Most people have their Medicare Part B premium deducted automatically from their Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefit, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) set the standard Part B premium at $202.90 a month for 2026. If your benefit isn't enough to cover the premium, or you don't get benefits yet, Medicare sends you a premium bill instead. Higher-income people pay an extra amount called the income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA), and late enrollment penalties can also raise the premium.
How are Part B premiums paid?
Medicare.gov says most people get their Part B premium deducted automatically from their Social Security benefit payment (or Railroad Retirement Board benefit payment). As long as your monthly benefit will cover your premium, it's deducted from your monthly benefit.
If you aren't getting these benefits yet, Medicare bills you. Medicare.gov says your premium may be billed quarterly at first, so your first bill can look higher than expected. Medicare.gov's example: if your coverage starts February 1, your first bill will be dated March 28 and billed quarterly.
What is the 2026 standard Part B premium?
CMS set the standard Part B premium at $202.90 a month for 2026. You may pay more if:
- Your income is higher. IRMAA adds to the premium if your income from 2 years ago is above a set amount. See our article on IRMAA.
- You signed up late. The Part B late enrollment penalty adds 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't.
Why did I get a Medicare premium bill if I get Social Security?
Common reasons include:
- Your Social Security benefit just started, and deductions haven't begun yet.
- Your benefit isn't large enough to cover the full premium.
- You recently signed up for Medicare and are getting a first quarterly bill.
- You stopped getting a Medicare Savings Program that used to pay your premium.
Medicare.gov says that if your Social Security benefit is now enough to cover your premium, your Medicare premiums will be automatically deducted.
When are Medicare premium bills due?
Medicare.gov says all Medicare bills are due on the 25th of the month. For Medicare Easy Pay, deductions happen on the 20th of the month or the next business day.
What is a "Delinquent Bill"?
Medicare.gov warns that if you get a Medicare premium bill that says "Delinquent Bill" at the top, you must pay the total amount due, or you'll lose your Medicare coverage. Don't set it aside. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) right away if you have questions.
How can I pay a Medicare premium bill?
Medicare.gov lists ways to pay, including:
- Medicare Easy Pay, which automatically deducts from your bank account. You can sign up in your secure Medicare account.
- Your bank's online bill payment service.
- Your secure Medicare account, by card or debit.
- Mail, with the payment coupon from the bottom of your bill.