Medicare Cost

Costs

What you pay for Medicare depends on the coverage you choose, the services you receive, and the providers you visit. What are my coverage options? There’s no annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses unless you have supplemental coverage, such as a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy or a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Part A (Hospital Insurance) costs

Part A Costs:	What you pay in 2025:
Premium	For most people, Medicare Part A is available at no cost if they (or their spouse) paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years while working. If you qualify for Medicare before age 65, you typically won’t pay a Part A premium—this is known as “premium-free Part A.” What If You Don’t Qualify for Free Part A? If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A, you may still have the option to purchase it. The monthly premium depends on your work history: $285/month if you (or your spouse) worked and paid Medicare taxes for 30–39 quarters. $518/month if you (or your spouse) worked and paid Medicare taxes for fewer than 30 quarters. Important Considerations: To buy Part A, you also need to enroll in Part B (Medical Insurance). If you delay signing up for Part A when you’re first eligible (typically at age 65), you might have to pay a late enrollment penalty.
Deductible	$1,676 for each inpatient hospital benefit period, before Original Medicare starts to pay. There’s no limit to the number of benefit periods you can have in a year. This means you may pay the deductible more than once in a year. How do benefit periods work?
Inpatient stay	Days 1-60: $0 after paying your Part A deductible. Days 61-90: $419 per day. Days 91-150: $838 per day while using your 60 lifetime reserve days. After day 150: You’re responsible for all costs.
Skilled nursing facility stay	Days 1-20: $0. Days 21-100: $209.50 each day. Days 101 and beyond: You pay all costs.
Home health care	$0 for covered home health care services. 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment (such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and more).
Hospice care	$0 for covered hospice care services. You may also have to pay: A copayment of up to $5 for each prescription drug or similar product used for pain relief and symptom management at home. 5% of the Medicare-approved amount for inpatient respite care.

Part B (Medical Insurance) costs

Part B Costs:	What you pay in 2025:
Premium	$185 each month (or higher depending on your income). The amount can change each year. You’ll pay the premium each month, even if you don’t get any Part B-covered services. You might pay a monthly penalty if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65). You’ll pay the penalty for as long as you have Part B. The penalty increases the longer you wait to sign up.
Deductible	You must pay $257 before Original Medicare coverage begins This deductible applies once per year.
General costs for services (coinsurance)	You typically pay 20% of the cost for each Medicare-covered service or item after meeting your deductible, provided your doctor or healthcare provider accepts the Medicare-approved amount as full payment (accepting assignment).
Clinical laboratory services	$0 for covered clinical laboratory services.
Home health care	$0 for covered home health care services. 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and more).
Inpatient hospital care	You’ll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most doctor services received as a hospital inpatient.
Outpatient mental health care	$0 for your yearly depression screening. 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for visits to your doctor or other health care provider to diagnose or treat your condition. If you receive services in a hospital outpatient clinic or department, you may have to pay an additional amount to the hospital.
Partial hospitalization mental health care	After you meet the Part B deductible: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for each service received from a doctor or qualified mental health professional. Coinsurance applies for each day of partial hospitalization services in a hospital outpatient setting or community mental health center.
Outpatient hospital care	Usually 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for doctor and other health care providers’ services. Copayment required for each service received in a hospital outpatient setting (except certain preventive services), typically not exceeding the Part A hospital stay deductible.

Get help with Part A & Part B 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

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) costs

Medicare Advantage Plan costs:	What you pay in 2025:
Premiums & other costs (like deductibles, copayments, & coinsurance)	Varies by plan and may change annually. You must have Part B and continue paying your Part B premium to maintain coverage.
Out-of-pocket limit	Varies by plan. Once you reach the plan’s limit, it covers 100% of your eligible health services for the rest of the year.

Part D (Drug Coverage) costs

Part D costs:	What you pay in 2025:
Premiums	Varies by plan. Your costs may be higher based on your income. Avoid paying a penalty: Enroll in a Medicare drug plan as soon as you get Medicare Part A and/or Part B. Maintain creditable drug coverage without a gap of 63 days or more.
Deductibles, copayments, & coinsurance	Costs vary by plan and pharmacy. Compare Medicare drug plans in your area to find the best coverage and pricing.