The 2025 Medicare Part B Premium and Deductible

The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2025 is $185 per month for most people. This is the amount deducted from your Social Security check each month, or the amount you pay directly to Medicare if you don't receive Social Security.

The Part B deductible for 2025 is $240. This is the amount you pay out of pocket before Medicare starts to pay its share of your doctor visits and outpatient services. Once you meet this deductible in a calendar year, Medicare covers 80 percent of most services, and you pay 20 percent.

These amounts change each year. The premium increased by $9 from 2024 to 2025. The deductible increased by $15. Both numbers are set by Medicare in the fall and take effect January 1.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Part B premium is $185 per month in 2025, but you may pay more or less depending on your income.
  • Your Part B deductible is $240 per year, and you must meet it before Medicare starts paying for doctor visits and outpatient care.
  • Higher-income beneficiaries pay surcharges called Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA), which can add $70 to $560 per month to the standard premium.
  • If you delay enrolling in Part B after you first become may be able to access, you may pay a permanent penalty of 10 percent more per year for each year you waited.

Who Pays the Standard Premium and Who Pays More

If your modified adjusted gross income is below $103,000 (single) or $206,000 (married filing jointly), you pay the standard $185 monthly premium. These income thresholds are based on your tax return from two years ago — so your 2025 premium is based on your 2023 income.

If your income is higher, you pay an additional amount called an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). This surcharge ranges from $70 to $560 per month depending on how much your income exceeds the threshold. The higher your income, the higher the surcharge. Medicare sends you a notice in the mail showing your income bracket and your total Part B premium for the year.

You can request that Medicare recalculate your IRMAA if your income dropped significantly in the current year — for example, because you retired, had a loss of income, or experienced a major life event. You must file a form called the Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount – Life-Changing Event (form SSA-44) with Social Security within 60 days of the event.

How Part B Premiums Are Deducted From Your Payment

If you receive Social Security, Medicare automatically deducts your Part B premium from your monthly benefit. You see the deduction on your Social Security statement each month. If you don't receive Social Security, you receive a bill from Medicare, usually quarterly, and you pay it directly.

If you have a Medigap policy (supplemental insurance) or a Medicare Advantage plan, you still pay your Part B premium to Medicare separately. Your supplemental or Advantage plan premium is a separate bill from your insurance company.

Late Enrollment Penalties for Part B

If you don't enroll in Part B when you first become may be able to access at age 65, you may owe a permanent penalty of 10 percent of the standard premium for each year you delayed. This penalty stays with you for life, even if you enroll later.

For example, if you delay enrollment for two years, you would pay an extra 20 percent on top of the standard premium forever. The only exceptions are if you had creditable coverage through an employer or spouse's employer, or if you were covered by a group health plan while still working.

If you think you may may have access to for an exception, bring your documentation — such as a letter from your former employer confirming your coverage dates — to your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213.

What Part B Covers and What You Pay Out of Pocket

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient hospital services, medical equipment, and preventive care. After you meet your $240 deductible, Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved amount, and you pay 20 percent. This 20 percent cost-sharing continues for the rest of the year with no out-of-pocket maximum under Original Medicare.

Some services, such as preventive care visits and screenings, are covered at 100 percent with no deductible. These include annual wellness visits, cancer screenings, and vaccines. Your doctor's office can tell you which services are preventive and covered in full.

If you see an out-of-network provider who does not accept Medicare assignment, you may pay more than 20 percent. This is why many people add a Medigap policy to limit their out-of-pocket costs, or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes an out-of-pocket maximum.

Part B Premium Changes Year to Year

Medicare announces the new Part B premium, deductible, and IRMAA brackets each October for the following year. The amounts are based on the cost of providing care and inflation. You receive a notice in the mail showing your 2025 premium by December 7, 2024.

If you disagree with the premium amount or believe your income has changed, you have the right to appeal. You must request an appeal within 60 days of receiving your notice. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lower my Part B premium if my income dropped this year?

Yes. If you had a major life event such as retirement, loss of income, or a death in your family, you can request that Medicare recalculate your IRMAA based on your current year income. You must file form SSA-44 with Social Security within 60 days of the event. Call 1-800-772-1213 to request the form.

What happens if I don't pay my Part B premium?

If your premium is deducted from Social Security, it is paid automatically. If you receive a bill and don't pay, Medicare will send you a notice and may suspend your Part B coverage. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE if you are having trouble paying.

Do I have to pay Part B if I'm still working and have employer insurance?

No. If you have creditable coverage through your employer or spouse's employer, you can delay Part B without penalty. When you retire and lose that coverage, you have eight months to enroll in Part B without owing a late penalty. Keep documentation from your employer showing your coverage dates.

Is the Part B deductible the same for everyone?

Yes. The $240 deductible applies to all beneficiaries in 2025. However, if you have a Medigap policy, your supplemental plan may cover the deductible, so you pay nothing out of pocket. Check your Medigap plan documents.

When does my Part B coverage start if I enroll now?

If you enroll during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 through March 31), your coverage begins July 1. If you enroll outside this period and don't may have access to for a Special Enrollment Period, you may face a late penalty. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to discuss your situation.