The 2025 Medicare Part B Deductible

The Medicare Part B deductible for 2025 is $240. This is the amount you must pay out of your own pocket for covered doctor visits and outpatient services before Medicare begins to pay its share. The deductible resets every January 1st.

Once you have paid $240 toward covered Part B services in a calendar year, Medicare will start to cover a portion of your bills. You will still owe a coinsurance amount — usually 20 percent of the approved cost — but Medicare covers the rest. The deductible applies only once per year, not once per visit or per provider.

The deductible amount changes each year based on a formula set by law. The 2025 amount is higher than 2024, when the deductible was $226. If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, that plan may pay your deductible for you, but the deductible itself still exists.

Key Takeaways

  • You pay $240 out of pocket before Medicare Part B coverage begins in 2025, and this amount resets on January 1st each year.
  • The deductible applies to doctor visits, lab tests, imaging, and most outpatient services — not to hospital stays, which have a separate Part A deductible.
  • After you meet the deductible, you typically owe 20 percent coinsurance on covered services while Medicare pays 80 percent.
  • If you have a Medigap plan, it may pay your deductible automatically; if you have Medicare Advantage, check your plan documents to see whether it covers the deductible.
  • The deductible amount increases most years, so you should check the current year's amount when planning your healthcare budget.

What Services Count Toward the Deductible

The Part B deductible applies to most doctor visits and outpatient care. This includes visits to your primary care doctor, specialists, urgent care centers, and hospital outpatient departments. Lab work, X-rays, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic imaging also count toward the deductible.

Some services do not count toward the deductible. Preventive care visits — such as annual wellness exams, cancer screenings, and vaccinations — are covered at no cost to you and do not require you to meet the deductible first. Mental health visits, physical therapy, and durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs or oxygen) also have their own rules and may not count toward the Part B deductible in the same way.

Hospital inpatient stays are covered under Medicare Part A, which has its own separate deductible. If you are admitted to the hospital, you will not use your Part B deductible; instead, you will owe the Part A deductible, which is much higher.

How the Deductible Works Throughout the Year

When you see a doctor or have a test in 2025, the provider bills Medicare. Medicare sends you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) showing what you owe toward your deductible. You pay the provider directly until you have paid $240 total. Keep track of these payments, because once you reach $240, your deductible is met for the rest of the year.

The deductible does not carry over from year to year. If you have only paid $100 toward your deductible by December 31st, that $100 is gone. On January 1st, 2026, you will start fresh with a new deductible amount. For this reason, some people choose to schedule elective procedures late in the year if they have already met their deductible, to avoid paying a new deductible early the next year.

If you see multiple providers in the same month, each one may bill you separately. You are responsible for tracking the total across all providers to know when you have met the $240. Some providers may not know you have already paid part of your deductible elsewhere, so you may need to contact them with proof of payment.

Medigap and Medicare Advantage Coverage of the Deductible

If you have a Medigap policy (also called Medigap or supplemental insurance), the policy may pay your Part B deductible for you. Medigap Plan C and Plan F, for example, cover the Part B deductible in full. Other Medigap plans, such as Plan A or Plan B, do not cover the deductible. Check your Medigap policy documents or call your insurance company to confirm whether your plan covers it.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), the plan may have its own deductible that is different from the standard Part B deductible. Some Medicare Advantage plans have no deductible, while others have a deductible of $0 to $500 or more. Your plan documents will show your specific deductible amount. You should review your plan's Summary of Benefits each year, because deductibles and coverage can change.

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), Medicaid may pay your Part B deductible. Contact your state Medicaid office or your caseworker to confirm what Medicaid covers in your state.

Planning Your Healthcare Costs Around the Deductible

Knowing the deductible amount helps you budget for healthcare. If you expect to need several doctor visits or tests in 2025, you should plan to pay at least $240 out of pocket before Medicare's 80 percent coverage kicks in. After that, you will owe 20 percent coinsurance on each service.

Some people benefit from scheduling routine care early in the year so they meet the deductible quickly and then have lower out-of-pocket costs for the rest of the year. Others prefer to spread visits throughout the year. There is no right answer — it depends on your health needs and your budget.

If you are on a tight budget, ask your doctor's office whether they offer payment plans or sliding-scale fees. Some community health centers and federally may have access to health centers (FQHCs) charge based on income. You can find a local FQHC by searching the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) website.

When the Deductible Changes and How to Stay Informed

Medicare announces the new deductible amount for the following year in the fall, usually in September or October. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) publishes the amount on Medicare.gov. You will also receive a notice in the mail if you are enrolled in Original Medicare.

The deductible typically increases each year, though the amount of the increase varies. Between 2024 and 2025, the deductible rose by $14. You should check the current year's deductible when you receive your annual notices or before you schedule elective procedures, so you know what to expect.

If you are turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare for the first time, or if you are changing plans, make sure you understand the deductible for your specific coverage. The deductible is one of several out-of-pocket costs you will owe, along with coinsurance and copayments, so it is worth reviewing your full cost-sharing picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full $240 deductible before Medicare pays anything?

Yes, for most Part B services. However, preventive care — like annual wellness visits and cancer screenings — is covered at no cost and does not require you to meet the deductible first. Once you have paid $240 toward covered services, Medicare will pay 80 percent of approved costs and you will owe 20 percent coinsurance.

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

The deductible does not roll over. Any amount you paid toward the 2025 deductible is lost on December 31st. On January 1st, 2026, you will have a new deductible to meet. If you have already paid $200 in 2025, you will still owe the full new deductible in 2026.

Does the Part B deductible explore to hospital stays?

No. Hospital inpatient stays are covered under Medicare Part A, which has its own separate deductible. In 2025, the Part A deductible is $1,676 per benefit period. Part B deductible and Part A deductible are completely separate.

If I have Medicare Advantage, do I still owe the $240 Part B deductible?

Not necessarily. Medicare Advantage plans set their own deductibles, which may be $0, $240, or a different amount. Check your plan's Summary of Benefits or call your plan to find out your specific deductible for 2025.

Can my Medigap plan pay my Part B deductible?

It depends on which Medigap plan you have. Plans C and F cover the Part B deductible in full. Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M, and N do not. Check your policy documents or call your Medigap insurer to confirm what your plan covers.