How do I qualify for reduced Medicare premiums?

Asked by: Dave Senger Jr.  |  Last update: May 13, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (45 votes)

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.

How do you qualify for Medicare premium reduction?

Californians with an annual income of less than $20,121 for an individual or $27,214 for a couple are eligible for a Medicare Savings Program. These programs provide help from the State of California to pay for your Medicare premiums, and sometimes your deductibles and copayments.

Who qualifies to get $144 back from Medicare?

To qualify for the giveback, you must: Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Pay your own premiums (if a state or local program is covering your premiums, you're not eligible). Live in a service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

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.

How do you qualify for extra help with Medicare premiums?

Automatically qualify for Extra Help for any of these reasons: You have both Medicare and Medicaid. You're in a Medicare Savings Program (MSP). You get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

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Does social security count as income for extra help?

We will count only part of the applicant's earnings toward the income limit if the applicant: Works; ▪ Receives Social Security benefits based on a disability or blindness; and ▪ Has work-related expenses that are not reimbursed.

What is the income limit for low-income subsidy?

It is also known as the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS). If your monthly income is up to $1,976 in 2025 ($2,664 for couples) and your assets are below specified limits, you may be eligible for Extra Help (see the Extra Help income and asset limit chart for details).

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.

How can I get Medicare Part B for free?

Individuals already receiving Social Security or RRB benefits at least 4 months before being eligible for Medicare and residing in the United States (except residents of Puerto Rico) are automatically enrolled in both premium-free Part A and Part B. People who are automatically enrolled have the choice of whether they ...

How to get Medicare premiums deducted from Social Security?

premium deducted automatically from their Social Security benefit payment (or Railroad Retirement Board benefit payment). If you don't get benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board), you'll get a premium bill from Medicare. Get a sample of the Medicare bill.

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.

How do I get $800 back from Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part A and Part B know they can get up to $800 back

All the member has to do is provide proof that they pay Medicare Part B premiums. Each eligible active or retired member on a contract with Medicare Part A and Part B, including covered spouses, can get their own $800 reimbursement.

Who qualifies for Medicare Part B Premium Reimbursement?

How do I know if I am eligible for Part B reimbursement? You must be a retired member or qualified survivor who is receiving a pension and is eligible for a health subsidy, and enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B.

How much does Humana cost per month for seniors?

Premiums for Humana's plans start at $0 per month in addition to your Medicare Part B premium. In 2024, the standard part B premium amount is $174.70, but this number can go all the way up to $594 per month for high-earning seniors3.

Who qualifies for low income subsidy for their part of Medicare Part D costs?

People with incomes of up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible for LIS/Extra Help. Learn how the LIS/Extra Help program works, who can get this benefit, and how to enroll.

Who qualifies for extra help Medicare Part B?

To qualify for Extra Help, you must be receiving Medicare and have limited resources and income. You must also reside in 1 of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.

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 is eligible for part B premium reduction?

Who's eligible for the Medicare Part B premium reduction? To be eligible for the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit, you must: Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B) Pay your own Part B premium.

Is Medicare Part B based on income?

If we determine you're a higher-income beneficiary, you'll pay a larger percentage of the total cost of Part B based on the income you normally report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

How much money is taken out of Social Security for Medicare Part B?

Each year, the Medicare Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates are determined according to provisions of the Social Security Act. 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.

Is there a way not to pay for Medicare Part B?

You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). However, you may need to have a personal interview with us to review the risks of dropping coverage and for assistance with your request.

How much can you make on social security and still get extra help?

You should contact Social Security for other resource exclusions. What is the income limit? To be eligible for Extra Help, your annual income must be limited to $22,590 for a person or $30,660 for a married couple living together.

Who is eligible for the 2024 subsidy program?

In or after 2024, to be eligible for a full (100%) premium subsidy, the individual must have countable income less than 150% of the FPL for the applicable State and family size. Before 2024, the individual's countable income must be less than 135% of the FPL for the applicable State and family size.

Can you have money in the bank and get low income housing?

If assets are greater than $5,000, the income from those assets must be considered. Since eligibility for this program is based on having an income of less than 80 percent of median income in the area, eligibility would not be affected unless the investment income brought total income over that 80 percent threshold.