Unlike Medicare Part A, which covers inpatient care in a hospital, skilled nursing or hospice facility, Part B covers through outpatient care, services from doctors and other providers, durable medical equipment and many preventative screenings.
- Individuals already receiving Social Security benefits are automatically enrolled in Parts A and B effective the first day of the month you turn 65.
- At age 65, individuals choosing to delay their Social Security benefit need to contact Social Security, online or your local office, to activate Parts A and B.
- Individuals receiving Social Security Disability benefits are automatically enrolled in Parts A and B after 24 months.
- At age 65, those covered through their individual or spouse’s currently employed group health plan (20 or more employees) may delay Part B WITHOUT PENALTY until they, or their spouse, are no longer employed and the employer coverage ends.
- The standard Part B premium amount in 2023 is $164.90.
- If your 2021 Adjusted Gross Income was above a certain amount, you may pay more – an Income Related Monthly Adjustment.
- If your current monthly income is below a certain amount, you may be eligible for the Medicare Savings Program which will subsidize the Part B premium.
- Paying the Part B premium
- If you receive Social Security benefits, your Part B premium (and the IRMAA adjustment, if applicable) will be deducted from your monthly Social Security payment.
- If, like me, you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and have deferred the Social Security benefit, Medicare sends a bill (sample below) for the Part B premium and, if applicable, any IRMAA adjustment, which can be paid by check or online.
2 replies on “Medicare Tips: Part B”
This really does not apply to me, as I have been on Medicare for several years, but my curiosity is peaked! I am surprised to read that people are automatically signed up for Part B upon turning 65 unless they notify SS that they are still covered by an employer insurance. Is this a change in the law? One always had to specifically apply for Part B in order to get it–it was never automatic–or so I thought. And even though Part A was automatic, an application was still needed when I turned 65. Of course, that was a long time ago. I am interested in this because when I worked I was in a position to occasionally advise people about SS and Medicare. Sometimes, people still ask me questions about it, and I do not want to give out bad info. Plus, I am just interested. So I’d appreciated clarification. Thanks!!
Thank you for the question, Angie. Enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B is automatic for individuals turning 65 and already receiving their Social Security benefits or those under age 65 who have been receiving Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months.