The Medicare Part B deductible is $240 per year in 2024, and you pay it once before Medicare starts sharing costs with you

When you first use a Medicare-covered service in a calendar year, you pay the full cost of that service until you reach $240. After you hit that amount, Medicare pays its share and you pay a coinsurance (usually 20% of the approved amount). The deductible resets on January 1 each year, so if you reach it in March, you start over in January of the next year.

The deductible applies to doctor visits, outpatient hospital services, lab tests, X-rays, and most other Part B services. It does not explore to preventive care like annual wellness visits, screenings, or vaccines — those are covered at no cost to you once you meet the deductible or not at all, depending on the service.

Key Takeaways

  • You pay the full cost of Part B services up to $240 per calendar year; after that, Medicare covers its portion and you pay coinsurance.
  • The deductible amount changes each year and is set by Medicare, so check the current year's amount on Medicare.gov before your appointments.
  • Preventive services like screenings and vaccines do not count toward your deductible and may have no cost to you.
  • If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, that plan may pay your Part B deductible for you, so check your plan documents.

How the deductible works with coinsurance

Once you pay $240 out of pocket for Part B services, you stop paying the full cost. From that point forward, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most services, and Medicare pays 80%. This 20% is called coinsurance, and it continues for the rest of the calendar year.

For example: a doctor visit costs $150 on the approved amount. If you have not met your deductible, you pay the full $150. If you have already paid $240 toward your deductible this year, you pay only $30 (20% of $150), and Medicare pays $120.

Some services, like mental health visits or physical therapy, may have different coinsurance rates. Always ask your provider what the Medicare-approved amount is before your visit so you know what to expect.

Services that do and do not count toward your deductible

Not every Part B service counts toward your $240 deductible. Preventive services — such as annual wellness visits, cancer screenings, diabetes screenings, and most vaccines — are covered at no cost and do not count toward your deductible. This means you can use them without paying anything, even if you have not yet met your deductible for the year.

Services that do count toward your deductible include doctor office visits, specialist visits, lab work, imaging (X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), outpatient hospital services, and durable medical equipment like wheelchairs or oxygen. If you are unsure whether a specific service counts, ask your provider or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.

What happens if you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan

If you have a Medigap (supplemental insurance) plan, your plan may pay your Part B deductible for you. Some Medigap plans cover it fully; others do not. Check your plan documents or call your Medigap insurer to find out whether your deductible is covered.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), you have a different deductible structure. Medicare Advantage plans set their own deductibles, which may be higher, lower, or the same as Original Medicare's $240. Your plan documents will show your exact deductible and how it works.

The deductible amount changes each year

Medicare adjusts the Part B deductible annually based on inflation. In 2023 it was $226; in 2024 it is $240. The new amount is announced in the fall and takes effect on January 1. If you want to know the current year's deductible before your appointments, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Because the amount changes, it is worth checking each January to see if your out-of-pocket costs will be different. If you use Part B services regularly, knowing the current deductible helps you budget for the year.

How to track your deductible throughout the year

Medicare sends you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) after each service. This document shows what you paid, what Medicare paid, and how much of your deductible you have used. Keep these documents so you know when you have reached $240.

You can also check your deductible status online through your Medicare account at Medicare.gov. Log in, go to "Claims," and you will see a summary of what you have paid toward your deductible so far this year. If you do not have an online account, you can set one up for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the deductible every year?

Yes. The deductible resets on January 1 each year, so you pay it once per calendar year. If you reach $240 in March, you start fresh in January of the next year.

What if I only use Part B for a few months?

You still owe the full deductible if you use any Part B service that counts toward it. The deductible does not scale down based on how long you are enrolled. However, preventive services do not count, so you can use those without paying toward your deductible.

Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay my Part B deductible?

Yes, if you have an HSA, you can withdraw money from it to pay your Part B deductible and coinsurance. You will need to keep receipts showing what you paid for Medicare services.

What if my doctor charges more than the Medicare-approved amount?

If your doctor is a Medicare provider, they can only charge the Medicare-approved amount. Your deductible and coinsurance are based on that approved amount, not the higher charge. If your doctor is not a Medicare provider, you may owe more.

Does my Part B deductible carry over if I do not use it?

No. If you do not reach $240 by December 31, the unused amount does not roll into the next year. Your deductible resets to zero on January 1, regardless of how much you used or did not use in the previous year.