Can I decline Medicare Part A and B?
Asked by: Prof. Alfonzo Friesen DDS | Last update: December 31, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (62 votes)
Can I refuse Medicare Part B if I have?
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.
Do you have to take Medicare Part A and B?
No. If you aren't eligible for free Part A, you don't have to enroll. However, if you want to buy Medicare coverage and you want Part A, you also have to buy Part B.
Why would someone decline Medicare Part B?
Some people do not take Part B during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) because they have primary insurance from their current employer or their spouse's current employer. The IEP is the first time you can sign up for Medicare.
Is Medicare Part A mandatory?
Enrollment in Medicare Part A is mandatory for people who receive Social Security benefits. Enrollment in Part B is voluntary.
8 Reasons to DELAY Medicare Past 65 That Will Save You Thousands and Avoid ALL Penalties
Who is exempt from paying Medicare Part A?
To be eligible for premium-free Part A on the basis of age: A person must be age 65 or older; and. Be eligible for monthly Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) cash benefits.
Can I opt out of Medicare A and B?
To drop Part B (or Part A if you have to pay a premium for it), you usually need to send your request in writing and include your signature. Contact Social Security.
Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?
Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.
Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?
Once you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare (or add Part B to existing Part A coverage).
Why would a patient not have Medicare Part A?
Why might a person not be eligible for Medicare Part A? A person must be age 65 years or older to qualify for Medicare Part A. Unless they meet other requirements, such as a qualifying disability, they cannot get Medicare Part A benefits before this age.
Is Medicare Part B free at age 65?
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free for almost everyone. You have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B (medical insurance). If you already have other health insurance when you become eligible for Medicare, you may wonder if it's worth the monthly premium costs to sign up for Part B.
Why would someone not have Medicare Part B?
A person does not have to sign up for Medicare Part B when they turn age 65, providing they have creditable insurance coverage. Creditable coverage provides at least the same coverage level as Medicare, and people usually obtain it through an employer.
Is Medicare Part B optional or mandatory?
Part B is optional. Part B helps pay for covered medical services and items when they are medically necessary.
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.
Can I have Medicare Part A and not Part B?
If you get Part A premium-free, you can choose whether or not to enroll in Part B. Finally, state-specific programs exist to help pay Medicare premiums and other costs for beneficiaries with low incomes and assets who are not eligible for premium-free Part A.
How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?
eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.
What income triggers higher Medicare premiums?
If you file your taxes as "married, filing jointly" and your MAGI is greater than $212,000, 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 $106,000, you'll pay higher premiums.
Is there a penalty for opting out of Medicare Part B?
Part B late enrollment penalty
You'll pay an extra 10% for each year you could have signed up for Part B, but didn't.
Can you cancel Medicare Part B anytime you want?
Individuals with Medicare Part B can choose to cancel (drop) their coverage at any time. However, before they do so, they should consider risks, such as medical costs, late enrollment penalties, and coverage gaps.
Can you collect Social Security and decline Medicare Part A?
In fact, if you are already receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you'll have to pay back all the benefits you've received so far in order to opt out of Medicare Part A coverage. That's not usually an option as most people rely on those monthly payments to cover their bills.
Can I get Medicare if I never worked but my husband did?
If you do not have at least 40 calendar quarters of work during which you paid Social Security taxes in the U.S., but your spouse does, you may be eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A based on your spouse's work history when you turn 65.
Is Medicare Part A free at age 65?
Part A (Hospital Insurance) costs. $0 for most people (because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough while working - generally at least 10 years). If you get Medicare earlier than age 65, you won't pay a Part A premium. This is sometimes called “premium-free Part A.”
Can I exempt myself from Medicare?
File Form 4029 when you want to apply for exemption from social security and Medicare taxes. This is a one-time election. Keep your approved copy of Form 4029 for your permanent records.