What kind of tax is medicare

Medicare is part of the Social Security and Medicare taxes, also known as FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes. It consists of two taxes: a 6.2 percent Social Security tax and a 1.45 percent Medicare tax.

According to the IRS, if you work as an employee in the United States, you must pay social security and Medicare taxes in most cases.

Your payments of these taxes contribute to your coverage under the U.S. social security system. Your employer deducts these taxes from each wage payment. Your employer must deduct these taxes even if you do not expect to qualify for social security or Medicare benefits.

In general, U.S. social security and Medicare taxes apply to payments of wages for services performed as an employee in the United States, regardless of the citizenship or residence of either the employee or the employer.

In limited situations, these taxes apply to wages for services performed outside the United States. Your employer should be able to tell you if social security and Medicare taxes apply to your wages. You cannot make voluntary social security payments if no taxes are due.

Learn how is Medicare funded at Medicare.gov.

Check out some tips for a safe and healthy life at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.