What You Pay for Medicare Part B in 2025

The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2025 is $185 per month for most people. The annual deductible is $240. After you meet that deductible, you typically pay 20 percent of the cost for doctor visits, outpatient services, and other covered items — Medicare pays the other 80 percent.

These are the baseline amounts. Your actual premium may be higher if your income is above certain thresholds, and some people with limited income pay a reduced premium. The deductible and coinsurance amounts stay the same regardless of income.

Part B covers doctor office visits, lab tests, X-rays, ambulance services, durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs or oxygen), and outpatient hospital services. It does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Part B premium is $185 per month in 2025, but you pay more if your modified adjusted gross income from two years ago exceeded $103,000 (single) or $206,000 (married filing jointly).
  • The annual deductible is $240, and you pay 20 percent coinsurance after that for most services covered by Part B.
  • Part B has no out-of-pocket maximum, so costs can accumulate if you need frequent medical care or expensive treatments.
  • If you delay enrolling in Part B when you first become may be able to access, you may face a permanent penalty of 10 percent per year of delay.

Income-Based Premium Increases (IRMAA)

If your income is above a certain level, you pay a higher Part B premium through a system called Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). The income threshold for 2025 is $103,000 for single filers and $206,000 for married couples filing jointly. Income is measured using your tax return from two years prior — so 2025 premiums are based on your 2023 income.

The higher tiers range from $259 per month up to $560 per month, depending on how far above the threshold your income falls. If you had a major life event — such as retirement, death of a spouse, or loss of income — you can request that Social Security recalculate your premium based on your current year's income instead.

You receive a notice in the mail if you owe an IRMAA increase. You have 60 days to appeal if you believe the income figure is wrong or if your circumstances have changed.

When Part B Premiums Are Deducted

If you receive Social Security benefits, your Part B premium is automatically deducted from your monthly check. If you do not receive Social Security, you receive a bill from Medicare and pay directly, usually monthly.

Some people with very low income and limited resources may be covered under a program called Medicaid Buy-In or may have access to Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), which pays Part B premiums on their behalf. You must contact your state Medicaid office to learn whether you meet the income and asset limits.

Deductibles and Coinsurance You Pay

Once you pay the $240 annual deductible, Medicare covers 80 percent of most Part B services. You pay the remaining 20 percent. This coinsurance applies to doctor visits, lab work, imaging, and outpatient hospital procedures.

Some preventive services — such as annual wellness visits, cancer screenings, and vaccinations — are covered at no cost to you after you meet your deductible. A full list is available on Medicare.gov.

Unlike Part A (hospital insurance), Part B has no out-of-pocket maximum. This means if you have significant medical needs, your costs can continue to accumulate throughout the year. Many people with Part B coverage also purchase a Medigap policy (supplemental insurance) to cover the 20 percent coinsurance and protect against unlimited costs.

How Part B Costs Compare to Medigap and Medicare Advantage

Part B is the foundation of Original Medicare, but it leaves you responsible for 20 percent of costs. A Medigap policy fills those gaps — you pay a separate premium (typically $100 to $300 per month, varying by plan and location) but then have little or no coinsurance when you see a doctor.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare. You pay a Part B premium to Medicare, then a separate Advantage plan premium (often $0 to $50 per month). Advantage plans typically have lower coinsurance but require you to use in-network providers and may have annual out-of-pocket limits.

The choice depends on your health, how often you see doctors, and whether you prefer predictable costs (Medigap) or lower premiums with network restrictions (Advantage).

Enrollment important date and Late Penalties

You become may be able to access for Part B at age 65. If you are still working and covered by employer health insurance, you can delay Part B without penalty as long as you enroll within eight months of losing that coverage. If you miss this window, you pay a permanent 10 percent penalty on your Part B premium for each year you delayed.

The Initial Enrollment Period runs three months before the month you turn 65, through three months after. If you miss this window and do not have employer coverage, you must wait until the General Enrollment Period (January 1 through March 31 each year), and your coverage does not start until July 1.

Contact Social Security or Medicare if you believe you have a valid reason for late enrollment. Some situations — such as being a federal employee or having TRICARE coverage — may exempt you from the penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Part B premium go up every year?

Yes. Medicare adjusts the standard premium each year based on program costs. The increase for 2025 was modest, but premiums have risen significantly over the past decade. Your IRMAA tier may also change if your income changes.

Can I drop Part B if I do not use it much?

You can drop Part B, but you will face a 10 percent penalty if you enroll later. The only exception is if you are still covered by employer health insurance. Once you lose that coverage, you have eight months to re-enroll without penalty.

Do I have to pay Part B if I am still working?

Yes, you must pay the premium if you are enrolled. However, if you are still covered by employer health insurance, you can delay enrolling in Part B without penalty. You should contact your employer's benefits office to understand your options.

What if I cannot afford the Part B premium?

Contact your state Medicaid office to learn whether you may have access to for Medicaid Buy-In or may have access to Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) programs, which can pay your premium. You can also ask Social Security about Extra Help if you have limited income and resources.

Does Part B cover prescription drugs?

No. Prescription drug coverage is Part D, a separate insurance you purchase from a private company. You enroll in Part D during your Initial Enrollment Period or during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 through December 7).