How much is taken out of your Social Security check for Medicare?

A common question we get about Medicare is: how do I pay for it?

One of the ways you can pay your Medicare premiums is via your Social Security check.

But how does that work? If you have questions about how Medicare and Social Security interact, keep reading!

Is money taken out of my Social Security check for Medicare?

Yes. To pay for Medicare Part B premiums, Medicare may take that payment directly from your Social Security check.  

Which forms of Medicare take money out of my Social Security check?

Typically, only Medicare Part B. Part A does not usually have premiums. If you wish to add a Part D drug plan, there may be extra payments that would require money that could come from your Social Security benefits.

If you wish to add other parts or adjust payments taken from your Social Security check, you can log into your Social Security account and make those changes.  

Read More: Medicare and Social Security: How They Work Together

How much is taken from my Social Security benefit per month?

In 2021, the Part B premium is $148.50. Keep in mind that the Part B premium is based on income, so while most people will pay $148.50, some people will pay more.

If you make more than $88,000 by yourself or $176,000 as a couple, your monthly premium will be higher than that.  

Why doesn’t Medicare Part A come out of my check?

Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalization, is usually free for anyone who is eligible for Social Security, even if they have not claimed benefits yet.

Since most people don't have a Part A premium, nothing will come out of your Social Security check.

Do Part D drug plans come out of my check?

You can have your Medicare Part D (drug plan) premiums deducted from your Social Security check if you wish. When you enroll in your drug plan, the system will give you the option.

Be aware that if Medicare Allies is helping you with your drug plan enrollment, you’ll need to let us know if you want that to happen. You may need to pay your premium directly for a couple of months before your request goes into effect.  

Do Medicare Advantage premiums come out of my Social Security check?

About half of Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums, but if you do have a premium, you can deduct it right from your Social Security check. This is your choice, as it is not required to come from the Social Security check.  

Please note: If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, you still must pay the Medicare Part B premium. So, you'd have two premiums coming out of your Social Security check.

Read More: 10 Things Medicare Advantage Plans May Cover That Original Medicare Doesn’t

Do Medigap costs come out of my Social Security check?

Medigap premiums are paid directly to the private insurance carrier that provides the plan. In other words, you cannot deduct your Medigap premiums from your Social Security check.

Neither Medigap nor Original Medicare will cover outpatient prescription drugs, so enrollees can also purchase Part D prescription drug coverage, which would be another separate policy with a separate monthly premium.

Note: Some Medigap plans that were purchased prior to 2006 included limited prescription drug coverage, and some enrollees have maintained these plans. If you have one of those plans, please let us know and we’ll adjust accordingly.

Conclusion

Medicare and Social Security can be confusing at first. They both kick in at times when you’re dealing with a lot of change in life. Both are complicated systems. That’s why we’re here. It’s in the name — Medicare Allies.  

We’re here to help. We have put together a Medicare Cost Worksheet that will help you figure out what you will pay and help you plan financially for Medicare. Check out the worksheet here.  

If you have additional questions, reach out to us. We can help you with any questions you may still have.