Why am I having to pay for Medicare Part B?

Asked by: Jennings Fisher  |  Last update: October 18, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (72 votes)

Part B helps pay for your doctors' services and outpatient care. It also covers other medical services, such as physical and occupational therapy, and some home health care. For most beneficiaries, the government pays a substantial portion — about 75% — of the Part B premium, and the beneficiary pays the remaining 25%.

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.

Is Medicare Part B free for seniors?

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.

Why am I being charged for Medicare Part B?

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.

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.

How Do You Pay the Medicare Part B Deductible?

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How to decline Medicare Part B coverage?

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.

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.

Why is the state paying my Medicare Part B?

All 50 states and DC have elected to enter into buy-in agreements to pay the Part B premiums for certain Medicaid beneficiaries who are Medicare-eligible. All states have selected one of two groups of Medicaid beneficiaries in their agreements (known as Part B buy-in coverage groups).

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 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).

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.

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.

How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?

To be eligible for the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit, you must:
  1. Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
  2. Pay your own Part B premium.
  3. Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

Is Medicare Part B free if you're over 65?

You have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B (medical insurance). If you already have other health insurance when you become eligible for Medicare, you may wonder if it's worth the monthly premium costs to sign up for Part B. The answer varies with each person and the kind of other health insurance you have.

Why is my Medicare Part B premium so high?

This is based on your "modified adjusted gross income" (MAGI). Your MAGI is your total adjusted gross income and tax-exempt interest income. If you file your taxes as "married, filing jointly" and your MAGI is greater than $212,000, you'll pay higher premiums for your Part B and Medicare prescription drug coverage.

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.

Do I have to pay for Medicare Part B if I am still working?

You may be required to get Medicare Part B even when you're still working. There are two situations in which you must get Part B when you turn 65. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees. If you're covered by a spouse's employer, and the employer requires covered dependents to enroll in Medicare when they turn 65.

Does Medicare cover dental?

In most cases, Medicare doesn't cover dental services like routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or items like dentures.

Why was i automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B?

If you are approaching age 65 and you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits through early retirement, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance) when you turn 65.

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.

Why would I get a bill for Medicare Part B?

If you don't qualify for Medicaid and enroll in Medicare Part B, you may receive a bill for your Medicare Part B premium. For many people, the premium is automatically deducted from their monthly Social Security benefits as described below.

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.

How to get Medicare Part B without penalty?

If you've been covered by an active employer group health plan (either yours or your spouse's) since turning 65, and it ended within the last 8 months, you can enroll in Part B without any penalty. This is considered a “Special Enrollment Period.”

What is the alternative to Medicare Part B?

Part C (Medicare Advantage)

Part C is known as Medicare Advantage. It's an alternative to Parts A and B that bundles several coverage types, including Parts A, B, and usually D. It may also include: Vision.