How Medicare’s Hold-Harmless Rule Works
For eligible people, the dollar increase in Part B cannot exceed the dollar increase in their Social Security benefit.
The protection applies to an increase
It does not freeze your entire premium or protect a new enrollee from the published standard amount. Eligibility generally depends on Social Security entitlement and having Part B premiums deducted from benefits in the comparison months.
Some groups are excluded
People paying IRMAA, new Part B enrollees, and people not having premiums deducted from Social Security generally do not receive this protection. Medicaid may pay premiums for eligible people under separate rules.
Use the amount on your notice
Our increase calculator lets you enter the Part B amount you actually pay. It cannot determine eligibility from a gross benefit alone. For an eligible person, compare the premium increase with the gross benefit’s dollar increase.
Check the sources.
Data checked October 1, 2026.