People With Medicare

How to Pay

How do I pay my Medicare premiums?


Parts A and B: Part B premiums usually come out of your Social Security check automatically. If you do not get a check, you will get a bill every quarter, or every 3 months. If you pay for Part A, you will get a bill for that, too.

Medicare Advantage Plan: You have choices on how you pay premiums for your Medicare Advantage plan.

  1. Get a bill from the plan each month. Some plans bill in advance for the next month's coverage. This is the best way to pay. Send your payment to the plan, not Medicare.
  2. Have it taken from your checking or savings account.
  3. Charge it to a credit or debit card.

Contact your plan to set up a payment option.

Medicare Drug Plan: You have four options on how to pay your Medicare drug plan premium:

  1. Get a bill from the plan each month. Some plans bill in advance for the next month's coverage. This is the best way to pay. Send your payment to the plan, not Medicare.
  2. Have it taken from your checking or savings account.
  3. Charge it to a credit or debit card.
  4. Have it taken from your monthly Social Security payment. This payment option is the least recommended. It can cause delays in coverage, and be hard to fix when the wrong premium amount is taken out.

Contact your plan to set up a payment option.

NEXT: What if I have other health insurance?

Information on this web site was compiled from approved materials of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.