2025 Medicare Premium Amounts
Medicare premiums for 2025 have been set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The amounts vary depending on which part of Medicare you use and your income level.
Part B (doctor visits and outpatient care) costs $174.70 per month for most people in 2025. Part D (prescription drugs) premiums vary by plan and range widely — some plans cost under $10 monthly, others cost $100 or more. Part A (hospital care) is free for most people who paid Medicare taxes while working. Part A costs $505 per month in 2025 if you did not pay those taxes and do not meet other requirements.
If your income is higher, you will pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) on top of the standard premium. This surcharge applies to Part B, Part D, and Part A if you are paying for it. The income thresholds and surcharge amounts change each year.
Key Takeaways
- Part B premiums are $174.70 monthly in 2025 for most beneficiaries, and Part A is free for those who paid Medicare taxes during their working years.
- Part D prescription drug premiums vary by plan and region, so comparing your options during open enrollment can lower your out-of-pocket costs.
- If your income exceeds certain thresholds, you will pay an additional surcharge (IRMAA) on top of your standard premiums.
- Your 2025 premiums are based on your 2023 tax return income, so major life changes in 2024 may not affect what you pay until 2026.
- You can change your Part D plan or switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan during the annual open enrollment period, which runs October 15 to December 7 each year.
How Much Premiums Increased From 2024 to 2025
Part B premiums rose from $164.90 in 2024 to $174.70 in 2025 — an increase of $9.80 per month, or about 6 percent. This is the amount most people on Original Medicare will see added to their Social Security check or paid directly to Medicare.
Part D premiums do not have a single national amount. Instead, each insurance company sets its own premium for each drug plan. Some plans increased their premiums, others decreased them, and some stayed the same. The average Part D premium across all plans rose, but your specific plan's change depends on which one you are in.
Part A premiums for those who pay them increased from $471 in 2024 to $505 in 2025. This affects people who did not work long enough to earn free Part A coverage.
Income-Related Surcharges (IRMAA) in 2025
If your income is above a certain level, Medicare adds a surcharge to your Part B and Part D premiums. These surcharges are called Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts. The income thresholds for 2025 are based on your 2023 tax return.
For single filers, the surcharge begins if your modified adjusted gross income exceeds $97,000. For married couples filing jointly, it begins at $194,000. The surcharge increases in steps as your income rises, with the highest earners paying up to three times the standard Part B premium.
If your income changed significantly in 2024 — you retired, had a large capital gain, or experienced a major life event — you may be able to request that Medicare recalculate your IRMAA using your 2024 income instead. You must request this through Social Security or Medicare within 60 days of receiving your premium notice.
What Affects Your Premium Amount
Your Part B premium depends on whether you signed up when you first became may be able to access. If you delayed enrollment and did not have other creditable coverage, you will pay a permanent 10 percent penalty on top of the standard premium for each year you were late. This penalty stays with you for life.
Your Part D premium depends on the specific plan you choose. Plans with lower premiums often have higher deductibles or copays, while plans with higher premiums may cover more drugs at lower out-of-pocket costs. The best plan for you depends on which medications you take and which pharmacies you use.
If you are on Medicare Advantage (Part C), your premium is set by the insurance company offering the plan, not by Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans have no monthly premium at all, though you still pay your Part B premium to Medicare. Others charge $50 to $200 or more per month.
When Premiums Are Deducted From Your Check
Most people have their Part B premium automatically deducted from their Social Security payment each month. If you do not receive Social Security, Medicare sends you a bill. Part D premiums are paid directly to your insurance company, usually monthly.
If you are on Medicare Advantage, the Part B premium is still deducted from Social Security, but your plan premium (if any) is handled separately by your insurance company. Some plans deduct the premium from your bank account, others send a bill.
Your 2025 premiums took effect on January 1, 2025. If you have not yet seen the change in your Social Security payment or received a bill, check your Medicare.gov account or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your premium amount.
How to Lower Your Out-of-Pocket Costs
You cannot change your Part B premium amount, but you can reduce your overall Medicare costs by choosing the right Part D plan during open enrollment. Compare plans based on your actual prescriptions, not just the monthly premium. A plan with a higher premium might save you hundreds of dollars per year if it covers your drugs at lower copays.
If your income is low, you may be able to get help paying your premiums through the Medicare Savings Program or the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program. These programs are run by your state and have different income limits depending on where you live. You can find your state program through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
If you are on Medicare Advantage, you can switch to a different plan or back to Original Medicare during the annual open enrollment period. Some Medicare Advantage plans have zero premiums and include dental, vision, or hearing coverage, which Original Medicare does not cover.
Understanding Your Premium Notice
In October or November 2024, you received a notice showing your 2025 premium amounts. This notice came from Social Security if you are on Part B, from your Part D insurance company, or from your Medicare Advantage plan. Keep this notice for your records.
If the amount shown seems wrong, compare it to your previous year's premium. A significant jump might mean your income triggered an IRMAA surcharge, or it might be an error. If you think there is a mistake, contact the organization listed on your notice within 60 days to request a review.
Your premium notice also tells you whether you can request a recalculation based on a major life change in 2024. Life changes that may lower your IRMAA include retirement, loss of income, death of a spouse, or loss of a job. You will need to provide documentation, such as a recent tax return or a letter from your employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Part B premium go up so much?
Part B premiums increase each year based on the cost of doctor visits, tests, and outpatient services. The 2025 increase of about 6 percent reflects higher healthcare costs overall. Premiums also increase if you delayed signing up when you first turned 65, because you pay a permanent penalty.
Can I get my Part B premium back if I do not use Medicare?
No. Once you are enrolled in Part B, you pay the premium whether you use it or not. If you are still working and have employer coverage, you may be able to delay Part B enrollment without a penalty, but you must tell Social Security this when you sign up for Part A.
What if I cannot afford my 2025 premiums?
Contact your state's Medicare Savings Program to see if you may have access to for help paying premiums. You can also ask about the Low-Income Subsidy program for Part D. These programs have income limits that vary by state. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to find your state program.
Do I have to pay IRMAA if my income went down in 2024?
Your 2025 IRMAA is based on your 2023 income, so a drop in 2024 will not affect it. However, if you had a major life change in 2024 — such as retirement or loss of a spouse — you can request that Medicare recalculate using your 2024 income. You must request this within 60 days of receiving your premium notice.
Can I switch my Part D plan to get a lower premium?
Yes. During the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), you can switch to any other Part D plan or to a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage. Compare plans based on your specific medications, not just the premium, because a cheaper plan might have higher copays for your drugs.