How to Pay Part A & Part B Premiums
Paying your Medicare premiums on time is essential to maintaining your coverage. Most people have their Medicare Part B premiums deducted automatically from their Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefit payments. However, if you receive a bill instead, it’s important to understand the payment process and the available options. Below, we’ll explain everything you need to know about paying your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums.
4 Ways to Pay Your Medicare Premiums
1. Pay Online Through Your Medicare Account
The fastest and most secure way to pay your premiums is online through your Medicare account. Here’s how:
- Log into (or create) your secure Medicare account at Medicare.gov.
- Select “Pay my premium” and choose your payment method (credit/debit card, Health Savings Account (HSA) card, or checking/savings account).
- Enter the payment amount and complete the transaction on the U.S. Treasury’s secure Pay.gov site.
You’ll receive a confirmation number for your payment. Payments from checking or savings accounts take about 5 business days to process, while credit card payments process faster.
2. Set Up Online Recurring Payments with Medicare Easy Pay
Medicare Easy Pay is a free service that automatically deducts your premium from your checking or savings account each month. To sign up:
- Log into your Medicare account, go to “My Premiums,” and select “Sign Up” to complete a short online form.
- Alternatively, fill out the Authorization Agreement for Pre-Authorized Payments (SF-5510) form (available in English or Spanish) and mail it to Medicare.
Important: It can take 6–8 weeks to activate Medicare Easy Pay. Until then, you’ll need to pay your premiums using another method. Deductions occur on the 20th of each month (or the next business day).
3. Pay Through Your Bank
You can pay directly from your savings or checking account using your bank’s online bill payment service. Be sure to include your Medicare Number and follow your bank’s instructions to ensure your payment is processed on time. Some banks may charge a service fee.
4. Pay by Mail
If you prefer to pay by mail, follow these steps:
Complete the payment coupon at the bottom of your bill.
Send the coupon along with your check, money order, credit card, debit card, or HSA card payment to:
Medicare Premium Collection Center
PO Box 790355
St. Louis, MO 63179-0355Tips for Mail Payments:
- Always include your payment coupon with your payment to avoid delays.
- If you don’t have the payment coupon, write your Medicare Number on your check or money order.
- Payments by mail take longer to process than online payments.
Avoid Losing Your Coverage
When Are Medicare Premiums Due?
All Medicare premium bills are due on the 25th of each month. For timely processing, submit your payment at least 5 business days before the due date.
What Happens if Your Payment Is Late?
If your payment is late, your next bill will include the past-due amount. If you receive a bill marked “Delinquent Bill,” pay the total amount due immediately to avoid losing your Medicare coverage.
Need Help Paying Your Premiums?
If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for assistance from your state to help cover Medicare premiums and other costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Learn more about programs that can help with Medicare Part A and Part B costs by visiting Medicare.gov.
By understanding your options and staying on top of payments, you can ensure uninterrupted Medicare coverage. Choose the payment method that works best for you and pay your premiums on time to avoid any complications.