Is Medicare Part B the same as supplemental?
Asked by: Prof. Gaetano Russel PhD | Last update: September 19, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (56 votes)
Do I need Medicare Part B if I have a supplement?
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is extra insurance you can buy from a private company that helps pay your share of costs in Original Medicare. Generally, you need Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy.
What is the Medicare Part B also known as?
Medicare Part B, also known as medical insurance, covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services. Medicare Parts A and B combined is also known as “Original Medicare.” Medicare Part D, also known as prescription drug coverage, can be added to Original Medicare.
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.
Does my Medicare Supplement pay my part B deductible?
Since January 1, 2020, Medigap plans sold to people new to Medicare can no longer cover the Part B deductible.
Do I need a Medicare Supplement Plan?
What is the downside to Medicare Supplement plans?
There are a couple of cons to consider before choosing a Medigap plan: Premiums: Medigap premiums can be pricey. Coverage: Medicare Supplement plans don't cover everything, so you'd still have to pay out of pocket for things like dental care, vision care and long-term care.
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.
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 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.
Do all seniors pay for Medicare Part B?
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.
What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?
- Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
- Long-term care.
- Cosmetic surgery.
- Massage therapy.
- Routine physical exams.
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.
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.
Does Medicare Part B cover 100%?
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. There is no limit on Part B coinsurance costs, which could add up if you have a lot of doctor visits or need other services.
Why is it not a good idea to have supplemental insurance?
One of the most significant drawbacks of supplemental insurance policies is the coverage limits. For instance, with Mechanical Repair Coverage, you'll typically need to pay out of pocket until your deductible is met on your primary policy before supplemental insurance takes over to cover a costly vehicle repair.
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 difference between Medicare Part B and A supplement?
Medicare Supplement plans add on to Original Medicare (Part A and B). These policies help pay some of the unexpected out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't pay. You may also choose to add on a Part D Prescription Drug Plan.
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.
What is the new Medicare rule for 2025?
Medicare Part D cap of $2,000
Beginning January 1, 2025, people with Part D plans through traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage won't pay more than $2,000 over the calendar year in out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications.
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.
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.
Is Medicare Part B deducted from Social Security?
Alternative payment methods
Most people will have their Part B premiums directly deducted from their Social Security payment. A person can choose to pay for Medicare premiums through other means if they prefer.
Why do people say not to get a Medicare Advantage plan?
Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, limited provider networks, and limitations on extra benefits.
Is there a medicare supplement that covers everything?
With Medicare Supplement Plan F, you get the most complete coverage available. And because Plan F also covers costs in excess of Medicare-approved amounts, you may have no out-of-pocket costs for hospital and doctor's office care.
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).