - Shocking! What is IRMAA?

How can I reduce my Medicare Part B premium?

To reduce your Medicare Part B premium, file a Social Security Administration (SSA) Form SSA-44 for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) reduction due to specific life events like retirement, marriage, or divorce, which lowers your Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) based on a lower current income; or check eligibility for state-run Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) if you have low income and assets. Other strategies include using Health Savings Account (HSA) funds or enrolling in certain Medicare Advantage plans with Part B givebacks. 

What determines how much I 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 is taken out of my Social Security check for Medicare?

The amount taken from your Social Security check for Medicare is primarily for Part B (Medical Insurance), with the standard 2025 premium being about $185/month for most, but can be higher based on income (IRMAA) or lower due to "hold harmless" rules. Other costs like Part D (Prescription Drug) premiums (IRMAA) and sometimes Part A (Hospital) can also be deducted. The exact amount varies, but it's automatically deducted and appears on your Social Security statement. 

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 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 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. 

What income level triggers higher Medicare premiums?

Higher Medicare premiums (IRMAA) trigger at specific income levels, starting at $109,000 for individuals and $218,000 for married couples filing jointly, based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior (e.g., 2024 tax return for 2026 premiums), with costs increasing in brackets up to much higher incomes for Parts B & D.
 

Are seniors getting a raise in 2026?

Yes, seniors are getting a raise in 2026, with Social Security and SSI benefits increasing by 2.8% due to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This means the average retired worker's monthly check will rise by about $56, but higher Medicare premiums and taxes could reduce the net amount, so it's important to check individual payment details. 

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.

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.
 

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. 

What are the three words to remember for a Medicare wellness exam?

For a Medicare Wellness Exam's cognitive test, the three common words to remember are often "banana," "sunrise," and "chair," used in the Mini-Cog screening to check your memory and thinking skills; you say them immediately and then recall them after a few minutes. 

Why are doctors dropping Medicare patients?

Physician Medicare reimbursement dropped 33% since 2000, when adjusted for inflation, according to the AMA. As a result, Ferguson said, many practices—particularly small, independent ones—can no longer afford to absorb the losses. "It's gotten to a point where you can't absorb it.

How much will Medicare premiums cost in 2025?

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $185.00 for 2025, an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2024. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $257 in 2025, an increase of $17 from the annual deductible of $240 in 2024.

How do I pay for my Medicare Part B premium?

You can pay your Medicare Part B premium online via your Medicare account (fastest), sign up for automatic deductions with Medicare Easy Pay, use your bank's online bill pay, or mail a check/money order/card with your payment coupon. Most people have premiums automatically deducted from Social Security, but if you don't, these methods ensure continuous coverage. 

Why am I paying so much for Medicare?

If you file your taxes as "married, filing jointly" and your MAGI is greater than $218,000, you'll pay higher premiums for your Part B and Medicare prescription drug coverage. If you file your taxes using a different status, and your MAGI is greater than $109,000, you'll pay higher premiums.

Can you make too much money for Medicare Part B?

You cannot make too much money to qualify for Medicare. Eligibility is based on age or disability status, not income. That said, higher earnings can trigger income-based surcharges on premiums, particularly for Part B and Part D coverage.

Why am I getting a bill 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. 

Why do I need Medicare Part C?

You need Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) if you want an all-in-one private plan that bundles your Part A & B benefits and often includes extras like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drugs (Part D), offering convenience and potentially lower out-of-pocket costs for services not covered by Original Medicare, all under one plan with a yearly spending limit. It's an alternative to Original Medicare, providing comprehensive coverage with added benefits, though often through a network of doctors.