Yes, you can have your Medicare Advantage (Part C) premiums deducted from your Social Security check, but it's not automatic and requires you to contact your plan provider to set it up; otherwise, you pay the plan directly, while your standard Part B premium is typically deducted automatically if you receive Social Security benefits.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan monthly premiums, go directly to your private insurance company. You may be able to have your Medicare Advantage Part C premium deducted from your Social Security benefit. This isn't automatic.
If you prefer Medicare Advantage or Part D, you can make those selections after signing up through Social Security. Managing premiums: If you receive Social Security when you enroll in Medicare, Part B premiums are automatically deducted from monthly Social Security benefits.
There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.
Most people don't get a bill from Medicare because they get these premiums deducted automatically from their Social Security (or Railroad Retirement Board) benefit.) Your bill pays for next month's coverage (and future months if you get the bill every 3 months).
Deductions from a Social Security check primarily include voluntary Medicare Part B premiums, court-ordered payments (child support, alimony), repayment for Social Security overpayments, and sometimes federal taxes or a portion for government debt; if you're still working, earning above limits can also reduce your benefit, and an offset can occur if you also receive workers' compensation.
If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan you'll still have Medicare, but you'll get most of your Part A and Part B coverage from your Medicare Advantage Plan, not Original Medicare.
Here are some of the biggest Medicare mistakes to avoid:
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are often marketed as a low-cost, high-benefit alternative to Original Medicare, but the reality is far more complex. While some enrollees may benefit from lower premiums and extra perks, the hidden costs, restricted access to care, and frequent claim denials can leave seniors worse off.
If you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without a drug plan) within the first 3 months you have Medicare Part A & Part B.
There are four key disadvantages of choosing a Medicare Advantage plan versus original Medicare:
Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C):
Deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments vary based on which plan you join. Plans also have a yearly limit on what you pay out-of-pocket. Once you pay the plan's limit, the plan pays 100% for covered health services for the rest of the year.
Part B (Medical Insurance)
Covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. premium deducted automatically from their Social Security benefit payment (or Railroad Retirement Board benefit payment).
For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium deducted from most Social Security checks is $202.90 per month, with higher premiums for higher incomes and a separate annual deductible of $283; some beneficiaries pay less due to the hold harmless rule. Your exact amount depends on your income from two years prior, and you'll also pay 20% coinsurance for most services after meeting the deductible.
You can avoid paying Medicare Part B premiums by delaying enrollment if you have creditable employer coverage (your own or spouse's job with 20+ employees) until that coverage ends (within 8 months to avoid penalties), or by qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to have state/federal funds pay for it due to low income. Other ways to save include using HSA funds, appealing high Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) for life changes, or enrolling on time during your Initial Enrollment Period.
Of course, no Medicare Advantage plan is really $0 cost. You may still pay deductibles and copays for covered services, and you'll still have to pay the Part B premium. But depending on your own personal healthcare needs, a Medicare Advantage plan may be worth it for the added benefits.