Why would I not want Medicare Part B?

You might not want Medicare Part B if you have qualifying, creditable health coverage through a large employer (20+ employees) where you or your spouse are still working, allowing you to delay enrollment without penalty and avoid the premium. Other reasons to delay might include wanting to avoid the monthly premium if your current coverage is excellent and you have few immediate medical needs, or if you're on certain specific plans (like some federal employee plans) that coordinate well without Part B. However, most people need Part B and risk late penalties and gaps in coverage if they delay without good reason, like a large employer plan.

Why would you 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.

Can you decline Medicare Part B coverage?

Yes, you can decline Medicare Part B, especially if you have other creditable coverage like a large employer's group plan, but you generally must do so in writing by following instructions in your Medicare welcome packet or by submitting Form CMS-1763 to Social Security, and you risk a lifelong late enrollment penalty if you don't have other qualifying coverage when you first become eligible. Declining usually involves returning your Medicare card to show you refuse Part B, and you can typically only drop premium-Part A if you're paying for it. 

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. 

Is Medicare Part B mandatory when you turn 65?

If you and/or your dependent are over age 65, retired, and eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A and premium-based Medicare Part B, CalPERS requires you to enroll in both Part A and Part B, and then transfer into a CalPERS Medicare health benefits plan to continue CalPERS health coverage.

Medicare: Why you need to sign up when you're 65, even if you're still working

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 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 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 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. 

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).

What happens if you do not get Medicare Part B?

In most cases, if you missed your Part B enrollment window, which runs from the three months before the month of your 65th birthday through the three months after the month of your 65th birthday, you will face a late enrollment penalty once you do enroll, which will be added to your premium costs for the remainder of ...

What is the alternative to part B Medicare?

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 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.

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. 

Is Medicare Plan B necessary?

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. 

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. 

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). 

Is Medicare Part B worth paying for?

Yes, Medicare Part B is generally considered worth it for most people because it covers essential outpatient care like doctor visits, tests, and preventive services, but its value depends on your other insurance, income (due to IRMAA), and health needs, making it crucial for those without other coverage but potentially costly for high-income earners. It's vital if Medicare is your primary insurance (e.g., if you're over 65 with small employer coverage) to avoid large bills, but less beneficial if you have great employer coverage that coordinates well with Medicare, especially if you pay high income-related premiums (IRMAA). 

How can I 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. 

What 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. 

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 I need Medicare B if I have private insurance?

The only time you need to enroll in Medicare Part B if you have other insurance is if you work for a company with fewer than 20 employees. You can face penalties if you don't enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period. If you have both Medicare and other health insurance, you can have more comprehensive coverage.

Is it better to have plain Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

Neither Original Medicare nor Medicare Advantage (MA) is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and preference for provider choice, with Original Medicare offering nationwide provider freedom but requiring separate drug/supplement plans, while MA provides all-in-one coverage with networks and extra benefits like dental/vision but often requires referrals and has regional limits. 

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 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.