What you need to know about the Medicare Part B giveback.
When it comes to choosing a Medicare plan, you want great coverage at a price that works for you. Good news — many of our Medicare Advantage plans offer $0 premiums. Some may even put money back in your Social Security check each month if they include a Medicare Part B giveback.
Keep reading to learn more about this giveback.
What is a Medicare Part B giveback?
A giveback can put money back in your wallet each month. It’s like a rebate — you get money back just for being a member of the plan. This benefit can also be referred to as “Social Security giveback,” “Part B premium reduction,” “Part B giveback,” or even just “money back in your Social Security check.”
Who’s eligible?
Eligibility depends on where you live, as well as the type of Medicare coverage you have. To qualify for the giveback, you must:
- Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
- Pay your own premiums (if a state or local program is covering your premiums, you’re not eligible).
- Live in a service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.
You can check your eligibility by reviewing your plan’s Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage, which will list your giveback amount if you qualify.
How will I be reimbursed?
A giveback can cover anywhere from 10 cents up to $100 in 2023. The amount you receive, if any, will depend on your location and plan. The giveback can be applied to your Social Security check or — if you don’t currently receive Social Security benefits — directly to your Part B premium.
For example, say your Social Security check is $1,400 and you qualify for a $25 giveback. Once the giveback is applied, the amount deducted from your Social Security check for your Part B premium will be $25 lower. This will increase your Social Security check to $1,425. If you’re not collecting Social Security and you pay your Part B premium directly to Medicare, your monthly premium will simply be reduced by $25.
When will I get it?
If you’re eligible, you don’t have to do anything to activate your giveback; the monthly amount will be applied to your Social Security checks or Medicare Part B premium. However, if you recently switched to a new plan with a giveback, it could take a few months to kick in.
When it does, you’ll be reimbursed for each month you weren’t compensated since joining your new plan. Once you're enrolled in a plan with a Part B giveback, you'll receive the giveback amount monthly either in your Social Security check, or as a "discount" on your Part B premium.
Is it worth a switch?
If your current plan doesn’t include a giveback, you may be considering switching to a different plan that offers one. But keep in mind that a larger giveback doesn’t necessarily indicate a better plan. First and foremost, you should look for a cost-effective plan that covers:
- Your medications
- Preventive care
- In-network doctors, specialists, and pharmacists
- Any other benefits, like dental or vision, that are important to you
These services can come with high out-of-pockets costs, so a plan that doesn’t cover them won’t be worth it – even if it offers a large giveback. However, if you find a plan that checks all your boxes and includes a giveback, then the extra money each month is a bonus.
