Does Medicare Plan B cost anything?

Asked by: Demarcus Towne  |  Last update: October 22, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (30 votes)

Part B (Medical Insurance) costs. $185 each month (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.

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.

Does everyone pay $170 for Medicare Part B?

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.

Is Medicare Part B free now?

Part B is a voluntary program that requires the payment of a monthly premium for all parts of coverage. Eligibility rules for Part B depend on whether a person is eligible for premium-free Part A or whether the individual has to pay a premium for Part A coverage.

Is there a fee for Medicare B?

Most people will pay no premium for Medicare Part A, and will pay $185 per month for Part B. People with higher incomes will pay a Part B premium based on the Income Related Monthly Adjusted Amount (IRMAA) schedule.

NEW: 2025 Medicare Cost Increases CONFIRMED - New Cost Breakdown 💵

43 related questions found

Do I have to pay for Plan B Medicare?

You'll pay the premium each month, even if you don't get any Part B-covered services. Who pays a higher Part B premium because of income? You might pay a monthly penalty if you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65).

Why is my Medicare Part B so expensive?

If you have a higher income, you'll pay an additional premium amount for Medicare Part B and Medicare prescription drug coverage. We call the additional amount the “income-related monthly adjustment amount.” Here's how it works: Part B helps pay for your doctors' services and outpatient care.

How do I avoid paying Medicare Part B?

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.

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.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Does Medicare pay 100% on Part B?

Medicare Part B coinsurance

Coinsurance is a cost-sharing term that means insurance pays a percentage and you pay a percentage. With Medicare Part B, you pay 20 percent of the cost for the services you use. So if your doctor charges $100 for a visit, then you are responsible for paying $20 and Part B pays $80.

Is Medicare Part B mandatory?

Part B is optional. Part B helps pay for covered medical services and items when they are medically necessary. Part B also covers some preventive services like exams, lab tests, and screening shots to help prevent, find, or manage a medical problem.

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.

Do I automatically get Medicare Part B when I turn 65?

If you are approaching age 65 and you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits through early retirement, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance) when you turn 65.

Do I need both A and B Medicare?

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 you 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.

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).

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their Social Security?

To qualify for a Medicare giveback benefit, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. You must be responsible for paying the Part B Premiums; you should not rely on state government or other local assistance for your Part B premiums.

How much will Medicare Part B cost in 2025 for seniors?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the standard monthly Part B premium will be $185.00 in 2025, an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2024.

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.

How to get $800 Medicare reimbursement?

Medicare Reimbursement Account (MRA)

Basic Option members who pay Medicare Part B premiums can be reimbursed up to $800 each year. You must submit proof of Medicare Part B premium payments through the online portal, EZ Receipts app or by fax or mail.

Why do I pay so much for Medicare Part B?

Medicare costs, including Part B premiums, deductibles and copays, are adjusted based on the Social Security Act. And in recent years Part B costs have risen. Why? According to CMS.gov, “The increase in the Part B premiums and deductible is largely due to rising spending on physician-administered drugs.

How can I reduce my Medicare Part B premium?

If you've had a life-changing event that reduced your household income, you can ask to lower the additional amount you'll pay for Medicare Part B and Part D. Life-changing events include marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, loss of income, and an employer settlement payment.

Is Medicare Part B free?

Medicare Part B comes with an annual deductible: $257 in 2025. After you meet the deductible for the year, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for doctor services and other Medicare benefits. Medicare Part B pays the other 80%.

Can I deduct Medicare Part B premiums on my taxes?

Can you deduct Medicare Part B payments on your taxes? You can, but only if medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income and you're itemizing deductions.