How to Pay Part A & Part B premiums
Most people get their Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) premium deducted automatically from their Social Security benefit payment (or Railroad Retirement Board benefit payment).
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 (this includes your Part B income-related monthly adjustment amount, if you owe one) | Every 3 months Why is my first bill higher than I expected? |
| 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.
4 ways to pay your Medicare premium bill
You can pay your Medicare premium using any of the 4 ways below. However, some options are faster and easier.
Through your Medicare account
| Payment method | How to use it | Why to use it |
|---|---|---|
Online through your Medicare account |
You’ll get a confirmation number for your payment. It takes about 5 business days for your checking or savings account payment to process—credit card payments process faster. |
|
Online recurring payments (Medicare Easy Pay) | 2 ways to sign up for Medicare Easy Pay:
Deductions are on the 20th of the month (or the next business day). It can take up to 6-8 weeks for your automatic deductions to start. Until your automatic deductions start, you'll need to pay your premiums another way. If we can't set up Medicare Easy Pay for you, we'll send you a letter explaining why.
Can I sign up if I get a bill from the Railroad Retirement Board?
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Through your bank
Pay directly from your savings or 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.
Through the mail
Pay by check, money order, credit card, debit card, or Health Savings Account (HSA) card. Fill out the payment coupon at the bottom of your bill and include it with your payment. Payments made by mail take longer to process than payments made quickly and securely through your online Medicare account.
- If you’re paying by credit card, debit card, or HSA card, be sure to complete and sign the payment 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 Medicare payment coupon and payment to:
Medicare Premium Collection Center
PO Box 790355
St. Louis, MO 63179-0355
What if I get a premium bill from the Railroad Retirement Board?
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.)
What if I have billing questions?
Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY: 1-877-486-2048.