The 2025 Medicare Part B Premium
The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2025 is $185 per month for most people who enroll. This is the amount you pay to Medicare each month to cover doctor visits, outpatient care, and other medical services that Part A does not cover.
However, your actual premium may be higher than $185 if your income was above a certain level two years ago. Medicare uses your tax return from 2023 to decide whether you pay the standard amount or a higher amount. This is called Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), and it can add $70 to $560 per month to your Part B bill, depending on your income.
Most people pay their Part B premium through an automatic deduction from their Social Security check. If you do not receive Social Security, Medicare will send you a bill each month.
Key Takeaways
- The standard Part B premium is $185 per month in 2025, but you may pay more if your 2023 income exceeded certain thresholds.
- Income-related surcharges (IRMAA) can range from $70 to $560 extra per month depending on your filing status and income level.
- Medicare determines your premium amount using your tax return from two years prior, so 2025 premiums are based on 2023 income.
- You can request a review if your income dropped significantly in 2024 due to retirement, job loss, or divorce, and Medicare may lower your premium.
Income Thresholds That Trigger Higher Premiums
If your income in 2023 was above a certain amount, you will pay more than the standard $185 monthly premium. The thresholds depend on whether you file taxes as single, married filing jointly, or married filing separately.
For someone filing as single, the income thresholds in 2025 start at $103,000. For married couples filing jointly, they start at $206,000. If you file as married filing separately, the threshold is much lower at $103,000, and the surcharge is typically the highest tier.
The surcharge increases in steps as your income rises. At the lowest income tier above the threshold, you pay an extra $70 per month. At the highest tier, you pay an extra $560 per month on top of the standard $185 premium, bringing your total to $745 per month.
How to Find Your Exact Premium Amount
Your Medicare Summary Notice or your Social Security statement will show your Part B premium for 2025. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask what you will pay, or log into your Medicare account at Medicare.gov to see your premium details.
If you receive Social Security, the amount will be deducted automatically. If you do not receive Social Security, Medicare will mail you a bill each month showing what you owe. The bill will arrive by the first of the month, and payment is due by the last day of that month.
Your premium may change from month to month if your income-related surcharge changes. This happens when Medicare processes a new tax return or when you report a life event that lowered your income.
When Your Premium Might Be Lower Than Standard
If your income dropped significantly in 2024 compared to 2023, you may be able to request that Medicare lower your premium. This is called a Life-Changing Event request, and Medicare will review your situation if you report it.
Events that may may have access to include retirement, job loss, death of a spouse, divorce, or a significant drop in business or investment income. You must report the event within 60 days of when it happened. Medicare will ask for proof, such as a letter from your employer, a divorce decree, or a death certificate.
If Medicare approves your request, they will recalculate your premium based on your 2024 income instead of your 2023 income. This can lower your monthly bill right away. You can submit a Life-Changing Event request by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or by mailing a form to your local Social Security office.
Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Costs Beyond the Premium
The Part B premium is only one cost. You also pay a deductible each year before Medicare starts to pay its share. For 2025, the Part B deductible is $240 per year. Once you meet this deductible, you typically pay 20% of the cost for most doctor visits and outpatient services, and Medicare pays 80%.
Some services, such as preventive care visits and screenings, have no deductible and no copay. Others, such as mental health visits, may have different cost-sharing rules. If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your out-of-pocket costs may be lower because those plans help cover what Part B does not.
What Part B Covers and Why You Pay for It
Your Part B premium pays for coverage of doctor office visits, hospital outpatient services, medical equipment and supplies, and certain preventive services. It also covers ambulance services, mental health care, and rehabilitation therapy when ordered by a doctor.
Part B does not cover dental care, vision exams, hearing aids, or long-term care. If you need those services, you would pay out of pocket or purchase a separate plan. Many people add a Medigap plan or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan to cover costs that Part B leaves behind.
How to Pay Your Part B Premium
If you receive Social Security, Medicare automatically deducts your Part B premium from your monthly check. The deduction happens before you receive your payment, so you see the reduced amount in your bank account.
If you do not receive Social Security, Medicare sends you a bill each month. You can pay by mail, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or online through your Medicare account. If you miss a payment, Medicare will send you a reminder, and you may owe a late penalty if you do not pay within 30 days.
You can also set up automatic payments from your bank account so you do not have to remember to pay each month. To do this, call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask about automatic bank draft enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Part B premium go up every year?
The standard premium amount usually increases each year, though the amount of the increase varies. Your personal premium may also change if your income changes or if you report a life-changing event. Medicare announces the new standard premium in the fall of each year.
What happens if I delay enrolling in Part B?
If you delay Part B enrollment without a valid reason, you may owe a permanent penalty on top of your premium for as long as you have Medicare. The penalty is 10% of the standard premium for each year you were may be able to access but did not enroll. It is usually better to enroll when you first become may be able to access at age 65.
Can I appeal my income-related surcharge?
Yes. If you believe Medicare used incorrect income information, or if your income dropped due to a life-changing event, you can request a review. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or call 1-800-MEDICARE to start the appeal process. You will need to provide proof of your current income.
Do I pay Part B premium if I have Medicare Advantage?
Yes. Even if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you still pay the Part B premium to Medicare. The Advantage plan premium is separate and is charged by the insurance company offering the plan. Some Advantage plans have no additional premium beyond Part B.
What if I cannot afford my Part B premium?
If your income is low, you may may have access to for Medicaid or Medicare Savings Programs that help pay your Part B premium. These programs are run by your state, not by Medicare. Contact your state Medicaid office or call 1-800-MEDICARE to learn whether you may be may be able to access.