I am not collecting Social Security yet, so why is my first Medicare bill for three months at once and how am I supposed to pay it?

Question

Jeremy Harkins · Accepted Answer

If you are not collecting Social Security yet, Medicare has nothing to deduct your Part B premium from. So Medicare bills you directly.

For Part B, that bill is normally sent three months at a time. That is why the first bill can look much larger than expected. Medicare may also include earlier months of coverage on that first bill.

The bill is called a Medicare Premium Bill, or CMS-500, and you need to pay the total amount shown by the due date.

A good option is to sign up for Medicare Easy Pay, which automatically deducts your Medicare premium from your checking or savings account each month.

Just know that Easy Pay can take 6–8 weeks to start. So you may need to pay the first month or two — or the first quarterly bill — another way while Easy Pay is being set up. Do not assume signing up for Easy Pay means the current bill can be ignored.

You can make those initial payments through your Medicare.gov account, through your bank, or by mail.

Once Easy Pay starts, Medicare will normally deduct the premium monthly instead of you having to manage a larger three-month bill.

And once you begin receiving Social Security benefits, your Part B premium is generally deducted automatically from your Social Security payment.

So if that first bill surprises you, check which months it covers, pay what is currently due, and consider setting up Easy Pay for the months going forward.

June Anguiano · Answer

Since you are not drawing Social Security benefits, you are receiving the bill for your Medicare directly. Their billing cycle is quarterly. Medicare has several ways to pay through an auto draft from your bank account (Medicare Easy Pay), going to Medicare.gov to pay directly online, by mail if you like sending checks or money order, or you can go through your bank to set up the bill pay. Once you start drawing Social Security benefits, Medicare will automatically deduct your premiums from that.

Answered by June Anguiano on September 7, 2026

Broker Licensed in IL

Answered by June Anguiano Medicare Insurance Agent

Brianna Ford-Harris · Answer

Medicare can be a little bit tricky for those not getting Social Security right away but wanting Medicare benefits. Medicare will bill you in quarterly increments, and you are expected to pay premiums for each one of those months within the quarter. Medicare premium is mandatory and everyone has to pay this who is Medicare eligible. You can pay this online through Medicare.gov, have it direct pay through your bank account (like electronic funds transfer-EFT), mail in a paper check, money order, or cashier's check. This will be due by the 25th of the month when you do not receive Social Security benefits.

Answered by Brianna Ford-Harris on September 9, 2026

Agent Licensed in WA, AR, CA & 22 other states

Answered by Brianna Ford-Harris Medicare Insurance Agent

Alexus Perry · Answer

If you’re not collecting Social Security benefits yet, your Medicare Part B premium isn’t automatically deducted from a monthly benefit payment. Medicare generally bills you directly, and your first bill may include three months of premiums at once. You can pay your Medicare bill online, through your bank, by mail, or set up Medicare Easy Pay for automatic payments. A local, licensed Connie Health agent can also help you understand how Medicare premiums and billing work.

Answered by Madison Schoenherr on September 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in IL, IN & MI

Answered by Madison Schoenherr Medicare Insurance Agent

Madison Schoenherr · Answer

If you’re not collecting Social Security benefits yet, your Medicare Part B premium isn’t automatically deducted from a monthly benefit payment. Medicare generally bills you directly, and your first bill may include three months of premiums at once. You can pay your Medicare bill online, through your bank, by mail, or set up Medicare Easy Pay for automatic payments. A local, licensed Connie Health agent can also help you understand how Medicare premiums and billing work.

Answered by Madison Schoenherr on September 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in IL, IN & MI

I am not collecting Social Security yet, so why is my first Medicare bill for three months at once and how am I supposed to pay it?

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I am not collecting Social Security yet, so why is my first Medicare bill for three months at once and how am I supposed to pay it?

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