What Is the Medicare Give Back Program?
Explore the Medicare Give Back Program, a benefit that can help reduce or eliminate your Medicare Part B premium through specific Advantage plans.
The Medicare Give Back Program is a benefit offered by specific Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans that can reduce or eliminate Medicare Part B premiums. It is a feature provided by private insurance companies, not a standalone government initiative, designed to help beneficiaries manage healthcare costs by offsetting their monthly Part B premium.
How the Program Works
When a private insurer can provide Medicare Part A and Part B services for less than the amount Medicare pays them per enrollee, they can use the difference as a rebate. This rebate can then be used to fund additional benefits, reduce cost-sharing, or provide a “give back” to enrollees by lowering their Medicare Part B premium.
The “give back” amount varies significantly by plan, insurer, and geographic location. Some plans may offer a reduction of a few dollars, while others might cover a substantial portion or even the entirety of the Part B premium, which is $179.80 per month in 2025. If a beneficiary receives Social Security benefits, the Part B premium reduction appears as a credit, increasing their monthly Social Security check. For those who do not receive Social Security benefits, the give back results in a lower monthly bill directly from Medicare for their Part B premium.
Who Qualifies
To be eligible for the Medicare Give Back Program, an individual must be enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and pay their own Medicare Part B premium. Those receiving assistance for their Part B premium from other sources, such as Medicaid or Medicare Savings Programs, generally do not qualify, as their premium is already covered.
Qualification also depends on residing within the service area of a Medicare Advantage plan that offers this benefit. Not all plans offer a Part B premium reduction, and availability varies significantly by zip code and county. There are no income limitations or other financial criteria for the give back, as it is a plan benefit rather than a needs-based assistance program.
Finding and Enrolling in a Plan
To find a Medicare Advantage plan offering a Part B premium reduction, individuals need to actively search for plans available in their specific zip code. The official Medicare Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov is a primary resource for comparing plans. When using this tool, look for “Part B premium reduction” or “give back” listed within the plan details, often under the premiums section.
Individuals can also contact private insurance providers directly or consult with licensed insurance brokers specializing in Medicare plans. These professionals can help identify plans in a specific area that include the Part B give back feature. It is important to compare all aspects of a plan, including deductibles, copays, and provider networks, rather than focusing solely on the premium reduction.
Enrollment into a Medicare Advantage plan generally occurs during specific periods. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, with coverage becoming effective on January 1 of the following year. Individuals can also enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) when they first become eligible for Medicare. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) may also apply for certain life events, such as moving or losing other coverage, allowing changes outside of the standard enrollment windows. Once enrolled in a qualifying plan, the premium reduction is typically applied automatically, though it may take one to three months for the change to reflect in Social Security checks or direct premium bills.