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Costs

How to pay Medicare premiums

Social Security deductions, Medicare Easy Pay, paying online, by bank or by mail, how often you're billed, and paying Part D and Medicare Advantage premiums.

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026 · How we check facts

If you get Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits

Most people have their Part B premium taken out of their monthly Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board payment automatically, so there's nothing to do. The standard Part B premium in 2026 is $202.90 a month; people with higher incomes pay more (see IRMAA).

If you get a bill from Medicare

If your premium isn't deducted, Medicare bills you. Part B alone is usually billed every 3 months. You get a monthly bill if you also pay a Part A premium or the Part D income-related amount, or if you use Medicare Easy Pay.

There are four ways to pay:

  • Online: log in to your Medicare.gov account and choose "Pay my premium." You can pay by credit or debit card, HSA card or bank account. It's free and the fastest way. Use only your official Medicare account to pay.
  • Medicare Easy Pay: a free service that takes your payment from your checking or savings account each month. Sign up through Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
  • Your bank's bill pay: pay to "CMS Medicare Insurance," Medicare Premium Collection Center, PO Box 790355, St. Louis, MO 63179-0355, with your 11-character Medicare Number and no dashes or spaces. Some banks charge a fee.
  • By mail: send a check, money order or card payment with the coupon from your bill to the same PO box, in the return envelope.

If you miss a payment or pay late, your next bill includes the past-due amount. Pay the full amount on a past-due notice, or you could lose your coverage.

Drug plan and Medicare Advantage premiums

You pay these to your plan, not to Medicare. To have them taken out of your Social Security or Railroad Retirement payment, contact your plan, not Social Security; it may take up to 3 months to start.

Help paying premiums

Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium, and Extra Help lowers drug plan premiums. See who qualifies.

Common questions

How do I pay my Medicare premium?

If you get Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, Part B is usually deducted automatically. Otherwise you can pay online in your Medicare.gov account, sign up for Medicare Easy Pay, use your bank's bill pay, or mail a check or card payment with your bill's coupon.

How often does Medicare bill for Part B?

Usually every 3 months. You get a monthly bill if you also pay a Part A premium or the Part D income-related amount, or use Medicare Easy Pay.

Where do I send my Medicare premium payment?

Medicare Premium Collection Center, PO Box 790355, St. Louis, MO 63179-0355, with the coupon from your bill.

Can my drug plan premium come out of my Social Security?

Yes. Contact your plan, not Social Security, to set it up. It can take up to 3 months to start.

Sources

General information, not advice about a specific plan.