Why do I have to pay Medicare Part B premiums?

Asked by: Dante Towne  |  Last update: October 4, 2025
Score: 5/5 (36 votes)

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. Cost: If you have Part B, you pay a Part B premium each month.

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 am I having to pay for Medicare Part B?

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%.

Is Medicare Part B Premium mandatory?

In most cases, if someone does not enroll in Part B when first eligible, they will have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as they have Part B. Part B is a voluntary program that requires the payment of a monthly premium for all parts of coverage.

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 To Pay Your Medicare Part B Premium

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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.

Can I decline Medicare Part B coverage?

2 ways to drop coverage

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.

Is Medicare Part B free at age 65?

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free for almost everyone. 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.

Does a person really need 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.

Why is my Medicare Part B bill so high?

You Are a High Earner

The Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is an additional fee you may have to pay on Medicare Part B and Part D if you earn above a certain income level.

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 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.

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).

How do I fight Medicare Part B premium?

First, you must request a reconsideration of the initial determination from the Social Security Administration. You can request a reconsideration by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or by writing to SSA. There are 7 qualifying life-changing events: Death of spouse.

Why do I have to pay more for Medicare Part B?

You will have to pay this increased amount if any one of the following applies to you: You are new to Medicare. You don't get Social Security benefits. You pay higher premiums due to having a higher income.

Do retirees pay for Medicare Part B?

You must continue to pay your Part B premium while in a Medicare Advantage Plan. (Part D) and other benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you do not need a Medigap policy. Period” that begins the month that you no longer have employer-sponsored health coverage.

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.

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 happens if I don't pay Medicare Part B?

If you stop Part B, you may have to re-enroll and may have to pay a penalty when you do. If you stop your Medicare Part B and you have a Medi-Cal SOC, you cannot get Medi-Cal covered services until you pay or promise to pay your monthly SOC.

How do I get rid of Medicare Part B?

Individuals with Part B have the option to cancel (drop) the plan at any time. There are two ways a person can cancel their Part B plan: contact the Social Security Association (SSA) by calling 800-772-1213 or visiting the local SSA office.

Is Part B Medicare ever free?

Medicare Part A (pays for hospital stays) is usually free, but almost everyone has to pay $185 per month for Medicare Part B (pays for medical care). If you have a Part D, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan, you'll have an extra monthly cost on top of paying for Part B.

At what age do you stop paying Medicare premiums?

You are eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A if you are age 65 or older and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Is Medicare Part B based on your income?

If your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount, you'll pay the standard Part B premium and an income-related monthly adjustment amount.