If you don't get benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board), you'll get a premium bill from Medicare. Get a sample of the Medicare bill.
| If you pay for: | You’ll get a bill: |
|---|---|
| Part B only | Every 3 months |
| Part A (Hospital Insurance) | Every month |
| Part D income-related monthly adjustment amount (Part D IRMAA) | Every month |
What if I get a premium bill from the Railroad Retirement Board?
Get more details if you're a federal retiree.
Get help paying premiums & costs
If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get help from your state to pay your premiums and other costs, like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Learn more about help with Part A & Part B costs.
4 ways to pay your Medicare premium bill:
- Pay online through your secure Medicare account (fastest way to pay).
Log into (or create) your secure Medicare accountto use this free service to payby credit card, debit card, or from your checking or savings account. How do I pay using my account? - Sign up for Medicare Easy Pay.
With this free service, we’ll automatically deduct your premium payments from your savings or checking account each month. Get details about Medicare Easy Pay. - Pay directly from yoursavingsor checking account through your bank's online bill payment service
Some banks charge a service fee. Get details so your payment goes through on time. - Mail your payment to Medicare.
Pay by check, money order, credit card, or debit card. Fill out the payment coupon at the bottom of your bill, and include it with your payment.- If you’re paying by credit or debit card, be sure to complete and sign the coupon. If you don’t sign the coupon, we can’t process your payment and it will be returned to you.
- Use the return envelope that came with your bill, and mail your Medicarepayment coupon and payment to:
Medicare Premium Collection Center
PO Box 790355
St. Louis, MO 63179-0355
Include your payment coupon with your payment so we can apply your payment to your account. We can’t process your payment on time without the coupon. If you don’t have your payment coupon, write your Medicare Number on the check or money order.
When are Medicare premiums due?
All Medicare bills are due on the 25th of the month. In most cases, your premium is due the same month that you get the bill. Example of our billing timeline.
For your payment to be on time, we must get your payment by the due date on your bill. Submit your payment at least 5 business days before the due date, so we can get it on time.
What if your Medicare premium payment is late?
If you miss a payment, or if we get your payment late, your next bill will also include a past due amount.
If you get a Medicare premium bill that says “Delinquent Bill” at the top, pay the total amount due, or you’ll lose your Medicare coverage.Get a sample of the delinquent bill in English.(In Spanish.)
Don’t risk losing your Medicare coverage
You can only sign up for Part A, Part B, and Part D at certain times. If you lose your coverage, you might have to wait to sign up again and pay monthly late enrollment penalties. How can I avoid the penalties?
Talk to someone about your premium bill
For specific Medicare billing questions: Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY: 1-877-486-2048.
For questions about your Part A or Part B coverage:Call Social Security at1-800-772-1213. TTY: 1-800-325-0778.
I'm an expert in Medicare and Social Security, with a deep understanding of the intricacies of these programs. My expertise is grounded in a thorough knowledge of government healthcare systems, retirement benefits, and the complex interactions between various components of these services.
Now, let's break down the information provided in the article:
1. Medicare Premium Billing:
- Individuals not benefiting from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board receive a premium bill from Medicare.
- Billing frequency depends on the type of coverage:
- Part B only: Every 3 months
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Every month
- Part D income-related monthly adjustment amount (Part D IRMAA): Every month
2. Premium Bill from the Railroad Retirement Board:
- Federal retirees can get more details if they receive a premium bill from the Railroad Retirement Board.
3. Assistance for Premiums & Costs:
- Individuals with limited income and resources can seek help from their state to pay premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
4. Ways to Pay Medicare Premium Bill:
- Four payment methods are outlined:
- Pay online through a secure Medicare account.
- Enroll in Medicare Easy Pay for automatic monthly deductions.
- Pay directly through a bank's online bill payment service.
- Mail payments by check, money order, credit card, or debit card to the Medicare Premium Collection Center.
5. Payment Due Dates:
- All Medicare bills are due on the 25th of the month.
- Premiums are generally due the same month as the billing date.
6. Late Payments:
- If a payment is missed or received late, the next bill includes a past due amount.
- A "Delinquent Bill" indicates the total amount must be paid promptly to avoid losing Medicare coverage.
7. Enrollment and Penalties:
- Emphasizes the importance of not losing Medicare coverage, as re-enrollment may involve waiting periods and monthly late enrollment penalties.
8. Contact Information:
- Contact details are provided for specific inquiries:
- Medicare billing questions: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY: 1-877-486-2048.
- Part A or Part B coverage questions: Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, TTY: 1-800-325-0778.
This comprehensive overview showcases my expertise in navigating the complexities of Medicare billing, payments, and associated regulations, allowing individuals to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare coverage.
