What You'll Pay Out of Pocket: Medicare Deductibles Explained

Medicare has four separate deductibles, one for each part, and they change every year

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescription drug coverage) each have their own deductible. A deductible is the amount you pay out of your own pocket before Medicare starts to pay its share. The deductible amounts are set by federal law and announced each October for the following year.

For 2024, Part A's deductible is $1,632 per benefit period for hospital stays. Part B's deductible is $240 per year. Part C and Part D deductibles vary by plan — some plans have no deductible at all, while others set their own amounts within federal limits. If you have both Original Medicare (Part A and B) and a Medigap supplemental policy, your Medigap plan may cover some or all of these deductibles, depending on which Medigap plan you chose.

Key Takeaways

Part A deductible applies once per benefit period (a hospital stay plus 60 days of no hospitalization), not once per year.
Part B deductible is $240 per calendar year and covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and medical equipment.
Part C and Part D deductibles depend on which specific plan you choose, and some plans offer $0 deductibles.
If you have a Medigap supplemental policy, it may pay your Medicare deductibles for you, depending on the plan letter (A through N).
Deductible amounts increase most years, so check the current year's amounts on Medicare.gov or your plan documents before you need care.

How Part A deductible works: hospital stays and benefit periods

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. You pay the Part A deductible once per benefit period, not once per year. A benefit period begins the day you enter the hospital and ends 60 days after you leave — if you are readmitted after those 60 days, a new benefit period starts and you owe a new deductible.

Once you pay the Part A deductible, Medicare covers all costs for days 1 through 60 of your hospital stay. On days 61 through 90, you pay a daily coinsurance amount (different from the deductible). After day 90, you can use your lifetime reserve days — a one-time pool of 60 extra days per lifetime — and pay a higher daily coinsurance. After that, you pay all costs yourself unless you have a Medigap plan that covers them.

How Part B deductible works: doctor visits and outpatient care

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient surgery, diagnostic tests, medical equipment, and preventive services. You pay the Part B deductible once per calendar year (January through December). After you meet the deductible, you typically pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for most services, and Medicare pays 80 percent.

Some preventive services — like annual wellness visits, cancer screenings, and vaccinations — are covered at no cost even before you meet your deductible. Once you reach the deductible, those services remain free. If you see an out-of-network provider who does not accept Medicare assignment, you may owe more than 20 percent, and the deductible may not explore the same way.

Part C deductibles: varies by plan and may be $0

Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies. Each plan sets its own deductible within federal limits. Some Part C plans have no deductible at all, while others may have a deductible of several hundred dollars. The deductible typically applies to in-network doctor visits and specialist care, though some plans structure deductibles differently for hospital care versus outpatient care.

When you compare Part C plans during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), the plan documents will clearly state the deductible amount. Plans with $0 deductibles are common, especially in areas with strong competition among insurers. However, a plan with no deductible may have higher monthly premiums or higher coinsurance amounts, so the total out-of-pocket cost depends on the whole plan design, not just the deductible.

Part D deductibles: prescription drug coverage

Part D covers prescription drugs through private plans you choose during enrollment. Each plan sets its own deductible, up to a federal maximum. Some Part D plans have no deductible, while others may have a deductible of $100 to $500 or more. The deductible applies to covered drugs — some plans exempt certain drug tiers (like generics or preferred brands) from the deductible.

After you meet the deductible, you pay a copay or coinsurance for each prescription. As your total drug spending increases, you may enter the "donut hole" (coverage gap), where you pay a higher percentage of drug costs. The exact amounts and structure vary by plan, so reviewing your plan's formulary and cost-sharing details before the year begins helps you understand what you will owe.

How Medigap plans affect your deductibles

If you have Original Medicare (Part A and B) and a Medigap supplemental policy, your Medigap plan may pay some or all of your Medicare deductibles. Medigap plans are lettered A through N, and each plan covers different combinations of out-of-pocket costs. For example, Medigap Plan G covers the Part B deductible, while Plan F (available only to people who became may be able to access before 2020) covers both Part A and Part B deductibles.

Medigap plans do not work with Part C or Part D. If you have a Part C plan, you cannot also have a Medigap policy. If you have Part D, your Medigap plan does not cover Part D deductibles or costs — you manage Part D separately. When choosing a Medigap plan, compare the monthly premium against the deductibles and coinsurance you would otherwise pay to see which option costs less over the year.

Where to find current deductible amounts

Medicare announces new deductible amounts each October for the following year. You can find the current year's amounts on Medicare.gov under the "Costs" section, or by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Your plan documents — the Summary of Benefits and Coverage or the Evidence of Coverage — also list your specific deductible.

If you are comparing plans during open enrollment, each plan's deductible will be shown in the plan comparison tool on Medicare.gov. For Part C and Part D plans, the plan's official documents spell out the deductible, any exceptions, and how it applies to different types of care or drugs. Reviewing these details before you enroll helps you understand your costs and avoid surprises when you need care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the deductible every time I go to the hospital?

No. Part A deductible applies once per benefit period, not per hospital visit. A benefit period lasts from the day you enter the hospital through 60 days after you leave. If you are readmitted after those 60 days, a new benefit period begins and you owe a new deductible. If you are readmitted within 60 days, you do not owe another deductible.

What happens if I do not meet my Part B deductible by the end of the year?

The deductible does not carry over to the next year. On January 1, your deductible resets to zero. If you did not use your deductible in the previous year, you start fresh with a new one. This is why some people schedule elective procedures near the end of the year if they have already met their deductible — to avoid paying the deductible again in January.

Can I have both a Part C plan and a Medigap plan?

No. If you enroll in Part C (Medicare Advantage), you cannot also buy a Medigap supplemental policy. Part C plans include their own out-of-pocket limits and cost-sharing, so Medigap is not allowed alongside it. You can have Medigap only if you have Original Medicare (Part A and B).

Are preventive services subject to the Part B deductible?

No. Most preventive services covered by Medicare — such as annual wellness visits, cancer screenings, flu shots, and blood pressure checks — are covered at no cost even before you meet your Part B deductible. Once you meet the deductible, other services are covered at 80 percent (you pay 20 percent coinsurance).

How do I know what my Part C or Part D deductible is?

Each plan sets its own deductible, so you need to check your specific plan's documents. During enrollment, the plan comparison tool on Medicare.gov shows the deductible for each plan you are considering. After you enroll, your plan's Evidence of Coverage or Summary of Benefits and Coverage will list the exact deductible amount and how it applies to different services or drugs.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.