The 2025 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 billed directly if you don't receive Social Security. The annual deductible is $240, meaning you pay this amount out of pocket before Part B coverage begins to pay its share.

These figures explore to people with individual income below $103,000 per year (or $206,000 for married couples filing jointly). If your income is higher, you'll pay a surcharge called an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA. The surcharge can range from about $74 to $560 extra per month, depending on your income level and filing status.

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, lab work, and some preventive services. After you meet the deductible, you typically pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for most services, while Part B pays 80 percent.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Part B premium is $185 monthly in 2025, deducted from Social Security or billed separately.
  • You also pay a $240 annual deductible before Part B coverage starts paying its share.
  • If your income exceeds $103,000 (single) or $206,000 (married), you pay an additional monthly surcharge based on your tax return from two years prior.
  • After the deductible, you pay 20 percent of covered services while Part B pays 80 percent.
  • Part B premiums and deductibles change each year and are announced in the fall for the following year.

Income-Related Surcharges and How They Work

Medicare uses your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your tax return from two years ago to determine if you owe a surcharge. For 2025 coverage, Medicare looks at your 2023 tax return. If your income has dropped significantly since then—due to retirement, job loss, or a major life event—you can request that Medicare use your current year's income instead.

The income thresholds for 2025 are $103,000 for single filers and $206,000 for married couples filing jointly. For each income bracket above these amounts, the surcharge increases. Someone with income between $129,001 and $161,000 (single) pays roughly $74 extra per month, while someone above $500,000 (single) pays the maximum surcharge of about $560 per month.

If your life circumstances change—you retire, get divorced, or lose income—contact Social Security to report the change. You have until December 31 of the year after the income year to request a recalculation based on your current situation.

What Part B Actually Covers

Part B pays for doctor office visits, whether you see your primary care doctor or a specialist. It covers diagnostic tests like blood work and imaging, outpatient hospital services, and emergency room visits. Part B also covers some preventive care at no additional cost after the deductible, including annual wellness visits, cancer screenings, and vaccinations.

Part B does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. It does not cover prescription drugs (that's Part D), long-term care, or most therapy services unless they're medically necessary and ordered by a doctor. If you need these services, you'll need to purchase them separately or enroll in a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan that includes them.

How Your Out-of-Pocket Costs Add Up

Your total Part B costs depend on how much medical care you use. At minimum, you pay the monthly premium ($185) and the annual deductible ($240). If you see doctors regularly, you'll also pay 20 percent coinsurance on each visit and service after the deductible is met.

For example, if you have a doctor visit that costs $200 after the deductible is met, you pay $40 (20 percent) and Part B pays $160. If you have lab work that costs $100, you pay $20. These costs add up quickly if you have chronic conditions or need frequent care. Many seniors enroll in a Medigap policy to cover the 20 percent coinsurance, or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that has different cost structures, including copays instead of coinsurance.

When Part B Premiums Increase

Medicare announces the new Part B premium, deductible, and income thresholds each October for the following year. The increases are based on expected healthcare costs and inflation. You'll receive a notice in the mail explaining your new premium and any changes to your coverage.

If you're on Social Security, the increase is typically deducted automatically starting in January. If you pay Part B directly, you'll receive a bill. If you disagree with the amount or believe there's an error, you have 30 days from the date on your notice to request a review.

Enrollment and Late Penalties

If you don't enroll in Part B when you're first may be able to access at age 65, you may owe a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage. The penalty is 10 percent of the standard premium for each full year you delayed enrollment. If you delayed for three years, you'd pay 30 percent extra on top of the regular premium.

There are exceptions: if you were covered by an employer health plan while working, or if you're a federal employee, you may not owe a penalty. You have eight months after your employer coverage ends to enroll in Part B without penalty. If you're unsure whether a penalty applies to you, contact Social Security before enrolling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay Part B if I don't see a doctor?

Yes. Part B is mandatory for most people on Medicare, and you pay the premium whether you use it or not. The only exception is if you're still covered by an employer health plan and choose to delay Part B enrollment—but you must notify Social Security of this choice.

What happens if my income drops after I've already paid the surcharge?

Contact Social Security and request a recalculation based on your current income. You'll need to provide documentation of the change, such as a letter from your employer, divorce decree, or proof of retirement. If approved, your surcharge will be reduced retroactively.

Can I switch to a different plan if Part B costs are too high?

You can't drop Part B itself, but you can change how it's structured. You can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or enroll in a Medigap policy to cover the 20 percent coinsurance. Open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7 each year.

Is the Part B deductible the same as my Medigap deductible?

No. The Part B deductible ($240) is what you pay before Medicare Part B starts paying. If you have a Medigap policy, that policy has its own deductible, which is separate. Some Medigap plans cover the Part B deductible entirely, while others don't.

What if I can't afford the Part B premium?

If your income is very low, you may be able to get help through your state's Medicare Savings Program, which can pay your Part B premium and other out-of-pocket costs. Contact your state Medicaid office or call 1-800-MEDICARE to learn whether you may have access to based on your income and resources.