Medicare Part B Premium for 2023
The standard monthly Part B premium has decreased from the past year's amount.
For Medicare recipients, Part B coverage is known as your medical insurance.
It helps to cover costs for doctor services, outpatient therapy, durable medical equipment, and other medically necessary services and preventive services not covered by Part A.
To receive your Medicare Part B coverage, you must pay a monthly premium amount, which is adjusted in accordance with the Social Security Act and correlates with your annual income.
The 2023 Medicare Part B monthly premium amount has decreased for each income bracket from the 2022 amounts, which we will outline in greater detail below.
What Is the Part B Premium Amount for 2023?
The standard monthly Part B premium for 2023 is $164.90. T
his amount has decreased by $5.20 from the standard monthly Part B premium for 2022, which was $170.10.
The standard monthly Part B premium amount applies to all enrollees whose annual income does not exceed $97,000 or $194,000 if married and filing jointly.
To determine which income bracket you fall in, Medicare uses the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from your 2021 tax return.
Most Medicare beneficiaries pay the standard Part B premium amount, but if your annual income exceeds $97,000, then you will pay a higher monthly Part B premium amount.
The Part B premium amounts for higher income brackets are listed below.
Is the Medicare Part B Premium Based on Income?
Yes, monthly Part B premiums are based on your annual income.
Medicare determines the amount of your premium from your modified adjusted gross income, using your most recently filed tax return for this information.
So, for 2023, your Part B premium will be based on your 2021 modified adjusted gross income (i.e. your most recently filed tax return).
Also, note that as you reach certain income thresholds, your premium amount increases.
Medicare Part B Premiums Based on Income (2023): Individual Tax Return
$97,000 or less = $164.90
Above $97,000 and up to $123,000 = $230.80
Above $123,000 and up to $153,000 = $329.70
Above $153,000 and up to $183,000 = $428.60
Above $183,000 and less than $500,000 = $527.50
$500,000 and above = $560.50
Medicare Part B Premiums Based on Income (2023): Joint Tax Return
$194,000 or less = $164.90
Above $194,000 and up to $246,000 = $230.80
Above $246,000 and up to $306,000 = $329.70
Above $306,000 and up to $366,000 = $428.60
Above $366,000 and less than $750,000 = $527.50
$750,000 and above = $560.50
How Much Has the Medicare Part B Premium Decreased for 2023?
The standard Part B monthly premium decreased $5.20 from the previous 2022 amount of $170.10.
The standard Part B premium amount applies to those whose income falls below the higher-income threshold ($97,000 individual or $194,000 married).
However, if you’re above the higher-income threshold, your monthly Part B premium amount has increased by a larger margin.
Those 2023 Part B premium decreases are listed here:
Medicare Part B Premium Decrease Based on Income (2023): Individual Tax Return
$97,000 or less = Decreased by $5.20
Above $97,000 and up to $123,000 = Decreased by $7.30
Above $123,000 and up to $153,000 = Decreased by $10.50
Above $153,000 and up to $183,000 = Decreased by $13.70
Above $183,000 and less than $500,000 = Decreased by $16.80
$500,000 and above = Decreased by $17.80
Medicare Part B Premium Increase Based on Income (2023): Joint Tax Return
$194,000 or less = Decreased by $5.20
Above $194,000 and up to $246,000 = Decreased by $7.30
Above $246,000 and up to $306,000 = Decreased by $10.50
Above $306,000 and up to $366,000 = Decreased by $13.70
Above $366,000 and less than $750,000 = Decreased by $16.80
$750,000 and above = Decreased by $17.80
Can I Get Help Paying My Medicare Part B Premium?
If you have limited income, you may be eligible for help with paying your Part B premium.
There are three Medicare Savings Programs that help enrollees pay for their Part B premium:
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB)
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB)
Qualifying Individual Program (QI)
Your state’s Medicaid program determines eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs. You can check the income limits of these programs on the Medicare website here.
If you are interested in applying for one of these Medicare Savings Programs, you can look up your state Medicaid program contact information here.
Contact your state’s Medicaid program to confirm your eligibility and enroll in a Medicare Savings Program.
If you experience a life-changing event, such as a marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, job loss, or other qualifying life-changing event recognized by Social Security, you can request a reduction in your Part B premium by filing a notice with Social Security.
What Does Medicare Part B Cover?
If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B, you receive coverage for both medically necessary services and preventive services.
This includes some of the more expensive services you might experience during a hospital stay, such as surgery, radiation, diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, and dialysis, among others.
Part B covers preventive medical services like ambulance rides, doctor visits, screenings, and diagnostic tests.
It also covers a number of preventive care measures such as flu shots, colonoscopies, and mammograms.
Medically Necessary Services:
Medically necessary services and supplies are those used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
These services and supplies must meet the accepted standards of medical practice.
This includes the use of medical equipment like wheelchairs, hospital beds, and oxygen equipment.
Preventive Services:
Preventive services are those that prevent illness or detect it early enough for optimal treatment.
This includes diagnostic tests like MRIs, EKGs, CT scans, and X-rays. It also applies to covered screenings such as pap tests, HIV screening, glaucoma tests, hearing tests, diabetes screening, and colorectal cancer screenings.
If your healthcare provider accepts assignment, you often don’t have to pay anything for these preventive services.
How to Tell If Part B Covers What You Need
1. Consult with your doctor or health care provider to find out if Medicare covers your needed services or supplies.
In some cases, you may require something that is typically covered by Medicare but your provider isn’t sure if coverage will extend in your specific situation.
If this happens, you can sign a notice that says you may be required to pay for the test, item, or service.
2. You can also always search your Medicare coverage by test, item, or service at this Medicare.gov Coverage Page.
Remember: Your Medicare coverage will be based on federal and state laws, national coverage decisions by Medicare, and local coverage decisions made by Medicare claims processors in each state.
To get a fuller understanding of your Medicare Part B costs, coverage, and more, read our Comprehensive Guide to Medicare Part B.
