Is it possible to have Medicare Part B and not Part A?
Asked by: Miss Rosanna Hegmann | Last update: October 7, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (45 votes)
Can I have Medicare Part B without Part A?
If you're not eligible for Part A at no cost, you can buy Part B without having to buy Part A. You must be age 65 or older and 1 of the following: A U.S. citizen. A lawfully admitted noncitizen who has lived in the United States for at least 5 years.
Why would a person not have Medicare Part A?
Someone might not qualify for Medicare if they haven't worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, are under 65 without a qualifying disability, ESRD, or ALS, or are not a US citizen or permanent resident.
Is Medicare Part A mandatory?
Enrollment in Medicare Part A is mandatory for people who receive Social Security benefits. Enrollment in Part B is voluntary.
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.
Do you REALLY need Medicare Part B? | Medicare If You're Still Working
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.
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.
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 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.
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).
Who is exempt from paying Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A is free if you: Have at least 40 calendar quarters of work in any job where you paid Social Security taxes in the U.S. Are eligible for Railroad Retirement benefits. Or, have a spouse that qualifies for premium-free Part A.
Can a person decline Medicare Part A?
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.
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.
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 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).
How to decline Medicare Part B?
To find out more about how to terminate Medicare Part B or to schedule a personal interview, contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) or visit your nearest Social Security office.
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.
What do I do if I don't have Medicare Part B?
You must call Social Security at (1-800-772-1213) to sign up for Part B. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778. If you don't enroll in Part B when you're first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B.
Is it mandatory to have Medicare Part B?
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.
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.
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 the best person to talk to about Medicare?
- Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Help from Medicare is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays. ...
- Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – Get free personalized health insurance counseling.
Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?
Medicare vs Privatized Medicare Advantage
Beneficiaries are tossed aside because they live in an unprofitable market for their insurer or because they are actually using the insurance they signed up for to access services.
Why are doctors dropping Medicare Advantage?
Health systems have cited delayed reimbursements, cumbersome prior authorization requirements and high rates of patient claim denials for their decisions to drop Medicare Advantage plans.
Can I drop my medicare advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) you can: Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.