--- title: "How to Sign Up for Medicare Part B & Pay the Bill" description: "Learn how to enroll in Medicare Part B, when Social Security bills you directly, and how to pay your premium without mistakes." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/blog/how-to-sign-up-for-medicare-part-b-pay-bill#article", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/blog/how-to-sign-up-for-medicare-part-b-pay-bill" }, "headline": "How to Sign Up for Medicare Part B and Pay Your Bill When You're Not Receiving Social Security", "alternativeHeadline": "How to Sign Up for Medicare Part B and Pay Your Bill When You're Not Receiving Social Security", "description": "Learn how to enroll in Medicare Part B, when Social Security bills you directly, and how to pay your premium without mistakes.", "image": [ "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/favicon-dia-preview.png" ], "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Tyler Dalton", "jobTitle": "Licensed Medicare Advisor", "telephone": "+1-334-489-3624", "url": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/tyler-dalton-author", "affiliation": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Dalton Insurance Agency" } }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Dalton Insurance Agency", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/favicon-dia-preview.png" }, "url": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com" }, "datePublished": "2026-03-10T00:00:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-03-11T15:44:28.319718+00:00", "articleSection": "Medicare Education", "keywords": "Medicare Education, Medicare, Annual Enrollment Period, Medicare Advantage, Alabama", "inLanguage": "en", "wordCount": 1232, "articleBody": "Most people assume Medicare happens automatically at 65. 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[Home ](/) 2. [Blog](/blog) 3. [Medicare Education]() 4. How to Sign Up for Medicare Part B and Pay Your Bill When You're Not Receiving Social Security [Back to Blog](/blog) March 10, 2026 8 min read Tyler Dalton # How to Sign Up for Medicare Part B and Pay Your Bill When You're Not Receiving Social Security If you haven't started Social Security yet, Medicare won't happen automatically at 65. Learn exactly how to sign up for Part B and pay your quarterly premium — step by step. Share this article [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-sign-up-for-medicare-part-b-pay-bill)[Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-sign-up-for-medicare-part-b-pay-bill&description=How%20to%20Sign%20Up%20for%20Medicare%20Part%20B%20and%20Pay%20Your%20Bill%20When%20You're%20Not%20Receiving%20Social%20Security)[Text](sms:?body=How%20to%20Sign%20Up%20for%20Medicare%20Part%20B%20and%20Pay%20Your%20Bill%20When%20You're%20Not%20Receiving%20Social%20Security%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-sign-up-for-medicare-part-b-pay-bill)[Email](mailto:?subject=How%20to%20Sign%20Up%20for%20Medicare%20Part%20B%20and%20Pay%20Your%20Bill%20When%20You're%20Not%20Receiving%20Social%20Security&body=I%20thought%20you%20might%20find%20this%20helpful%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-sign-up-for-medicare-part-b-pay-bill)Copy Link[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-sign-up-for-medicare-part-b-pay-bill)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-sign-up-for-medicare-part-b-pay-bill&text=How%20to%20Sign%20Up%20for%20Medicare%20Part%20B%20and%20Pay%20Your%20Bill%20When%20You're%20Not%20Receiving%20Social%20Security) Most people assume Medicare happens automatically at 65. For many it does — but **not if you haven't started collecting Social Security yet**. If that's you, you must actively sign up and then pay your Part B premium directly to Medicare each quarter. This guide walks you through every step. ## Why Automatic Enrollment Doesn't Apply to You When you collect Social Security benefits at least 4 months before turning 65, the government automatically enrolls you in Medicare Parts A and B and deducts the premium from your monthly check. Simple. But automatic enrollment does **NOT** happen if any of these apply: - You haven't applied for Social Security retirement benefits yet - You're delaying Social Security past 65 to earn delayed retirement credits - You receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) only — SSI alone does not trigger Medicare enrollment - You're still on an active employer group health plan - You live outside the U.S. — residents of Puerto Rico and foreign countries must actively elect Part B #### 💡 Key Takeaway If you're not receiving Social Security, you must proactively sign up for Medicare and pay your Part B premium quarterly by bill — it won't be withheld automatically from any check. ## Know Your Enrollment Window — Timing Is Everything Missing your window can trigger a **permanent late penalty** added to your premium for life. Three windows apply depending on your situation: ### Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — 7 Months Your IEP centers on your 65th birthday month. It starts 3 months before your birthday month and ends 3 months after. **⭐ Best move:** Sign up in the 3 months BEFORE your birthday month — coverage starts Day 1 of your birthday month. Wait until your birthday month and coverage shifts to the following month. ### Special Enrollment Period (SEP) Covered by an active employer plan past 65? You get an **8-month SEP** starting the month your employer coverage ends. No late penalty applies if you enroll in this window. ### General Enrollment Period (GEP) Missed your IEP and don't qualify for SEP? You can enroll **January 1 – March 31** each year. Coverage begins July 1 — and a late penalty will apply. #### ⚠️ The Part B Late Enrollment Penalty — It's Permanent Your premium increases **10% for every 12 months** you were eligible but didn't enroll. It lasts for life. Delay Monthly Premium Extra Annual Cost No delay **$202.90/mo** $0 1-year delay **$223.19/mo** +$243/yr 2-year delay **$243.48/mo** +$486/yr 3-year delay **$263.77/mo** +$730/yr _Based on 2026 standard premium of $202.90/month. Penalty persists for as long as you have Part B._ ## How to Sign Up: Your Three Options All Medicare Part A and B enrollments go through the [Social Security Administration (SSA.gov)](https://www.ssa.gov/medicare) — not Medicare directly. Pick the option that works best for you: ### Option 1: Online at SSA.gov Fastest option. Takes 10–15 minutes. Available 24/7. Apply for Medicare Only — no need to claim retirement benefits. ### Option 2: Call SSA Call **1-800-772-1213** (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday–Friday, 8am–7pm local time. ### Option 3: Visit an SSA Office Find your office at SSA.gov/locator. Make an appointment. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of health coverage. ## Enrolling After Employer Coverage Ends (SEP) If you're using the Special Enrollment Period because your employer plan is ending, follow these steps: 1. **Apply online or call SSA** — The online SEP application is available at SSA.gov when ending job-based coverage. 2. **Get Form CMS-L564 from your employer** — Request Employment Information form. Your employer verifies your prior coverage dates. If they can't complete it, fill out Section B yourself and attach proof of coverage. 3. **Submit to your local SSA office** — Fax or mail the completed CMS-L564 to your local office. 4. **Watch for your Medicare card** — You'll receive a welcome package with your red, white, and blue Medicare card before your coverage start date. ## 2026 Part B Premium & IRMAA Brackets The **2026 standard Part B premium is $202.90/month** (up $17.90 from 2025). The **annual deductible is $283** (up $26 from 2025). If your income exceeds certain thresholds, you'll pay more through the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount ([IRMAA](/calculators/irmaa)). For 2026, IRMAA is based on your 2024 federal tax return: 2024 Individual Income 2024 MFJ Income 2026 Monthly Premium Annual Cost $109,000 or less $218,000 or less **$202.90** $2,434.80 $109,001 – $137,000 $218,001 – $274,000 **$284.10** $3,409.20 $137,001 – $171,000 $274,001 – $342,000 **$405.80** $4,869.60 $171,001 – $206,000 $342,001 – $412,000 **$527.50** $6,330.00 $206,001 – $500,000 $412,001 – $750,000 **$649.20** $7,790.40 Above $500,000 Above $750,000 **$689.90** $8,278.80 #### 📋 About Your First Bill Your first CMS-500 quarterly bill may cover 3 or 4 months depending on when your birthday falls in the billing cycle. At the standard premium, a 4-month first bill would be $811.60. This is normal and gets you onto the regular quarterly schedule. ## 4 Ways to Pay Your Part B Bill Medicare will mail you a quarterly CMS-500 bill. You have four payment options: ### 🔄 Medicare Easy Pay (Autopay) — Recommended Set up recurring automatic withdrawals from your bank account each month. Enroll online at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. **Never miss a payment.** ### 🌐 Medicare.gov Account Log in at Medicare.gov/account/login to pay by debit card, credit card, or bank account. View bill history and payment status anytime. ### 🏦 Bank Online Bill Pay Add "Medicare Premium Collection Center" as a payee in your bank's online system. Schedule payments from checking or savings. ### ✉️ Mail a Check Make payable to "Medicare Premium Collection Center." Write your Medicare number on the check. Mail to the address on your CMS-500 bill. #### ⚠️ Don't Skip a Payment If you miss a payment, Medicare can terminate your Part B coverage. Re-enrolling means waiting until January–March of the following year with coverage not starting until July — plus a permanent late penalty. **One missed bill can cost you thousands.** Set up autopay the day you enroll. ## What Happens When You Eventually Start Social Security? Once you begin collecting Social Security retirement benefits, SSA will automatically switch your Part B premium to a monthly deduction from your Social Security check. The quarterly CMS-500 billing will stop. You don't need to do anything — it happens automatically when SSA processes your retirement application. ## Your Quick-Reference Checklist - ✅ Sign up 3 months before your 65th birthday through [SSA.gov](https://www.ssa.gov/medicare), phone, or in person - ✅ If ending employer coverage, submit Form CMS-L564 with proof of prior coverage - ✅ Watch for your Medicare welcome package and red, white & blue card in the mail - ✅ Expect your first CMS-500 quarterly bill — may cover 3 or 4 months - ✅ Set up Medicare Easy Pay (autopay) immediately to avoid coverage loss - ✅ Check your [IRMAA bracket](/calculators/irmaa) if your 2024 income exceeded $109,000 individual / $218,000 MFJ - ✅ When you start Social Security, billing shifts automatically to monthly withholding ### Still Have Questions About Medicare Part B? Navigating enrollment windows, IRMAA brackets, and [supplement plan options](/medicare-supplement) can be complicated. Our licensed Medicare advisors are here to help — at no cost to you. [Book a Free Consultation](/appointments) **Or call us: [(334) 489-3624](tel:+13344893624)** _**Sources:** Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS.gov), Social Security Administration (SSA.gov), Medicare.gov. Premium and IRMAA figures reflect 2026 rates released by CMS on November 14, 2025. IRMAA brackets based on 2024 federal tax return income._ _**Disclaimer:** This content is for educational purposes only. Dalton Insurance Agency is not affiliated with the federal government or the Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 10 organizations which offer 450 products. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options._ Share this article [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-sign-up-for-medicare-part-b-pay-bill)[Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-sign-up-for-medicare-part-b-pay-bill&description=How%20to%20Sign%20Up%20for%20Medicare%20Part%20B%20and%20Pay%20Your%20Bill%20When%20You're%20Not%20Receiving%20Social%20Security)[Text](sms:?body=How%20to%20Sign%20Up%20for%20Medicare%20Part%20B%20and%20Pay%20Your%20Bill%20When%20You're%20Not%20Receiving%20Social%20Security%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-sign-up-for-medicare-part-b-pay-bill)[Email](mailto:?subject=How%20to%20Sign%20Up%20for%20Medicare%20Part%20B%20and%20Pay%20Your%20Bill%20When%20You're%20Not%20Receiving%20Social%20Security&body=I%20thought%20you%20might%20find%20this%20helpful%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-sign-up-for-medicare-part-b-pay-bill)Copy Link[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-sign-up-for-medicare-part-b-pay-bill)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-sign-up-for-medicare-part-b-pay-bill&text=How%20to%20Sign%20Up%20for%20Medicare%20Part%20B%20and%20Pay%20Your%20Bill%20When%20You're%20Not%20Receiving%20Social%20Security) ![Tyler Dalton, Medicare advisor at Dalton Insurance Agency](/assets/tyler-headshot-DgKnxokr.jpg) ## About the Author Tyler Dalton Licensed Medicare Advisor Tyler Dalton is a licensed Medicare advisor specializing in helping seniors navigate Medicare enrollment and coverage options. With expertise in Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans,Tyler provides personalized guidance to help you find the best coverage for your needs. [View Full Bio →](/about/tyler-dalton) ## Join Our Free Medicare 101 Webinar Learn everything you need to know about Medicare in our comprehensive educational webinar. Perfect for those new to Medicare or reviewing their options. [Sign Up for Free Webinar →](https://go.daltoninsurance.biz) ## Need Personalized Guidance? Our licensed Medicare advisors are here to help you navigate your coverage options. Schedule a free consultation today. [Schedule Free Consultation](/#contact) ## Get Medicare Tips Delivered to Your Inbox Join 5,000+ Alabama seniors receiving expert Medicare guidance and updates. Plus, get our free Medicare Enrollment Checklist PDF when you subscribe. Subscribe Free 🔒 We never share your information. Unsubscribe anytime. ## Continue Reading [ Mar 12, 2026 • 10 min read ### Does Medicare Cover Diabetes? Everything You Need to Know A healthcare expert breaks down exactly what Medicare covers for diabetes — supplies, medications, testing, and more. Learn which plan is best for diabetic seniors. Read article→ ](/blog/does-medicare-cover-diabetes) In This Article - [What Medicare Covers for Diabetes](#what-medicare-covers) - [Insulin, CGMs, and Supplies](#insulin-cgms-supplies) - [Costs and Gaps](#costs-gaps) - [How to Get Help](#get-help) Related Resources - [Medicare Supplement Plan G vs N](/blog/plan-g-vs-n-alabama) - [What Is IRMAA?](/blog/what-is-irmaa) - [Working Past 65 & Medicare](/blog/working-past-65) - [Turning 65 Checklist](/blog/turning-65-checklist) Contact Us 📞 (334) 489-3624 ✉️ tyler@daltoninsurance.biz 📍 221 E South Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 🕒 Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM ⭐ Lifetime Support: Once you are our client, you are our client for life⭐ ### Dalton Insurance Your trusted Medicare & Wealth advisors. 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