Do you have to carry Medicare Part B?
Asked by: Claudie Mayert | Last update: September 24, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (11 votes)
What happens if I don't take 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. You may also pay a higher premium depending on your income.
Is it mandatory to have Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Part B coverage is your choice. However, you need to have Part B if you want to buy Part A.
Can I decline Medicare Part B coverage?
2 ways to drop coverage
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.
Can you avoid paying for Medicare Part B?
You do not have to pay for Medicare Part B to keep Medi-Cal. Stopping Medicare Part B coverage is generally not recommended. If you want to talk to someone about stopping Medicare Part B, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. NOTE: A few things could happen if you do not pay your Medicare Part B premium.
Medicare and FEHB | Do You need Part B?
What can I get instead of Medicare Part B?
Part C (Medicare Advantage)
Part C is known as Medicare Advantage. It's an alternative to Parts A and B that bundles several coverage types, including Parts A, B, and usually D. It may also include: Vision.
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.
Why do people opt out of Medicare Part B?
Although Part B is not mandatory, it does come with a premium in most cases. Some people delay enrollment in Medicare Part B to avoid paying the premium – especially if they have other creditable coverage. The same can be true of Part A, for people that must pay a premium for it.
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 someone not have Part B Medicare?
Individuals who are not receiving a Social Security or RRB benefit are not automatically enrolled. Individuals who previously refused Part B, or who terminated their Part B enrollment, may enroll (or re-enroll) in Part B only during certain enrollment periods.
Who is exempt from paying Medicare Part B premiums?
Enrollees who have Medicaid, employer-sponsored health coverage, or retiree health benefits from an employer generally don't have to pay the full Medicare Part B deductible, as the other coverage picks up some or all of the cost (this varies depending on the plan).
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.
How do I get my part B penalty waived?
You can appeal to remove the penalty if you think you were continuously covered by Part B or job-based insurance. You can also appeal to lower the penalty amount if you think it was calculated incorrectly. Call your former employer or plan and ask for a letter proving that you were enrolled in coverage.
How much is deducted from Social Security for Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B Premium and Deductible
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 you know if you need Medicare Part B?
You Need Part B if Medicare Is Primary
It is your outpatient coverage. Once you retire and have no access to other health coverage, Medicare becomes your primary insurance. Part A pays for your room and board in the hospital. Part B covers most of the rest.
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.
Do I need Medicare Part B if I have other insurance?
You can enroll in Medicare Part B if you have other insurance, but you don't have to. However, depending on your other insurance, it may benefit you to have both. This depends on the cost of your other insurance and how it works with Medicare.
Can I skip Part B of Medicare?
If you don't qualify to delay Part B, you'll need to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid paying the penalty. You may refuse Part B without penalty if you have creditable coverage, but you have to do it before your coverage start date.
Why are doctors dropping Medicare patients?
In recent years, physician groups and some policymakers have raised concerns that physicians would opt out of Medicare due to reductions in Medicare payments for many Part B services, potentially leading to a shortage of physicians willing to treat people with Medicare.
Is Part B Medicare ever free?
Medicare Part A (pays for hospital stays) is usually free, but almost everyone has to pay $185 per month for Medicare Part B (pays for medical care). If you have a Part D, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan, you'll have an extra monthly cost on top of paying for Part B.
Can you collect Social Security without Medicare Part B?
You must keep Medicare Part A if you're receiving Social Security benefits, however, you can defer Medicare Part B if you have other creditable coverage that meets Medicare's standards, such as employer coverage.