Can’t afford Medicare Part B? Check these options before cancelling

When premium assistance ends, the amount left for food and other essentials may change quickly. The first step is to understand the notice and the insurance you would have after any change. Avoid treating cancellation as a simple way to remove one bill without checking the coverage consequences.

Medicare’s enrollment guidance says you need both Part A and Part B for Medicare Advantage. A plan’s premium, if it charges one, is in addition to the Part B premium. Having an Advantage plan does not make Part B unnecessary.

If you are considering cancelling Part B, ask Social Security and the plan what that would mean for your enrollment and the date any change would take effect. Do not rely on a general social-media answer to decide which coverage to keep.

If you also have insurance through your own or a spouse’s job, bring the coverage details to the employer benefits office and a SHIP counselor. Explain whether coverage is based on current employment and whether you have Medicare because of age, disability or another circumstance. Ask how those facts and the employer’s size affect who pays first.

• Would the employer plan pay the way you expect if you did not have Part B?
• Could a change create a gap in medical or drug coverage?
• What enrollment rules would apply if you needed Part B later?
• What dates and documents should you keep, and which office should confirm the answers?

These are questions for an individual review. Do not assume that every employer policy removes the need for Part B, that later enrollment will always carry a penalty, or that it will always be penalty-free.

Medicare Savings Programs can help eligible people with Medicare costs. You apply through your state, which decides which program or programs you qualify for. Programs help with different costs; premium assistance and help with cost sharing are not interchangeable.

Medicare says some states use income and resource rules that are more generous than the federal limits shown on its website. Ask for a review even if a quick online calculation suggests you might not qualify. Neither your individual income alone nor the fact that you got married settles the household eligibility decision.

1. 1.Read the notice for the effective date, reason for the change and the program involved.
2. 2.Ask the state which household, income and resource information it used and how to correct an error.
3. 3.Ask whether you should be considered for another Medicare Savings Program or other assistance.
4. 4.If you disagree, ask about the review or appeal process and the deadline on your notice. Keep a copy and a record of your calls.

Federal Medicaid rules address what an agency notice must explain and opportunities to request a hearing. The linked rules are the official 2025 annual edition. Ask the responsible state office to confirm the process and deadline that apply now to your particular notice; this guide does not give a universal appeal deadline or promise that benefits will continue.

Tell the counselor which costs you are struggling to cover. Ask about local food-assistance resources if groceries are becoming difficult, and tell your treating team if the change could stop you from getting care. Each assistance program has its own rules; approval of one program does not decide another.

If a practical problem is getting in the way of medical care, explain what you cannot do and what help you have already tried. Community Health Integration (CHI) may help address unmet social needs that significantly limit a provider’s ability to diagnose or treat your medical problem. A benefits question by itself does not establish eligibility. The provider must assess the need, and a qualifying visit and your consent are required.

Navigate Care offers coordination by phone or video. A free introductory call lets us understand your situation and discuss whether our services fit. Provider visits and ongoing navigation are separate and may have costs. With Original Medicare, CHI has the Part B deductible and then 20% coinsurance; other coverage may reduce your share. We explain expected costs before you decide. Outside assistance programs have their own requirements and availability.