The federal government deducts the Medicare Medical Insurance (Part B) premium from participants' monthly Social Security checks, Railroad Retirement Board benefits or Civil Service pensions.
If a participant or a participant's spouse does not qualify for Social Security or for those other programs, the participant will receive a Medicare bill each quarter for the Part B premium. Participants can have their premium payments made directly from their banking account or paid by credit card, check or money order. They cannot make a payment by phone.
Most states have Medicare Savings Programs available that will help beneficiaries pay their Medicare premiums, co-payments, coinsurance and deductibles. Beneficiaries must meet several conditions to qualify for help. Beneficiaries may also be eligible for Medicaid assistance, which is a state-run program that helps pay for medical costs if beneficiaries have a limited income. Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid; these people are called dual eligibles.
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