Is it good to have Medicare Part B?
Asked by: Eleanore Doyle | Last update: September 21, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (11 votes)
What is the benefit of having Medicare Part B?
Part B covers things like:
Durable medical equipment (DME) Limited outpatient prescription drugs. Mental health & substance use disorders. Oxygen equipment & accessories.
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 should get Medicare Part B?
If you're 65 or older and covered under a group health plan, either from your own or your spouse's current employment, you may sign up for Medicare Part B during your SEP. This means that you may delay enrolling in Medicare Part B without having to wait for a GEP and paying the penalty for late enrollment.
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.
Here's How Much We Paid With Medicare | Medicare Supplement vs Advantage
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.
Do most doctors accept Medicare Advantage plans?
In 2022, the vast majority (98%) of physicians and practitioners billing Medicare were participating providers. Non-participating providers accept Medicare patients, but can choose whether to take assignment (i.e., Medicare's approved amount) on a claim-by-claim basis.
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.
Is Medicare Part B free at age 65?
Unlike Part A, Medicare Part B has a monthly premium, which can cost $185.00 to $628.90 depending on income. It has a late enrollment penalty for anybody who enrolls without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period.
Does Medicare Part B pay for doctor visits?
Medicare Part B pays for outpatient medical care, such as doctor visits, some home health services, some laboratory tests, some medications, and some medical equipment. (Hospital and skilled nursing facility stays are covered under Medicare Part A, as are some home health services.)
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.
What do I do if I don't want Medicare Part B?
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.
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).
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.
Do I need 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.
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.
Do I need Medicare Part B?
Part B helps cover medically necessary services like doctors' services, outpatient care, and other medical services that Part A doesn't cover. Part B also covers many preventive services. Part B coverage is your choice. However, you need to have Part B if you want to buy Part A.
What are the top 5 medicare supplement plans?
💬 From our Nerds: What are the top five Medicare supplement plans? "Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Can you lose Medicare Part B?
If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan, your coverage is typically contingent on being enrolled in Part A and Part B. If you lose Part A or Part B coverage because you didn't pay the premiums, you may be disenrolled from your other plan. You move outside your plan's coverage area.
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.
Why is Medicare Part B so expensive?
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.
Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?
Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.
What is the best medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?
Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.
How much does Medicare Part B pay for physician fees?
Medicare pays 80% of the approved charge. Either the patient or supplemental insurance pays the remaining 20% co-payment. No further payment is due to the physician. When a physician does not accept assignment, however, he or she may “balance bill” the patient above the Medicare approved charge.