The 2025 Medicare Part B Premium
The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2025 is $185 per month for most people. This is the amount deducted from your Social Security check each month, or billed directly if you don't receive Social Security. The premium covers doctor visits, outpatient care, lab work, and medical equipment.
However, your actual premium may be higher if your income was above a certain threshold in 2023. Medicare uses a process called Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) to charge higher premiums to higher-income beneficiaries. If you fall into one of these income brackets, you'll pay more than the standard $185.
The premium you pay in 2025 is based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from your 2023 tax return. This means the income threshold that matters was set two years ago. If your income has dropped since then, you can request a reconsideration.
Key Takeaways
- The standard Part B premium in 2025 is $185 per month, but higher-income beneficiaries pay more through IRMAA surcharges.
- Your 2025 premium is based on your 2023 income, so recent changes to your finances won't affect this year's bill.
- If your income dropped significantly since 2023 due to retirement, job loss, or death of a spouse, you can request a premium reconsideration.
- Part B premiums are deducted from your Social Security payment or billed separately if you don't receive Social Security benefits.
- Your premium covers doctor visits, outpatient hospital care, lab tests, imaging, and durable medical equipment like wheelchairs and oxygen.
Income-Related Premium Surcharges for 2025
If your 2023 modified adjusted gross income was above $97,000 (single filer) or $194,000 (married filing jointly), you pay a surcharge on top of the standard $185 premium. The surcharge increases in steps as your income rises.
For single filers in 2025, the income brackets and total monthly premiums are:
| 2023 Income (Single) | 2025 Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| $97,000 or less | $185 |
| $97,001 to $123,000 | $259 |
| $123,001 to $153,000 | $333 |
| $153,001 to $183,000 | $407 |
| $183,001 to $213,000 | $481 |
| Over $213,000 | $555 |
For married couples filing jointly, the same surcharge structure applies but at higher income thresholds. The highest earners pay $555 per month regardless of filing status.
What's Included in Your Part B Premium
Your Part B premium covers medically necessary services from doctors, hospitals, and other providers. This includes office visits, preventive care like cancer screenings and vaccinations, emergency room visits, and urgent care.
Part B also covers diagnostic tests and procedures: blood work, X-rays, CT scans, EKGs, and colonoscopies. If your doctor orders imaging or lab work, Part B typically pays its share after you meet your deductible and pay your copay or coinsurance.
Durable medical equipment falls under Part B as well. Wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen equipment, diabetic supplies, and similar items are covered when prescribed by your doctor. Part B also covers some outpatient rehabilitation, such as physical therapy after surgery or a fall.
How to Pay Your Part B Premium
If you receive Social Security, Medicare automatically deducts your Part B premium from your monthly benefit. You'll see the deduction on your Social Security statement each month. If your premium increases due to IRMAA, the deduction increases at the same time.
If you don't receive Social Security, Medicare sends you a bill each month. You can pay by mail, phone, or online through the Medicare website. Some people set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date.
If you have trouble paying your premium, you can contact Social Security or Medicare to discuss your situation. If your income has dropped since 2023, you may be able to request a reconsideration of your IRMAA surcharge.
Requesting a Premium Reconsideration
If your 2023 income was high but your circumstances have changed significantly, you can ask Medicare to recalculate your premium based on your current situation. This process is called an IRMAA reconsideration.
You may have access to for reconsideration if you experienced a major life event since 2023, such as retirement, job loss, death of a spouse, divorce, or a significant drop in income. You'll need to document the change with tax returns, pay stubs, or other proof.
To request reconsideration, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office. You can also call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). The process typically takes several weeks, and you may be asked to provide additional documentation.
Part B Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Your Part B premium is only one cost. You also pay a deductible each year before Part B starts to pay. For 2025, the Part B deductible is $240 per year. Once you've paid $240 out of pocket for covered services, Part B begins to share the cost.
After you meet the deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most services, and Medicare pays 80%. For some preventive services, such as annual wellness visits and certain screenings, you pay nothing after you meet the deductible.
If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your out-of-pocket costs may be lower. Medigap plans help pay your deductible and coinsurance, while Medicare Advantage plans set their own cost-sharing rules and may have lower deductibles.
Changes to Your Premium During the Year
Your Part B premium is set once a year, based on your prior-year income. It does not change during 2025 unless you request a reconsideration and Medicare approves it. Even if your income drops in 2024, your 2025 premium stays the same unless you formally ask for a review.
Your 2026 premium will be based on your 2024 income and will be announced in the fall of 2025. Medicare sends a notice each year showing your premium for the coming year and explaining any changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't afford my Part B premium?
Contact Social Security or Medicare to discuss your situation. If your income has dropped since 2023, request an IRMAA reconsideration. Some people may also be may be able to access for Medicaid, which can help pay Medicare premiums. Your local Area Agency on Aging can connect you with local information programs.
Does Part B cover prescription drugs?
No. Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care, but not prescription medications. Prescription drug coverage comes through Medicare Part D, which is a separate plan you choose during enrollment. You pay a separate premium for Part D.
Can I delay enrolling in Part B to avoid paying the premium?
You can delay Part B enrollment if you have creditable coverage through an employer or union, but otherwise you should enroll when you turn 65. If you delay without creditable coverage, you'll pay a permanent penalty on top of your premium for each year you were late.
Will my Part B premium go up every year?
Yes, premiums typically increase each year. The amount of the increase depends on Medicare's costs and is announced in the fall for the following year. Your increase may be larger if your income rises and triggers a higher IRMAA bracket.
Is the $185 premium the same for everyone?
The standard premium is $185 for most people, but higher-income beneficiaries pay more through IRMAA surcharges. Some people with very low income and limited resources may be may be able to access for Medicaid to help pay their Part B premium.