When receiving Medicare Part B, the vast majority of beneficiaries do not receive a premium bill (Medical Insurance) premium that is mechanically deducted from their monthly Social Security check (or Railroad Retirement Board benefit payment).
Medicare will send you a premium bill if you don’t receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.
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 |
Where do I turn if the Railroad Retirement Board sends me a bill for my premiums?
Federal retirees, find out more information here.
Get help paying premiums & costs
Premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments can be costly, but if you qualify for state assistance, you may not have to pay them alone. 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 account to use this free service to pay with a credit card, debit card, or money from your savings or checking account. How do I make a payment using my account?
Pay My Premium Now
- Pay online through your secure Medicare account (fastest way to pay).
- Sign up for Medicare Easy Pay.
We will automatically withdraw your monthly premium payments from your savings or checking account as part of this complimentary service. Get details about Medicare Easy Pay. - Utilize your bank’s online bill payment tool to pay directly from your savings or checking account.
Some banks charge a service fee. Get details so your payment goes through on time. - Mail your payment to Medicare.
You can pay with a debit card, credit card, cheque, or money order. Add it to your payment along with the payment voucher you can find at the bottom of your bill.- Complete and sign the coupon if you’re using a credit or debit card to make the purchase. The voucher must be signed in order for us to complete your payment; otherwise, it will be sent back to you.
- Use the return envelope that was sent with your bill to send your payment and Medicare payment coupon to:
- Sign up for Medicare Easy Pay.
Medicare Premium Collection Center
PO Box 790355
St. Louis, MO 63179-0355
- To ensure that your payment is applied to your account, include your payment coupon with your payment. Without the voucher, we cannot process your payment in a timely manner. Put your Medicare Number on the check or money order if you don’t have your payment coupon.
When are Medicare premiums due?
The 25th of each month is the due date for all Medicare bills. Most of the time, you must pay your premium in the same month that you receive your bill. An illustration of our billing schedule
We must receive your payment by the due date stated on your bill in order for it to be considered timely. In order for us to receive your payment on time, please send it at least 5 working days before the due date.
What if your Medicare premium payment is late?
Your subsequent bill will additionally include a past due charge if you forget to pay or if we receive your payment after the due date.
You must pay the full amount owed on any Medicare premium bills that have “Delinquent Bill” written at the top in order to have your coverage; otherwise, you risk losing it. Get a sample of the delinquent bill in English. [PDF, 2060 KB] (In Spanish.) [PDF, 2083 KB]
Don’t risk losing your Medicare coverage
Part A, Part B, and Part D registration are only available during specific hours. You could have to wait to enrol again and pay monthly late enrollment fees if you lose your insurance. 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 at 1-800-772-1213. TTY: 1-800-325-0778.
