The Medicare Giveback benefit, or Part B premium reduction plan, is an attractive option for many people on Medicare. Offered by some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, this program is designed to cover some – or all – of your Medicare Part B monthly premium ($185 in 2025).

However, not all plans offer this benefit, and not all plans are available in all zip codes. Read on for more information about the Part B Giveback program, who qualifies, and how to find the best plan for you.

What is the Medicare Part B Giveback Program?

The Medicare Part B Giveback program is a benefit offered by some Medicare Advantage (MA) plans that reduces the amount you pay for your Medicare Part B premium.

Most Medicare beneficiaries have the standard Part B premium automatically taken out of their Social Security benefits each month. Even if you join an MA plan, you still must pay the Part B premium. However, if you choose an MA plan with a Giveback benefit, the insurance company covers part or all of this cost, which means you’ll have a little more money in your Social Security check each month.

Note not all plans offer this benefit: In 2025, only 32% of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans will offer some reduction of the Part B premium (though this is higher than the share in 2024, which was 19%). And, the amount the premium is reduced by varies by plan. They plan may cover a little, a lot, or even all of the premium.

How do Medicare Part B giveback programs work?

The important thing to know about the Giveback benefit is that you don't get any money back, you just pay a reduced amount. Therefore, you're saving what you're not paying.

For example, say your Social Security check is $1,200 and the standard $185 is deducted for your Part B premium. This leaves you with $1,015 per month. If you enroll in a MA plan offering a $50 Giveback benefit, only $135 will be deducted for Part B. Your Social Security check will increase to $1,060, giving you an extra $50 each month.

For those beneficiaries who pay via check or a different way, the benefit would be credited to their monthly statement. They wouldn’t technically get money back, they would just owe less.

Again, how much your premium is reduced by varies form plan to plan. For example, among plans that offer a monthly reduction in the Part B premium, 28% are offering a monthly reduction of $100 or more, 25% are offering a reduction of $50.01 to $100, 17% are offering a reduction of $10.01 to $50, and 30% are offering a monthly reduction of $10 or less.

Who qualifies for the Medicare giveback program?

You can qualify for the Giveback program if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that provides the benefit. It's important to know that not all plans offer this program, and you must be enrolled in a qualifying plan in order to get the benefit.

Beneficiaries who have Medicare Part A and Part B can join a Medicare Advantage plan if they also:

• Live in the service area of the plan they want to join
• Are a U.S. citizen or legal resident who has lived here for at least 5 years

Not all Medicare Advantage plans are available in all areas. Most plans have a designated service area, or specific cities or zip codes, where they offer coverage. You must live within that service area in order to enroll in that plan. If you live in another state for part of the year, or are curious about a plan's service area, contact the plan directly.

How to find a plan that offers the giveback program

To find a plan, you can use our Find a Plan tool. In the Plan Details, under the "premiums" section, look for plans that have a "Part B premium reduction" listed. The amount shown is how much the premium Giveback amount is.

Even if you find a plan that offers the Giveback program, it's important to compare other factors as well: Just because a plan has a Giveback program doesn’t mean it has all of the other benefits and coverage you need.

When choosing a MA plan, other items to consider include:

• Benefits: Medicare Advantage plans offer everything Medicare does and more, like vision coverage, routine dental services, fitness memberships, hearing aids, and more. Look at the benefits each plan offers and services they cover. Are they what you need? More than you need? That's important, too, if it's raising the cost of your plan.
• Out-of-pocket costs: Compare co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles, maximum out-of-pocket costs, in- and out-of-network costs, and monthly premiums. Every plan's costs are different, and even though you may be able to save some on your Part B premium with the Giveback plan, you must consider the other costs associated with the plan in case they outweigh the Part B savings.
• Covered prescription drugs: Most Medicare Advantage plans provide Part D prescription drug coverage. Look through the drug formulary, or list of covered drugs, to ensure any prescription drugs you have or think you may need are covered. Also look at the co-pays associated with the drug tiers.
• Provider network: Not all plans cover all providers. Most have a provider network, which outlines in-network providers, hospitals, pharmacies, and other medical facilities that are covered. Any services received at out-of-network providers will have higher out-of-pocket costs. Make sure your current providers and facilities are in-network.

These are just a few factors to consider when comparing plans. Take time to carefully compare plans in your zip code and all the features of the plan, not just the giveback program.

Related reading: 9 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

Who should consider a Medicare giveback plan?

You may want to consider a Medicare giveback plan if you:

• Already plan on enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Live in a zip code with a plan that offers a Giveback program.
• Understand a Giveback program isn’t a “reimbursement,” but instead you’ll pay less for your Part B premium.
• Have weighed all other benefits, coverage, and costs of the MA plan and it works for your needs.

When you're ready, a knowledgeable Medicare agent can help you understand your options.

Additional resources

• ClearMatch Medicare: Find a Medicare Plan
• Medicare.gov: Costs