What You Pay Out of Pocket for Medicare Part B in 2024

The Medicare Part B deductible for 2024 is $240 per year

You pay this amount yourself before Medicare starts to cover your doctor visits, outpatient services, and other Part B benefits. Once you meet the deductible in a calendar year, Medicare covers its share of your costs — usually 80 percent — and you pay the remaining 20 percent as coinsurance.

The deductible resets on January 1 each year. If you reach it in March, you do not carry unused credit into the next year. The $240 figure applies to all beneficiaries equally; it does not vary by income, location, or health status.

This deductible applies only to Part B services. Part A (hospital insurance) has a separate deductible, and Part D (prescription drugs) has its own structure. If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your out-of-pocket costs may work differently.

Key Takeaways

You must pay $240 out of your own pocket in 2024 before Medicare Part B coverage begins.
The deductible resets every January 1, so any unused portion does not roll over to the next year.
After you meet the deductible, you typically pay 20 percent coinsurance on covered services while Medicare pays 80 percent.
Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans may reduce or eliminate your deductible, depending on the plan you choose.

What services require you to meet the Part B deductible

The $240 deductible applies to most outpatient services covered under Part B. This includes doctor office visits, diagnostic tests like X-rays and blood work, physical therapy, mental health counseling, and durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs or oxygen supplies.

Some services are exempt from the deductible. Preventive care — including annual wellness visits, cancer screenings, vaccinations, and cardiovascular screenings — does not count toward the deductible. You pay nothing for these services once you are enrolled in Part B, even before you meet the deductible.

Outpatient hospital services, such as emergency room visits or same-day surgery, also require the deductible. Ambulance services and certain other items follow the same rule. Your provider's office or the hospital billing department can tell you whether a specific service counts toward your deductible.

How the deductible works with your monthly premium

The Part B deductible is separate from your monthly premium. You pay the premium (currently $164.90 per month for most people in 2024) regardless of whether you use any services. The deductible is what you pay when you actually receive care.

Think of it this way: the premium is your membership fee, and the deductible is the threshold you cross before insurance kicks in. If you see a doctor and the visit costs $150, you pay the full $150 toward your deductible. If the visit costs $300, you pay $240 (your remaining deductible) and then Medicare and you split the remaining $60.

Your premium may be higher or lower than $164.90 depending on your income. If you earn above a certain threshold, you pay an additional amount called an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). This is separate from both the premium and the deductible.

When your deductible resets and what happens mid-year

The Part B deductible calendar runs from January 1 through December 31. On January 1, your deductible resets to $240, even if you did not use all of it the previous year. There is no carryover or credit for unused amounts.

If you enroll in Part B partway through the year, you still owe the full $240 deductible for that calendar year. For example, if you enroll in Part B in September, you must pay $240 before Medicare covers its share of your services for the remainder of 2024. The deductible does not prorate based on your enrollment date.

If you have a gap in coverage — such as dropping Part B and re-enrolling later — each enrollment period starts fresh with the full deductible. Keep track of what you have paid toward your deductible each year so you know when you have met it.

How Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans change your deductible

A Medigap plan (supplemental insurance) can pay your Part B deductible for you. Some Medigap plans cover the full $240; others cover part of it. Plan G, for example, covers the entire Part B deductible. Plan N covers most of it. Your Medigap policy documents will state exactly what it covers.

A Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) replaces Original Medicare entirely and sets its own deductible rules. Some Advantage plans have no deductible at all. Others have a deductible that is lower or higher than $240. Advantage plans also often cap your annual out-of-pocket spending, which Original Medicare does not do.

If you switch from Original Medicare to an Advantage plan mid-year, any deductible you have already paid toward Original Medicare does not transfer. You start fresh with your Advantage plan's deductible structure. This is one reason to review your coverage options during the annual enrollment period.

Tracking your deductible and keeping records

You are responsible for keeping track of what you have paid toward your Part B deductible. Medicare does not automatically notify you when you have met it. Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements show what you paid and how much of your deductible remains.

When you receive care, ask the provider or billing office whether the service counts toward your deductible. Some providers can tell you on the spot; others need to submit the claim to Medicare first. Keep copies of your bills and EOB statements so you can verify the amounts applied to your deductible.

You can also check your deductible status by logging into your Medicare account at Medicare.gov or calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Having a clear record prevents surprise bills and helps you plan your healthcare spending for the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Part B deductible change every year?

Yes. The deductible amount is adjusted annually for inflation. The 2024 deductible is $240. The 2025 amount will be announced in the fall of 2024. Check Medicare.gov or your annual notice from Medicare to find out the current year's deductible.

What happens if I do not meet my deductible by the end of the year?

Nothing happens to you. The unused deductible straightforward expires on December 31. You do not get a refund or credit. On January 1, a new $240 deductible begins. This is why some people choose Medigap plans that cover the deductible — it ensures they do not lose money if they use little care.

Can I use my Health Savings Account to pay the Part B deductible?

Yes, if you have an HSA, you can withdraw funds to pay your Part B deductible and other out-of-pocket Medicare costs. However, once you enroll in Medicare, you can no longer contribute new money to an HSA. You can only withdraw existing funds.

Does my Part A deductible count toward my Part B deductible?

No. Part A and Part B have separate deductibles. The Part A deductible (which applies to hospital stays) does not reduce what you owe for Part B services. You must meet each deductible independently.

If I have both Medicare and employer health insurance, which deductible applies?

Both may explore, depending on which insurance is primary. If Medicare is primary, you pay the Part B deductible first. Your employer plan may then cover some of what Medicare does not. Contact your employer's benefits office to understand how the two plans coordinate.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.