Part B costs you a monthly premium, an annual deductible, and a percentage of most doctor visits

Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and some preventive services. You pay for it three ways: a monthly premium taken from your Social Security check (or billed directly), an annual deductible you meet before Part B starts paying, and coinsurance — usually 20 percent of the cost — after the deductible is met.

The exact amount you pay depends on your income. Higher earners pay a surcharge called Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which can roughly double your premium. Most people pay the standard premium, but you should know your income bracket to see if you fall into a higher tier.

Part B costs change every January. The 2025 standard monthly premium is $185.80, the annual deductible is $240, and you pay 20 percent coinsurance after that. These figures are higher than 2024, and they will likely rise again in 2026.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Part B premium for 2025 is $185.80 per month, but you may pay more if your income from two years ago was above certain thresholds.
  • You must meet a $240 annual deductible before Part B begins to pay its share of doctor and outpatient costs.
  • After you meet the deductible, you typically pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for most services.
  • Part B premiums and deductibles increase most years, so your costs in 2026 will likely be higher than in 2025.
  • If you delay enrolling in Part B after you turn 65, you may face a permanent penalty on your premium.

The standard Part B premium and how income affects it

For 2025, the standard monthly premium is $185.80 if you file taxes as a single person and your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from 2023 was $97,000 or less. If you are married filing jointly, the threshold is $194,000. These income limits are based on your tax return from two years prior, which is why your 2025 premium depends on your 2023 income.

If your income exceeds these thresholds, you pay the standard premium plus an IRMAA surcharge. The surcharge ranges from about $74 to $560 per month in 2025, depending on how far above the threshold your income falls. A single person earning $122,000 in 2023, for example, would pay roughly $260 per month instead of $186.

You can request that Medicare recalculate your IRMAA if your income dropped significantly in the current year — for instance, if you retired mid-year or lost a spouse. You must file a form called the Life-Changing Event notice with Social Security to ask for a redetermination.

The annual deductible and coinsurance you pay

Before Part B pays anything toward your care, you must pay a $240 annual deductible in 2025. This deductible resets on January 1 each year. Once you have paid $240 out of pocket for covered services, Part B begins to share the cost with you.

After you meet the deductible, you typically pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for doctor visits, lab work, imaging, and most outpatient procedures. If your doctor charges more than Medicare allows, you may owe the difference as well — unless your doctor has agreed to accept Medicare's approved amount as payment in full. Doctors who do this are called participating providers.

Some preventive services — like annual wellness visits, cancer screenings, and vaccinations — are covered at no cost after you meet the deductible. You can find the full list on Medicare.gov under "Preventive Services."

What Part B does not cover

Part B does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. It does not pay for long-term care, custodial care in a nursing home, or most prescription drugs (those are covered under Part D). It also does not cover routine foot care, most cosmetic procedures, or acupuncture in most cases.

If you need services Part B does not cover, you either pay the full cost yourself or rely on supplemental insurance (called Medigap) or a Medicare Advantage plan to fill the gap. Many people buy Medigap to reduce their out-of-pocket costs for deductibles and coinsurance.

How Part B premiums have changed and what to expect

Part B premiums and deductibles rise most years. In 2024, the standard premium was $174.70 and the deductible was $240. The 2025 premium of $185.80 represents a 6 percent increase. The deductible stayed the same, but that does not happen every year.

Premiums are adjusted based on the expected cost of Part B services and the number of people enrolled. If medical costs rise faster than expected, your premium will too. There is no way to predict the exact increase for 2026, but you should budget for your Part B costs to go up.

When you must enroll and what happens if you miss the important date

You become may be able to access for Medicare at age 65. If you are still working and covered by your employer's health plan, you can delay Part B enrollment without penalty. But if you are not covered by an employer plan, you should enroll in Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, which runs three months before the month you turn 65, through three months after.

If you miss this window and do not have a may have access to reason for the delay, Medicare charges you a permanent penalty: an extra 10 percent on your Part B premium for each year you could have been enrolled but were not. This penalty stays with you for life, even after you finally sign up. The only way to avoid it is to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period or to have had creditable coverage (like an employer plan) that delayed your need for Part B.

How to pay your Part B premium

Most people have their Part B premium deducted automatically from their Social Security check each month. If you do not receive Social Security yet, or if you want to pay a different way, Medicare will bill you directly. You can pay by mail, phone, or online through your Medicare account at Medicare.gov.

If you cannot afford your Part B premium, you may be able to get help through your state's Medicaid program or through a program called the Medicare Savings Program. These programs pay part or all of your Part B premium if your income is low enough. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn whether you meet the income limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reduce my Part B costs if I cannot afford the premium?

Yes. If your income is low, your state's Medicare Savings Program may pay your Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance. You must meet income limits that vary by state. Contact your state Medicaid office or call 1-800-MEDICARE to learn about you may have access to.

Why is my Part B premium higher than my neighbor's?

Your premium is higher if your income from two years ago was above the standard threshold. This surcharge (IRMAA) is based on your tax return, not your current income. If your income has dropped since then, you can ask Medicare to recalculate your premium by filing a Life-Changing Event notice.

Does Part B cover my doctor's office visit?

Yes, after you meet the $240 annual deductible. You then pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount. If your doctor is a participating provider, they accept Medicare's approved amount as full payment. If not, you may owe the difference.

What happens to my Part B costs if I also have a Medigap plan?

You still pay the Part B premium yourself. Medigap covers some or all of the deductible and coinsurance you would otherwise owe, depending on which Medigap plan you choose. Medigap has its own separate premium, which varies by plan and insurance company.

Will my Part B premium go up every year?

Most years, yes. Premiums are adjusted based on expected Part B costs. The increase varies — sometimes it is small, sometimes larger. There is no cap on how much your premium can rise year to year, though Congress can limit increases in some cases.