The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2025 Medicare Part B premium and deductible increases later than anticipated this year. You could say that they timed it post-election. CMS announced on November 8, 2024, that the 2025 Medicare Part B premium will increase by 6% even though the 2025 Social Security COLA increased by 2.5%.
Wondering about Part B Medicare coverage? Read “What is Medicare Part B and What Does it Cover?”
The 2025 standard monthly Medicare Part B premium will increase by 6% between 2024’s $174.70 and 2025‘s $185.00. This annual increase of $123.60 per person and $247.20 for couples. That comes out to be $10.30 more for the monthly Medicare Part B premium.
This is similar to the 2024 Medicare Part B increase. 2024 also had a 6% increase from 2023’s $164.90 per month to $174.70 per month. That was an annual increase of $117.60 per person and $235.20 for couples, or $9.80 more per month per person.
The rate of increase is nearly equal to what was experienced in 2020 – a 7% increase.
Your Medicare Part B premium could be higher depending on your income. Suppose your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), as reported on your IRS tax return two years ago, is higher than a certain amount. In that case, you’ll pay the standard premium and an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).
IRMAA is an extra charge beneficiaries pay in addition to the standard premium.
Review the table below to see how much your monthly Part B premium will be – depending on your income from two years ago.
If you receive a Social Security, Railroad Retirement Board, or Office of Personnel Management benefit, the Part B premium can be automatically deducted from your benefit payment. You’ll receive a monthly or quarterly premium invoice if you don’t receive these benefits.
Agent tip:
“There are several ways to reduce your Medicare Part B premium. You can appeal your IRMAA adjustment, explore Medicare Advantage plans, or if you’re low-income there are programs that can help.“
There are some situations where you can appeal an IRMAA adjustment. These include having the IRMAA based on a tax amount that is inaccurate or out-of-date or one of seven life-changing events.
These seven life-changing events include:
When any of these occur, you can request an appeal in writing by completing a request for reconsideration form with the Social Security Administration. You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
Are you paying a monthly premium and looking for ways to reduce it? If you are lower-income and meet specific criteria, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. Three programs (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program, Specified Low-Income Beneficiary Program, and Qualifying Individual Program) could help you pay for all or most of your Medicare Part B premium.
Also, some Medicare Advantage plans can reduce the cost of the Part B premium through a give-back benefit.
To see if you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program or a give-back benefit, speak to a local licensed Connie Health agent who can help you navigate your Medicare journey. Call (623) 223-8884.
The Part B deductible is the amount you pay for your prescriptions and healthcare before Original Medicare Part B starts cost-sharing your healthcare expenses. The deductible is annual and resets each plan year. The amount of the deductible also changes annually.
Each year you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B, you must pay your deductible out-of-pocket before Medicare cost-shares. Almost any item or service that Part B covers counts towards your annual deductible.
In 2025, the Medicare Part B deductible is $257. This is an increase from $240 in 2024, or $17.00 annually (7%).
2025’s increase is larger than the increase experienced in 2024. In 2024, the Medicare Part B deductible increased from $226 in 2023 to $240 in 2024—an increase of $14.00 annually, or 6%,
The Medicare Part B deductible and premium often change at the same percentage rate each year. Only a couple of years since 2011 have seen the deductible increase at a higher percentage than the Part B premium.
After your deductible is met ($257 in 2025), you pay 20% coinsurance for Medicare-approved doctor services, outpatient therapies, and Durable Medical Equipment (DME).
Original Medicare does not have a maximum on these out-of-pocket expenses. This is why most Medicare enrollees have either Medicare Supplemental insurance plus their Medicare prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D plan) or choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan, which covers all of these needs.
Read more about the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans to determine if one of these plans can help you reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Review the table below to learn what coinsurance and copayments are typical to pay under Medicare Part B.
How could a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan help reduce your out-of-pocket costs? Speak with a local licensed agent. Call (623) 223-8884 to explore your plan options.
Medicare costs are based on your income and include the Medicare Part B monthly premium, annual deductible, coinsurance, and copayments.
The standard, or Part B base premium, is $185.00 in 2025. Most everyone pays the base premium. If your Modified Adjusted Gross Income from two years ago is above a certain threshold, you pay more than the standard premium. This additional amount is called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. In 2025, you could pay up to $628.90 monthly for Medicare Part B.
You also have a Medicare Part B annual deductible. The 2025 deductible is $257. You must pay the deductible before Medicare will begin cost-sharing.
Once your annual deductible is paid, Medicare will begin paying 80% of Medicare-approved costs while you pay 20% in coinsurance. Warning that there is no cap on this 20% coinsurance. This is why most Medicare beneficiaries enroll in either a Medicare Supplement plan or Medicare Advantage plan to shield them from high out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Part B expenses depend on your income and encompass the monthly premium, annual deductible, coinsurance, and copayments.
Most individuals pay the base premium, known as the standard or Part B base premium, set at $185.00 in 2025. However, if your Modified Adjusted Gross Income from two years prior surpasses a particular threshold, you’ll incur a higher premium. This increase is termed the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. For 2025, your monthly fee for Medicare Part B could reach a maximum of $628.90.
Additionally, there is a Medicare Part B annual deductible to consider. The deductible for 2025 stands at $257. You’re required to meet this deductible for Medicare to initiate cost-sharing.
After fulfilling the annual deductible, Medicare starts covering 80% of Medicare-approved charges, leaving you responsible for a 20% coinsurance. It’s important to note that this 20% does not have a spending cap, which prompts many Medicare beneficiaries to choose either a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan to safeguard against substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
Read more by David Luna
I am a Spanish-speaking Arizona Life and Health Insurance Licensed Agent and have been helping people with Medicare since 2005. I am a Marine Corps Veteran & former police officer. I enjoy watching football and basketball but hold family time in the highest regard.