The 2025 Medicare Part B Premium and Deductible

The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2025 is $185 per month for most people who are newly enrolled. If you enrolled in Part B before 2024, your premium may be different — it depends on when you first signed up and whether you paid a higher amount in a previous year due to income-related adjustments.

The Part B deductible for 2025 is $240. This is the amount you pay out of your own pocket before Medicare starts to cover your doctor visits and outpatient services. After you meet the deductible, you typically pay 20 percent of the cost for most services that Medicare covers.

These amounts change each year. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announces the new premiums and deductibles in the fall, usually in October or November, so they take effect the following January.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Part B premium is $185 per month in 2025, but your actual premium may differ based on your income and when you enrolled.
  • The Part B deductible is $240 per year, after which Medicare covers 80 percent of most outpatient services.
  • Income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAA) can raise your premium significantly if your income exceeds certain thresholds.
  • You pay Part B premiums every month for as long as you have Medicare Part B coverage.
  • Social Security automatically deducts your Part B premium from your benefit check unless you chose a different payment method.

How Income Affects Your Part B Premium

If your income is above a certain level, you will pay more than the standard premium. Medicare uses your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years prior to calculate this adjustment, called an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA).

For 2025, if you are single and your MAGI is above $97,000, or married filing jointly and your MAGI is above $194,000, you will pay a higher premium. The exact amount depends on how much your income exceeds these thresholds. The higher your income, the more you pay — up to a maximum that CMS sets each year.

If your income changes significantly — for example, because you retired, sold a home, or had a major life event — you can request that Medicare recalculate your IRMAA. You will need to file a form with Social Security and provide documentation of the change.

When and How You Pay Your Part B Premium

Most people who receive Social Security have their Part B premium taken directly from their monthly benefit check. If you do not receive Social Security, or if you chose a different payment method, Medicare sends you a bill each month.

You can change how you pay your premium by contacting Social Security or Medicare. If you want to pay by mail, phone, or online through the Medicare website, you can set that up instead of having it deducted from your benefits.

Your premium is due on the first day of each month. If you pay by mail and your payment arrives late, you may owe a late fee.

What Part B Covers and What You Pay

Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient hospital services, medical equipment, and preventive care. Once you meet your $240 deductible, you typically pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for these services. Medicare pays the other 80 percent.

Some preventive services — such as annual wellness visits, cancer screenings, and vaccinations — are covered at no cost to you, even before you meet your deductible. Your doctor's office can tell you which services are preventive and which require you to pay your share.

If your doctor does not accept Medicare assignment (meaning they do not agree to accept Medicare's approved amount as full payment), you may owe more than 20 percent. Always ask your doctor whether they accept Medicare assignment before your visit.

Part B Premium Increases Year to Year

The Part B premium does not stay the same every year. CMS adjusts it based on the cost of medical services and other factors. In recent years, premiums have increased, though the amount of increase varies.

If you are already on Medicare, you will receive a notice in the mail showing your new premium amount for the coming year. This notice, called the "Medicare Advantage and Part B Premium Notices," arrives in October or November. Read it carefully to see whether your premium is changing and why.

If you think there is an error in your premium calculation, you can contact Medicare to ask for a review.

Enrollment and Late Penalties

If you did not enroll in Part B when you first became may be able to access at age 65, and you do not have other health coverage, you may owe a late enrollment penalty. This penalty increases your Part B premium permanently — by 10 percent for each full year you delayed enrollment.

There are exceptions: if you were still working and covered by your employer's health plan, or if you were covered by your spouse's employer plan, you may not owe a penalty. You will need to show proof of that coverage when you enroll.

If you think you should not owe a penalty, contact Social Security or Medicare to explain your situation. They can review your enrollment history and determine whether a penalty applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Part B premium different from the standard amount?

Your premium is likely higher because of your income. Medicare uses your MAGI from two years ago to calculate income-related adjustments. If your income was above the threshold, you pay more than the standard premium. You can request a recalculation if your income has dropped significantly since then.

Can I drop Part B if the premium is too high?

You can drop Part B, but you may owe a late enrollment penalty if you enroll again later. Before you drop it, talk to your doctor and your current insurance provider to understand what coverage you will lose. If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, dropping Part B may affect that coverage too.

Does Part B cover prescription drugs?

No. Part B does not cover prescription drugs. You need to enroll in Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) separately, or join a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. Part D has its own premium and deductible.

What happens if I do not pay my Part B premium?

If you do not pay your premium, Medicare will send you notices asking for payment. If you do not pay within a certain time, your Part B coverage can be terminated. You can request reinstatement, but there may be a gap in your coverage. If you are having trouble paying, contact Medicare to discuss your options.

How do I know if my income will trigger IRMAA next year?

Medicare uses your tax return from two years prior. If your income was high in that year, you will likely pay an adjustment in the current year. You can estimate whether you will owe an adjustment by looking at your previous tax return and comparing it to the income thresholds CMS publishes each fall.