Why is my first Medicare Part B bill so high?

Your first Medicare Part B bill is high because it often covers multiple months (quarterly billing), includes retroactive premiums, and might have added charges like the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) or a late enrollment penalty, all based on your income from two years prior. It's a surprise for many, but the bill details the coverage period and charges, which can be for the first three months plus any retroactive time before billing began.

Why is the first Medicare bill so high?

Unlike most of your monthly bills, Medicare Part B premiums are often billed quarterly, meaning you are paying for three months at a time. The first bill may be even higher, as it may include retroactive premiums from the date your coverage started.

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. 

How to pay less for Medicare Part B?

You can reduce your Medicare Part B premium by reporting a qualifying life event (like retirement or divorce) to Social Security using Form SSA-44, applying for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) if you have low income, or enrolling in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that offers a Part B premium giveback benefit. Other methods include using a Health Savings Account (HSA) or deferring income if you have credible coverage elsewhere, like through a working spouse's plan, to avoid penalties. 

Why is my first Medicare payment for 3 months?

As stated, the first bill is for the first 3 months so they're giving you time to set up your bank account.

Do you REALLY need Medicare Part B? | Medicare If You're Still Working

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. 

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. 

How to avoid Medicare Part B excess charges?

To avoid the Medicare Part B penalty, enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) when first eligible (around age 65) or, if you have creditable employer coverage, use the 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that starts when that coverage ends, ensuring you sign up within this window to avoid lifelong penalties. Document your employer coverage carefully, and if you miss these periods, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free counseling on options like Medicare Savings Programs or appealing a penalty. 

How do people afford Medicare Part B?

Part B (Medical Insurance)

premiums through a Medicare Savings Program. If you qualify, Medicare Savings Programs might also pay your Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. You'll apply for Medicare Savings Programs through your state.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Medicare Part B?

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)

An insurance policy you can buy to help lower your share of certain costs for Part A and Part B services (Original Medicare).

How much does the average person pay for Medicare Part B?

For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B monthly premium is $202.90, with higher amounts for higher incomes, plus a $283 annual deductible before Medicare pays its share (typically 20%). Most people pay the standard rate if they sign up when first eligible and receive Social Security benefits.
 

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. 

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 much will Medicare Part B cost in 2025?

For 2025, the standard Medicare Part B monthly premium is $185, with an annual deductible of $257, but higher-income earners pay more through IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), while some lower-income beneficiaries might pay less due to hold-harmless provisions, according to the {AARP https://www.aarp.org/medicare/medicare-part-b-premium-increase-2025/} and {Social Security Administration https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/medicare-premiums.html}. The exact amount depends on your income from your 2023 tax return, with surcharges starting at $74 for individuals earning over $106,000. 

Why is my Medicare Part B premium so high?

Your Medicare Part B premium might be high due to overall rising healthcare costs, particularly expensive drugs like those for Alzheimer's, or because you have a higher income (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount - IRMAA). Other reasons include being a new enrollee with a large first bill covering multiple months/retroactive costs, or potentially a late enrollment penalty if you didn't sign up when first eligible. 

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). 

What happens if you 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.

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 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. 

How do I lower my Medicare Part B premium?

You can reduce your Medicare Part B premium by reporting a qualifying life event (like retirement or divorce) to Social Security using Form SSA-44, applying for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) if you have low income, or enrolling in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that offers a Part B premium giveback benefit. Other methods include using a Health Savings Account (HSA) or deferring income if you have credible coverage elsewhere, like through a working spouse's plan, to avoid penalties. 

How common is part B excess charge?

Medicare Part B excess charges are not very common because over 96-98% of doctors accept Medicare assignment (agreeing to the approved fee), but they can happen with nonparticipating providers who aren't bound by Medicare's fee limits and can add up to 15% extra, though some states (like CT, MA, MN, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT) prohibit them entirely. To avoid them, always check if your doctor accepts assignment before appointments, use the Medicare.gov tool, or get a Medigap Plan F or G that covers these charges.
 

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.

Why is my first Medicare bill for 4 months?

Your first Medicare bill is for multiple months (often 4-6) because it covers the current quarter's premiums in advance, plus any retroactive amounts from when your coverage started, and then you'll receive quarterly bills for the next three months ahead. This initial higher bill includes premiums for the months you've already passed (like February, March) and the upcoming months (like April, May, June, July), making it seem much longer than a standard monthly bill. 

Why do I now have to pay 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. 

What are the 5 things Medicare does not cover?

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn't cover most dental, vision (like glasses/contacts), hearing aids, routine foot care, and long-term custodial care, plus many alternative therapies, cosmetic surgeries, and prescription drugs (without Part D). You'll need supplemental plans (like Medigap or Part C) or separate insurance for these common needs.