How to Stop Coverage for Medicare Part B

The original incarnation of the social insurance program Medicare consisted of two parts: Part A, which includes hospital benefits, and Part B, which includes outpatient medical benefits. Part B is available for all individuals who are eligible for Medicare benefits. Part B coverage may be dropped by the recipient.

Things You'll Need

• Recent outpatient medical bills
• If contacting by phone:
• - Social Security number, date of birth and other personal information.
• If meeting in person at Social Security office:
• - Social Security card
• - State- or federally issued photo ID card

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Review all of your outpatient medical bills from the past 12 months. Make a list of anticipated outpatient medical expenses in the next 12 months. Review your budget, the cost of the Part B premiums, co-insurance and co-payments, and the overall cost of the medical bills if you did not have Part B coverage. Consider the financial benefits and risks of dropping Part B coverage and whether other insurance coverage is or will be available to cover outpatient medical services.

• 2

  Contact your local Social Security office or the toll-free number on the back of your Medicare card to discuss the process of stopping Medicare Part B coverage. The process of terminating coverage is relatively simple. However, the Social Security representatives will need to gather identifying information from you, such as your Social Security number, date of birth and other personal information in order to verify your identity.

• 3

  Contact your local Social Security office or the toll-free number on the back of your Medicare card if you do not receive a confirmation notice in the mail within 14 days stating that your Part B benefits have been terminated.