The 2025 Medicare Part B Premium
The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2025 is $185 per month for most people who enroll. This is the amount you pay to Medicare each month to cover doctor visits, outpatient care, lab work, and other medical services that Part A does not cover.
The premium you actually pay may be higher or lower than the standard amount, depending on your income. If you earned more than a certain threshold in 2023, you will pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) on top of the base premium. If your income was below the threshold, you pay only the standard $185.
Part B premiums are deducted from your Social Security check each month, or you receive a bill if you do not get Social Security. The premium covers about 25 percent of the cost of Part B services; Medicare and general tax revenue cover the rest.
Key Takeaways
- The standard Part B premium is $185 per month in 2025, but your actual premium depends on your 2023 income level.
- If your modified adjusted gross income exceeded $97,000 (single) or $194,000 (married filing jointly) in 2023, you will pay more than the standard premium.
- Income-based surcharges range from $37 to $560 per month on top of the base premium, depending on how much your income exceeded the threshold.
- You can request a reduction in your IRMAA if your income dropped significantly in 2024 due to retirement, job loss, or divorce.
- Part B premiums are automatically deducted from your Social Security payment unless you chose to receive a bill instead.
How Income Affects Your Part B Premium
Medicare uses your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your tax return two years prior to set your premium. For 2025 premiums, Medicare looks at your 2023 tax return. This two-year lag means the income threshold and your premium bracket are set before the year begins.
The income thresholds for 2025 are $97,000 for single filers and $194,000 for married couples filing jointly. If your MAGI is at or below these amounts, you pay the standard $185 premium. If your MAGI exceeds the threshold, you move into a higher bracket and pay the standard premium plus an IRMAA surcharge.
There are five income brackets above the standard threshold. The surcharges range from $37 per month (for income between $97,001 and $121,000 for singles) up to $560 per month (for income above $242,000 for singles). Each bracket represents a $24,000 income range for single filers and a $48,000 range for married filers.
Part B Premium Income Brackets for 2025
| Income Level (Single) | Income Level (Married Filing Jointly) | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| $97,000 or less | $194,000 or less | $185 |
| $97,001–$121,000 | $194,001–$242,000 | $222 ($185 + $37) |
| $121,001–$145,000 | $242,001–$290,000 | $259 ($185 + $74) |
| $145,001–$169,000 | $290,001–$338,000 | $296 ($185 + $111) |
| $169,001–$193,000 | $338,001–$386,000 | $333 ($185 + $148) |
| $193,001 or more | $386,001 or more | $745 ($185 + $560) |
When Your Premium Changes and How to Appeal
Medicare sends you a notice in December showing your Part B premium for the following year. The notice includes your income threshold and the reason for any surcharge. If the income Medicare used is not accurate — because you retired, lost a job, or had a major life change in 2024 — you can request a reduction.
You have until December 31 of the year the premium applies to file an appeal. You will need to show proof of the life event: a retirement letter, a termination notice, a divorce decree, or a tax return showing lower income. Medicare calls this a Life-Changing Event appeal. If approved, your new premium takes effect the following month.
Do not wait until the following year to appeal. If you know your 2024 income will be significantly lower than your 2023 income, contact Social Security or Medicare as soon as the change happens. The sooner you file, the sooner your premium can be adjusted.
Part B Premiums for People on Limited Income
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or have very low income, you may be able to get help paying your Part B premium through a program called Medicaid Buy-In or your state's Medicaid program. Some states cover the full premium for people who meet income and asset limits.
You must contact your state Medicaid office to see whether you may have access to. Income limits vary by state, and some states have waiting lists. If you are already on Medicaid, ask your caseworker whether premium information is available to you.
Another option is a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which is run by your state and helps pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments for people with limited income. You can find your state's MSP program through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Costs Beyond the Premium
The Part B premium is only one cost. You also pay an annual deductible before Medicare begins to pay its share. For 2025, the Part B deductible is $240. This means you pay the full cost of covered services until you have spent $240 out of pocket in a calendar year.
After you meet the deductible, you typically pay 20 percent of the cost of most services, and Medicare pays 80 percent. There is no annual cap on your out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare Part B, which is why many people also purchase a Medigap policy or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan to limit their total spending.
If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare, you still pay the Part B premium, but your deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket limits may be different. Some Advantage plans have no premium beyond Part B, while others charge an additional monthly fee.
How to Pay Your Part B Premium
If you receive Social Security, your Part B premium is automatically deducted from your monthly benefit. You will see the deduction on your Social Security statement. If you do not receive Social Security, Medicare sends you a bill each month, and you can pay by mail, phone, or online through Medicare.gov.
If you miss a payment, Medicare will send you a notice and give you a grace period to pay. If you do not pay within the grace period, you may lose your Part B coverage and face a late enrollment penalty if you want to rejoin later. The penalty is 10 percent of the standard premium for each full year you were not enrolled, and it is permanent.
If you are having trouble paying your premium, contact Social Security or Medicare to discuss your options. Some people are unaware that they may be able to request a lower premium based on a recent income change or hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Part B premium go up every year?
Part B premiums usually increase each year, but the amount varies. The increase is tied to the cost of providing Part B services and is set by Congress. Your personal premium may also change if your income changes, which affects whether you pay an IRMAA surcharge.
Can I delay enrolling in Part B to avoid paying the premium?
You can delay Part B if you are still working and covered by your employer's health plan, but if you delay beyond your initial enrollment period, you will owe a late enrollment penalty. The penalty is 10 percent of the standard premium for each full year you were not enrolled, and it is permanent.
What happens if I move to a different state?
Your Part B premium does not change if you move. The premium is the same nationwide. However, if you move to a state with a different Medicaid program and you are receiving help paying your premium, you will need to reapply with your new state's Medicaid office.
Can I get a refund if I overpaid my Part B premium?
If Medicare collected too much premium from you — for example, because your income dropped and you appealed but the adjustment took time — Medicare will refund the overpayment. The refund is usually applied to future premiums or sent to you by check.
Does Part B premium count toward my deductible?
No. The premium you pay each month is separate from the deductible. You must pay both: the monthly premium to have Part B coverage, and the annual deductible before Medicare starts paying its share of services.