Medicare Part B premiums come out of your Social Security check automatically, or you can pay by mail or phone if you're not on Social Security yet

Most people pay their Medicare Part B premium through an automatic deduction from their monthly Social Security benefit. If you haven't started Social Security, you'll receive a bill in the mail and can pay by check, money order, or phone. The amount you pay depends on your income from two years ago — higher earners pay more through a system called Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA).

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and medical equipment. The standard premium changes each year; Medicare announces the new amount in the fall for the following year. If you're turning 65 and enrolling in Part B for the first time, you'll start paying when your coverage begins.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security automatically deducts your Part B premium from your monthly benefit check unless you ask to pay another way.
  • If you don't receive Social Security, Medicare sends you a bill by mail, and you can pay by check, money order, phone, or online at Medicare.gov.
  • Your premium amount depends on your income from two years prior; if your income was high, you'll pay a higher amount called IRMAA.
  • The standard premium increases each year, and Medicare notifies you of the new amount by October for coverage starting January.
  • If you miss a payment, Medicare will send you a notice and may suspend your coverage until the bill is paid.

Automatic deduction from Social Security

If you receive a Social Security benefit — retirement, disability, or survivor benefits — your Part B premium is deducted automatically before you get your check. This is the most common payment method and requires no action from you once it's set up. The deduction happens on the same day your Social Security payment arrives each month.

You can see the deduction listed on your Social Security statement, which you receive by mail or can view online through your My Social Security account at ssa.gov. The statement shows your gross benefit amount and then lists the Part B premium as a deduction. If you notice the amount has changed, it may be because your income triggered an IRMAA increase, or because the standard premium went up for the new year.

Paying by mail or phone if you don't get Social Security

If you're not yet receiving Social Security — for example, you're still working or you delayed claiming benefits — Medicare sends you a bill by mail each month. You can pay by check or money order and mail it to the address on the bill. Include your Medicare number on the check so the payment is credited to the right account.

You can also pay by phone by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and speaking with a representative. Have your Medicare card and a payment method ready. Some people prefer this route because they get confirmation of payment when ready rather than waiting for the check to arrive and clear.

Starting in 2024, you can also pay online through Medicare.gov if you have a My Medicare account. Log in, go to "Billing and Payments," and follow the prompts to pay by debit card or bank account. Online payment is when ready and gives you a confirmation number right away.

Understanding Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA)

If your income was above a certain threshold two years ago, you pay a higher Part B premium. This extra amount is called IRMAA. For 2024, single filers with income over $97,000 and married couples filing jointly with income over $194,000 trigger IRMAA. The higher your income, the higher your premium — there are five income brackets, and the top bracket pays roughly three times the standard premium.

Medicare uses your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your tax return from two years prior. So in 2024, they look at your 2022 tax return. This means if you had a high-income year two years ago but your income has since dropped — for example, you retired — you're still paying the higher amount until the next year's adjustment. You can request a review if your income has changed significantly due to a major life event like retirement, death of a spouse, or loss of income.

To request an IRMAA review, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. You'll need to provide documentation of the life event and your current income. Medicare will then recalculate your premium based on your current situation.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment doesn't arrive or is late, Medicare sends you a notice explaining what you owe and when payment is due. If you pay within a grace period — usually 30 days — your coverage continues without interruption. If you don't pay by the important date, Medicare may suspend your Part B coverage.

Once your coverage is suspended, you cannot use Part B benefits until the bill is paid in full. This means your doctor visits and outpatient services won't be covered. To reinstate coverage, contact Medicare or Social Security to pay the full amount owed, including any months you were without coverage. You may also face a late enrollment penalty if you don't pay and re-enroll later.

Changing how you pay

If you're currently paying through Social Security but want to pay by mail or phone instead, you can request a change. Call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask to switch to manual payment. Medicare will stop the automatic deduction and send you bills by mail instead. This takes about one billing cycle to process.

If you're paying by mail and want to switch to automatic deduction from Social Security, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. They can set up the automatic deduction for you. Switching methods usually takes effect the following month, so make sure you understand which method is active during the transition to avoid missing a payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can't afford my Part B premium?

If your income is very low, you may be able to get help through your state's Medicare Savings Program, which can pay your Part B premium for you. Contact your state Medicaid office or call 1-800-MEDICARE to learn if you may have access to based on your income and resources.

Does my Part B premium change if I move to a different state?

No. Your Part B premium is the same no matter where you live in the United States. However, your out-of-pocket costs for actual medical care may vary depending on which doctors and hospitals you use and what your supplemental or Medicare Advantage plan covers.

Can I pay my Part B premium in advance or all at once?

No. Medicare Part B premiums are billed and paid monthly only. You cannot pay multiple months in advance or pay a lump sum for the year. If you want to pay by mail, you'll receive a bill each month for that month's premium.

What if I enrolled in Part B late — will I owe back premiums?

Yes. If you delayed enrolling in Part B past your initial enrollment window, you owe premiums for each month you were without coverage, even if you didn't use any services. You'll also face a permanent late enrollment penalty added to your premium for as long as you have Part B.

How do I know if my payment went through?

If you pay by Social Security deduction, check your Social Security statement to confirm the deduction appeared. If you pay by mail, keep your cancelled check or receipt. If you pay by phone or online, ask for a confirmation number. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE to verify your account is current.