Medicare Easy Pay: Automatic Premium Payments Explained
Medicare Easy Pay is a free service that automatically deducts your monthly Medicare premium from your checking or savings account on the 20th of each month (or the next business day). You sign up online through your Medicare.gov account or by mailing form SF-5510, and it can take 6 to 8 weeks to start. It only applies to premiums you pay Medicare directly — if your premium is already withheld from your Social Security benefit, you don’t need it.
What is Medicare Easy Pay?
Medicare Easy Pay is a free option from Medicare that automatically deducts your premium from your bank account each month, so you never have to mail a check or miss a payment. The deduction comes out on the 20th of the month (or the next business day) and appears on your statement as a "CMS Medicare Premium" transaction.
It is most useful if you pay Medicare directly — typically people who are not yet collecting Social Security. If your Part B premium is already deducted from your Social Security check, your premium is handled automatically and you do not need Easy Pay.
Who should use it?
Consider Medicare Easy Pay if you receive a "Medicare Premium Bill" in the mail — that means you pay Medicare directly. This is common for people who delayed Social Security, owe an income-related premium adjustment (IRMAA), or pay a Part A premium.
How to sign up
There are two ways to enroll in Medicare Easy Pay:
- Online — log in to your secure account at Medicare.gov and choose to sign up for Medicare Easy Pay. This is the fastest method.
- By mail — complete form SF-5510, the "Authorization Agreement for Pre-authorized Payments," and mail it to the address on the form. Have your red, white, and blue Medicare card and a blank check handy when you fill it out.
When do deductions start?
It can take 6 to 8 weeks for Medicare to process your request and begin automatic deductions. Keep paying your premium bills as usual until Easy Pay starts.
You will know it is active when your Medicare Premium Bill says "THIS IS NOT A BILL" in the upper-right corner — that means your deduction is scheduled instead of a payment being due.
How much is deducted
Your first deduction can be up to three months’ premiums if you had a balance due. After that, the most that can be deducted in a month is one month’s premium plus $10. You can stop Easy Pay or change your bank information at any time by submitting a new SF-5510 or updating your Medicare.gov account.
Avoid scams
Medicare Easy Pay is set up only by you, through Medicare.gov or the official SF-5510 form — Medicare will never call to ask for your bank details to start it. If someone calls demanding bank or card information to "keep your Medicare active," hang up and report it at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare Easy Pay cost anything?
No. Medicare Easy Pay is completely free. You only pay your normal premium — the service just deducts it automatically.
What day is my premium deducted?
On the 20th of the month, or the next business day if the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday. It appears on your bank statement as "CMS Medicare Premium."
How long does it take to start?
Up to 6 to 8 weeks. Keep paying your premium bills until the deductions begin — you’ll know Easy Pay is active when your bill says "THIS IS NOT A BILL."
How do I cancel or change my bank account?
Submit a new form SF-5510 with the change, or update your payment settings in your Medicare.gov account. You can stop Easy Pay at any time.
My premium comes out of Social Security — do I need Easy Pay?
No. If your Part B premium is already withheld from your Social Security benefit, it is paid automatically and Medicare Easy Pay is not necessary.
Sources
Related guides
Medicare Part B Costs in 2026: Premium, Deductible, and IRMAA
Costs & PremiumsWhat Is the Medicare Part B Give-Back Benefit?
Enrollment & EligibilityMedicare Enrollment Periods: IEP, GEP, AEP, and SEPs
Costs & PremiumsMedicare IRMAA Explained: 2026 Income Brackets, Surcharges, and How to Appeal
Medicare Login Guide is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or any government agency. This article is for general information only — confirm current figures and your specific options at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.