Seven Million People with Medicare Spend More Than 10% of Income on Part B Premiums – The Reconciliation Bill Could Drive the Number Higher

(By Alex Cottrill, Juliette Cubanski, Tricia Neuman, and Karen Smith for The Kaiser Family Foundation Published: Jun 23, 2025)

Most people with Medicare are required to pay a monthly premium for enrollment in Medicare Part B, which provides coverage for physician visits and other outpatient services. In 2025, the standard Part B premium is $185 per month, up from $174.70 in 2024. People with relatively low incomes and limited financial resources can qualify for the Medicare Savings Programs, through which state Medicaid programs provide financial assistance with Medicare premiums and cost sharing. However, provisions in the GOP’s budget reconciliation bill currently moving through Congress would make it harder for people to enroll in these programs. The Congressional Budget Office estimates 1.3 million Medicare beneficiaries would lose access to these Medicaid benefits, meaning some low-income Medicare beneficiaries would lose Part B premium assistance. Many people with Medicare are facing a relatively high financial burden associated with paying Part B premiums, and the reconciliation bill could drive that number higher. Continue reading here…

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