I'm healthy and barely use my coverage, but I'm still paying more every year. Why isn't there a discount for people like me?
Answered by 64 licensed agents
Answered by Valentina Gatewood on April 15, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, ID & NJ
Answered by Gary Church on September 5, 2025
Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX
On Medigap policies some give discounts based on family status and other factors.
If you are on Medicaid also, you may get your part b premium waved
Answered by Mike Alexander on December 22, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 16 other states
Answered by Mark Bilgere on November 6, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK
I personally have a Medicare Advantage plan. Generally it cost my less per year than a Medicare supplement and a PDP. That will increase annually 5% or better.
Answered by Daniel Brechin on August 25, 2025
Agent Licensed in AL, FL, KY, MS & TN
Answered by Terri Reagin on July 7, 2025
Broker Licensed in OK, AR, CO & 6 other states
Answered by Ronnie Robinson Jr on September 17, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, GA & 9 other states
Medicare is community-rated: Especially for Part B and many Medigap plans, premiums are set based on broader risk pools—not your individual usage. Everyone pays in to help cover the collective cost of care, regardless of how often they use services.
Healthcare costs are rising: Annual increases in premiums, deductibles, and drug costs are tied to inflation in healthcare spending, not personal health.
Preventive focus: Medicare’s goal is to encourage preventive care and catch issues early—even for those who feel healthy now—so the system still encourages regular check-ins and coverage.
What You Can Do
Even though there’s no official discount for being low-risk, here are some smart strategies:
Consider a high-deductible Medigap plan (like Plan G High Deductible): You pay less in premiums and only pay more if/when you need care.
Look into Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans: Many offer low or even $0 premiums and may fit your needs if you rarely visit the doctor—but make sure to understand network and cost structures.
Review your drug coverage yearly: If you don’t take many prescriptions, you might be overpaying for a Part D plan.
Check for programs or rebates: Some Advantage plans offer “give-backs” or reimburse a portion of your Part B premium—great for low-utilizers like you.
Steven Graves
Answered by Steven Graves on July 1, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX
Answered by Misty Bolt on May 12, 2025
Agent Licensed in TN, AL, AR & 46 other states
Answered by Cheri Rogers on February 22, 2026
Broker Licensed in NM & TX
Answered by Kate Spilsbury on October 20, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, CA & 7 other states
Answered by Mark Garrett on January 19, 2026
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 19 other states
That's why having insurance is very much needed to avoid/reduce any financial crisis during your life.
Answered by Mark Sannes on March 5, 2026
Broker Licensed in WA, AK, AZ & 11 other states
Answered by Marc Rheingold on March 16, 2026
Broker Licensed in FL, MI, NC & SC
Good question. Unfortunatly, the cost of your health plan is not based on what your health is currently. Its is based on the cost of services amongst a large group of people. Hopefully this helps answer your question.
Answered by Sean Cusack on July 29, 2025
Broker Licensed in WA, CA, ID & OR
Answered by Isom Julian on May 19, 2026
Broker Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 9 other states
Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ
Premiums can be increased over time because of several factors, including:
1) Risk Pooling - premiums of many individuals, both healthy and unhealthy, are pooled together to cover the healthcare costs of everyone in the group.
2) Rising healthcare costs, inflation, and administrative costs.
Discounts for healthy people are not allowed because of adverse selection. Insurance companies are not allowed to discriminate or offer extra benefits to anyone.
Answered by Diana Garner on May 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in KY, FL, IN, OH & TN
Answered by Michael Pyers on June 19, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH & MI
at texting. You do have the option to contact me if you choose, and I would be honored to
communicate with you if you do. Who knows, we might just have a valuable conversation.
Answered by Frank Carta on March 16, 2026
Broker Licensed in MI
Answered by Yasmery Vargas on November 29, 2025
Agent Licensed in PA
Risk is shared across all beneficiaries, so people who are healthy help balance costs for those who need more care.
Medicare must stay affordable and predictable, so premiums aren’t based on individual health or usage.
Federal law prevents health-based pricing, unlike some private insurance.
Answered by Kris Moen on December 24, 2025
Agent Licensed in ND
Robert Baez
Licensed Trusted Advisor
Contact me.
Answered by Robert Baez on October 18, 2025
Agent Licensed in IL, AZ, FL, OH & TX
Answered by Marnie Applegate on October 2, 2025
Agent Licensed in TN, AL, GA & TX
Plans that contain a Part B Premium Reduction are more and more popular every year, and in my experience, most people haven't even heard of them until they talk to someone like me.
Depending on your service area and plan availability, there are Medicare Advantage plans that provide a reduction in what their members pay toward their Part B premium each month. Most of these plans do not carry an extra premium, and they can and do reduce the Part B responsibility every single month for as long as the member stays in the plan, remains eligible, and continues to be enrolled into Medicare A & B.
It's not a one-time "gift." It doesn't hit your tax return. It's just... steady and awesome premium reduction every month for as long as the plan is enrolled, you stay eligible (meaning you're enrolled in Medicare Parts A&B and the state you live in isn't paying your Part B premium for you, such as Medicaid), and the benefit is included.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly at the contact information in my profile, if you'd like to review your own service area options, and to explore the possibilities in more depth with someone whose favorite thing is to give Medicare beneficiaries information on how to get more for what they already pay for.
Answered by Erlynne (Elle) Massie on October 10, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ, AK, AL & 48 other states
Answered by Michael Wallner on December 2, 2025
Agent Licensed in DE, MD & NY
Answered by Melanie Rogers on April 16, 2026
Agent Licensed in FL, GA, OH & TX
Answered by Juan Osborn on September 19, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, CO, GA & 9 other states
Answered by Jeffrey Adams on February 23, 2026
Agent Licensed in MO, AR, AZ & 13 other states
That being said, there are ways to reduce overall costs for those of you who stay very healthy. For example, some Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums. The question then is whether a $0 premium plan has the benefits, coverage, and access to providers that you want. It’s also important to note that, even with a $0 premium, these plans often have copays, deductibles, and/or out-of-pocket maximums.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are a bit different in that you pay a monthly premium but have very predictable costs and nationwide access to any provider who takes Medicare.
The “right” plan for each person depends a lot on their health, budget, and preferences. I’d be glad to look at your current plan and compare it to the options available in your area to see if there is a better fit for you.
Answered by Marsha Webster on September 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in MI, IN, OH & TX
Risk Pooling: Health insurance operates on the principle of risk pooling. This means that the premiums paid by all insured individuals contribute to a fund that covers the healthcare expenses of those who need it. Healthy individuals subsidize the costs for those who are less healthy.
Community Rating: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires community rating. This means that insurance companies generally cannot charge individuals different premiums based on their health status or pre-existing conditions.
Age: Age is a factor in determining premiums. Older individuals generally pay more because they are statistically more likely to have health issues and require more healthcare services.
Inflation and Healthcare Costs: Healthcare costs have consistently increased due to factors like the rising prices of medical services, prescription drugs, and technology.
Coverage and Benefits: The scope of coverage and the benefits offered by a health insurance plan also affect the premium costs. Plans with more comprehensive benefits tend to have higher premiums.
Cost-Sharing: Plans have cost-sharing features like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. These require the insured to pay a portion of their healthcare costs, which affects the overall premium.
It's important to note that, while a healthy individual may feel they are subsidizing others, the system is designed to spread risk and ensure access to care for everyone.
Answered by Fred Manas on May 14, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states
Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on August 3, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states
Give me a call at 737-530 -4626 pick option two. That is my direct number and if I'm busy leave a message and I'll call you back
Answered by Gary Henderson on April 10, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states
You could consider getting onto a Medicare advantage plan where you pay your part B monthly (required) and only pay as you go to seek medical care.
Answered by Carol Thompson on June 20, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, LA, MI & NC, SC, VA & WI
Answered by Mark Boone on July 30, 2025
Agent Licensed in MN, FL, MI & NC, OH, SC & VA
Follow-up questions are needed to address your concerns. A generic answer will not suffice.
Please contact me.
I will be happy to assist you
Answered by Marcie Barnes on September 19, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states
Answered by Suzanne Lamperti on April 16, 2025
Broker Licensed in MD
Answered by Todd Bostic on July 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 12 other states
Because Medicare Advantage Plans don't have any monthly premiums, but if your on a Medicare Supplement Plan, you will have a monthly premium and the cost will continued to increase every year. So call me and I can find out and help.
Answered by Michael Kim on January 5, 2026
Agent Licensed in NV, AR, AZ & 18 other states
If you're concerned about your Medicare costs, here are some recommendations:
1. Review your income and consider strategies to manage it to potentially reduce IRMAA.
2. Contact Medicare or a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for assistance.
3. Explore Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) if you have limited income and resources.
4. Consider private options like Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) or Medigap plans to help manage out-of-pocket expenses.
Answered by Linda Davies on June 18, 2025
Agent Licensed in IL
Answered by Jeffrey Sodikoff on October 15, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL
Answered by Andre Cabral on April 16, 2025
Agent Licensed in NJ
I explain all the options and risks both medically and financially so you can make an educared decision.
Answered by Robert Remin on May 19, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, FL & NJ
Options for you maybe to change your coverage type. You may want to try a high-deductible plan. Some plans offer a household discount, and you most assuredly want to compare plans annually for a plan with a lower premium, but same benefits.
With good health you are already a winner!
👏🏾
Answered by Lillian Hill on November 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH, CO, GA & MI
Instead of looking for a discount plan, lets find a plan that's going to address your needs and your budget so there are no surprises you're stuck with for the next year. Lets have a no cost conversation around Oct. 1st. so that we can find the right plan for you.
Answered by William Scott on June 30, 2025
Broker Licensed in GA, CO, NC, OH, SC & TX
The short answer is mostly my opinion and nothing I have empirical support for.
Medicare insurance is a social program which analyzes costs for treatment by age, gender and tobacco use.
In short, the healthy use fewer services or treatments and as such have fewer claims and costs for care.
The savings are spread out among the population to make services and treatments more affordable for those who have fewer resources for paying for care.
Answered by William Murray on March 23, 2026
Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 31 other states
I can help compare the various options to find the best option for each of my clients, at no cost for my services.
Answered by Al Saponar on July 7, 2025
Broker Licensed in IL, KS, MN, MO & NV
If you're healthy and barely using your coverage, my suggestion would be looking into an advantage plan with a heartbeat buyback. Companies offer plans with buybacks as high as $174.90 on your heartbeat. They include vision, dental, hearing, and over-the-counter benefits. I mean, you're not paying into that heartbeat. Be it that maybe you're on a supplement, especially if people got in during open enrollment. You're in the same boat as them because it's really just a lottery, and everyone pays the same rate regardless of health conditions, etc. Especially if you get in during open enrollment, unfortunately, your premium is going to be the same as theirs, be it healthy or not. What I would look into, as mentioned, would be a heartbeat buyback, which is really designed around folks such as yourself that aren't in and out of the doctor. That's one way to alleviate the financial end of it. Anyways, that would be my suggestion. Hopefully, that helps.
Answered by Dennis Sullivan on August 5, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL
Also, some Medicare Supplement plans give household discounts, whereas Medicare Advantage plans don't.
Answered by Elizabeth Henderson on October 29, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, CA & 11 other states
Please consult a broker agent to get more customized advise suitable for you in your case.
Answered by Shahnaz Razvi on November 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in MI, AK, AL & 48 other states
That being said there are different plan options available to people. Some supplement plans have lower premiums, Medicare advantage plans are usually low premiums and some Medicare advantage plans can give money back on your part b premium!
It's best to talk with a broker (like myself) and see what is best for you and your individual needs.
Answered by Dominic Colonero on October 16, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ & IL
Answered by Rachael Metcalf on April 10, 2025
Agent Licensed in TN, FL, GA & 5 other states
Answered by Deborah Lee on August 4, 2025
Broker Licensed in WI, FL, IA & MN
You’re definitely not the only one who feels this way.
Health insurance, including Medicare, works a bit like a big shared backup fund. Everyone pays in so that if someone has an accident or a serious illness, there’s money there to cover those big bills. Since none of us can truly predict the future, the costs are spread out across all members, not just the people using care right now.
The upside is that people like you, who take good care of their health, help keep the overall costs from climbing even faster. Each year I go over coverage with my clients to see if there’s a plan that fits how they actually use care, so they’re not paying for more than they currently need.
Answered by Mila Grayevsky on March 16, 2026
Broker Licensed in NY, FL, NC, NJ & TX
Answered by Lesley Paul on May 6, 2026
Agent Licensed in FL
However there are a couple options to save money on premiums if you are not using your policy that much. One option is to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that has a "Part B Giveback" that would help offset the Part B monthly premium that you are being charged.
If you are in a medicare supplement (medigap) plan and want to continue in a supplement plan, rather than enrolling in a medicare advantage plan, you could look into the possibility of switching to different carrier or a different plan with a lower premium and a little less coverage, depending on what state you are in.
Feel free to contact me if you would like more information or clarification.
Answered by Eric Jensen on August 25, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, CA & 8 other states
Answered by Dionisio Guillermo on May 30, 2025
Agent Licensed in HI
Whether you have a Medicare Supplement plan or a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s extremely important to work with a broker who takes the time to do a thorough comparison. I meet with clients every day who think they have a great plan—until we sit down and go over the details. That’s when the surprises start. Often, they’re shocked by what their current broker never told them, or just plain confused about the fine print.
If you have a few minutes, I’d love to do a no-cost, no-obligation comparison for you. It won’t cost you anything, and it might just save you a lot.
contact me anytime — I’m here to help.
David Alelishvili
Answered by David Alelishvili on April 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in NY & NJ
Answered by Maria Pantall on December 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in IN & MI
Answered by Ceranes Lejulus on April 10, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 21 other states
Answered by Chelsea Reeves on December 29, 2025
Agent Licensed in GA & MS
Answered by Todd Poe on April 9, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 30 other states
Answered by Michael Claunch on April 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in TN
Answered by Samuel Dickson on January 26, 2026
Broker Licensed in NY
Tags: The Medicare System
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