How do I decline Part B of Medicare?

Asked by: Roger Yundt Sr.  |  Last update: July 16, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (54 votes)

Contact your local Social Security office. If you're dropping Part B and keeping Part A, we'll send you a new Medicare card showing you have only Part A coverage. Write down your Medicare Number in case you need to go to the hospital or get Part A-covered services until your new card arrives.

How do I refuse part B on Medicare?

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.

Can I cancel Medicare Part B if I live abroad?

Dropping Part B – You can drop Part B, but if you do, you'll pay a late enrollment penalty if you return to the U.S. and re-enroll. To stop Part B, you'd need to contact Social Security.

How to reduce 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.

Can I lose Medicare Part B?

When you turn 65, you qualify for Medicare and it's yours for life. However, there is only one circumstance in which you would lose Medicare coverage, and that's if you don't pay your Part B premium. If you qualify for Medicare due to a disability, there are some circumstances in which you could lose coverage.

How To QUIT MEDICARE Part B

21 related questions found

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.

Can I still collect Social Security if I move out of the country?

If you earned Social Security benefits, you can visit or live in most foreign countries and still receive payments. Look up the country on the SSA Payments Abroad Screening Tool to be sure you can receive your payments.

How long do you lose Medicaid if you leave the country?

Medicaid provides no option for coverage outside of the United States. If you are covered by Medicaid, you should be aware that coverage can be suspended if you remain outside of the country for more than 30 days. You would have to jump through hoops in order to regain this coverage.

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 to opt out of Medicare Part B as a provider?

In order to opt out you must file an opt-out affidavit with the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) or Carrier that administers any jurisdiction you practice in. A template for this affidavit that conforms to Medicare rules follows.

How do I void a Medicare Part B claim?

If a person then decides to cancel the claim, they can call the general Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and explain they want to cancel a self-filed claim.

Can I cancel Medicare Part B online?

There are two ways a person can cancel their Part B plan: contact the Social Security Association (SSA) by calling 800-772-1213 or visiting the local SSA office. follow the instructions in a recently received welcome pack and send their Medicare card back.

What is the alternative to Part B Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)

A type of Medicare-approved health plan from a private company that you can choose to cover most of your Part A and Part B benefits instead of Original Medicare. It usually also includes drug coverage (Part D).

What is the difference between cancellation and disenrollment?

Canceling coverage can only take place if the health or dental plan has not started yet. Disenrolling from coverage can only take place once the health or dental plan has already started. A consumer may disenroll from coverage if it is after the coverage start date.

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security?

Indeed, here are three ways you can lose at least part of your Social Security benefit.
  • No. 1: Keep working while taking benefits early. ...
  • No. 2: Be a substantially lower-earning spouse. ...
  • No. 3: Be alive in 2034. ...
  • Social Security still provides an important foundation for retirement.

Does Social Security know when you leave the country?

SSI recipients are required to tell SSA when they leave the U.S. for 30 or more consecutive days or a full calendar month. Although most recipients do report when they leave the U.S., some do not, and continue receiving SSI payments while they remain out of the country.

Can I change my Direct Deposit for Social Security online?

If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your U.S. mailing address or direct deposit information online. You can do this using the My Profile tab in your personal my Social Security account. You can also decide when the change takes effect.

What happens if I don't want Medicare Part B?

If you're dropping Part B and keeping Part A, we'll send you a new Medicare card showing you have only Part A coverage. Write down your Medicare Number in case you need to go to the hospital or get Part A-covered services until your new card arrives.

Is it illegal to not accept Medicare?

Doctors or other health care providers who don't want to work with the Medicare program may "opt out" of Medicare. Medicare won't pay for items or services you get from provider that opts out, except in emergencies. Providers opt out for a minimum of 2 years.

Are you automatically enrolled in Medicare?

You'll get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) automatically when you turn 65. You'll still need to make important decisions about your coverage, like whether you need to add drug coverage.

How do I not pay for Medicare Part B?

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.

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.

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.