What Medicare Part B costs in 2025

The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2025 is $185 per month, up from $174.70 in 2024. That is an increase of about $10 per month. The Part B deductible is $240 for the year, up from $231 in 2024.

These are the amounts most people pay. Your actual premium may be higher if you have a higher income — Medicare charges extra premiums to higher earners through something called Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA). Your actual deductible does not change based on income, but your premium can increase significantly.

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and certain medical equipment and services. The premium is usually taken directly from your Social Security check if you receive one. If you do not receive Social Security, Medicare bills you directly.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Part B premium rises to $185 per month in 2025, an increase of about $10 from 2024.
  • The Part B deductible for 2025 is $240 per year, up $9 from the previous year.
  • If your income is above certain thresholds, you will pay a higher premium through IRMAA surcharges that can add $70 to $350+ per month.
  • Your premium amount depends on when you enrolled in Part B and whether you delayed enrollment, which can trigger a permanent penalty.
  • You can see your exact 2025 premium by logging into your Medicare account or calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

How income affects your Part B premium

If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years ago exceeds certain thresholds, you pay more than the standard premium. For 2025, the income thresholds are $103,000 for single filers and $206,000 for married couples filing jointly. These thresholds are the same as 2024.

The surcharge amounts vary. Someone with income between $103,000 and $129,000 (single) pays roughly $74 extra per month on top of the standard premium. The surcharge increases in steps as income rises. At the highest income levels, the surcharge can exceed $350 per month. Both Medicare Part B and Part D (prescription drug coverage) use IRMAA, so your total surcharge can be substantial.

IRMAA is based on your tax return from two years prior. If your income dropped significantly — through retirement, job loss, or death of a spouse — you can request a recalculation. You must file a Life-Changing Event form (SSA-44) with Social Security within 60 days of the event.

Late enrollment penalties and how they work

If you did not enroll in Part B when you first became may be able to access at age 65, you may owe a permanent penalty. The penalty is 10 percent of the standard premium for each full 12-month period you were not enrolled and not covered by employer insurance. That penalty stays with you for life, even if you later enroll.

For example, if you delayed enrollment for three years and the standard premium is $185, your penalty would be roughly $55.50 per month added to your premium forever. The penalty recalculates each year as the standard premium changes, so it grows over time.

There are exceptions. If you were covered by employer insurance or your spouse's employer insurance when you turned 65, you do not owe a penalty for delaying Part B. You have eight months after that coverage ends to enroll without penalty. If you miss that window, the penalty applies.

When your premium takes effect and how to pay

The 2025 premium amounts take effect January 1, 2025. If you receive Social Security, the premium is deducted from your January payment. If you do not receive Social Security, Medicare sends you a bill, usually in December 2024, showing your 2025 premium.

You can pay by mail, phone, or online through your Medicare account at Medicare.gov. If you have trouble paying, you can contact Medicare to discuss payment options or hardship situations. Some people may have access to for the Medicare Savings Program, which is run by your state and can pay your Part B premium for you if your income and resources fall below certain limits.

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) instead of Original Medicare, you still pay the Part B premium separately. Your Advantage plan premium is separate and varies by plan and location.

How the premium increase compares to previous years

The $10.30 increase from 2024 to 2025 is smaller than some recent years. In 2022, the premium jumped $21.60 due to higher drug costs and inflation. In 2023, it rose $9.50. The year-to-year change depends on projected Medicare spending, inflation in healthcare costs, and changes in the trust fund balance.

The deductible increase of $9 is also modest compared to some years. Both the premium and deductible are set by Congress and adjusted annually based on a formula tied to healthcare cost growth.

What to do if your premium seems wrong

Log into your Medicare account at Medicare.gov and check your 2025 premium under "Billing and Payments." Your account shows your standard premium, any IRMAA surcharge, and your deductible. If the amount does not match what you expected, note the difference.

If you think your income was reported incorrectly to Social Security or Medicare, request a recalculation. You have 60 days from the date on your notice to file an appeal or request a Life-Changing Event review. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for IRMAA appeals, or call 1-800-MEDICARE to discuss your bill.

Keep in mind that your 2025 premium is based on your 2023 tax return. If your 2023 income was unusually high but your 2024 or 2025 income is lower, you may still pay the higher surcharge for 2025. You can request a recalculation if a may have access to life event occurred between your 2023 return and now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Part B premium go up every year?

Yes, the standard premium and deductible typically increase each year. The amount varies depending on projected Medicare spending and healthcare inflation. Congress sets the formula for these increases, so the year-to-year change is not predictable, but increases are common.

Can I drop Part B to avoid the premium increase?

You can drop Part B, but if you enroll again later, you will owe a permanent late enrollment penalty unless you have may have access to employer coverage. For most people, the penalty over time costs more than staying enrolled, so dropping Part B is rarely the right choice.

Does my Part B premium cover everything?

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient hospital care, medical equipment, and some preventive services. It does not cover hospital stays (that is Part A), prescription drugs (Part D), or dental, vision, or hearing care. Many people add a Medigap or Advantage plan to cover gaps.

What is the difference between IRMAA and the standard premium?

The standard premium is what most people pay. IRMAA is an extra charge added on top if your income is above the threshold. Both are deducted together from your Social Security or billed together by Medicare.

How do I know if I may have access to for the Medicare Savings Program?

The Medicare Savings Program is run by your state and pays your Part B premium if your income is low enough. Income limits vary by state. Contact your state Medicaid office or call 1-800-MEDICARE to learn about you may be may be able to access and how to request information.