Skip to content
Content starts here
CLOSE ×
Search

What is a premium?


A premium is the monthly fee you pay to Medicare or a private insurance plan for your health care and your prescription drug plan.

You will need to pay premiums for Medicare Part B, which covers physician and outpatient services, and Part D, which covers prescription drugs. Most people do not pay premiums for Medicare Part A, which covers hospital, nursing home and some home health care services. If you sign up for Medicare Advantage, you may also have to pay a premium for that.

spinner image Image Alt Attribute

AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Join Now

Return to Medicare Q&A Tool main page >>

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Join AARP to Continue

Already a Member?