Medicare Overview

Medicare is the federal health insurance program that covers people 65 and older and some younger adults with permanent disabilities and certain medical conditions. When Medicare was established in 1965 about half of American seniors had no health insurance. Today, virtually all Americans over age 65 have at least some health coverage through Medicare.

Medicare does not cover all health care services. For example, Medicare generally does not pay for long-term care services, regular eye exams and eyeglasses, hearing aids, or routine dental care.

Medicare coverage is divided into four parts – Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D.

Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital care, some limited skilled nursing facility stays, home health care, and hospice care.

Part B covers physician services, outpatient hospital care, and some home health visits. It also covers laboratory and diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and blood work; durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers; certain preventive services and screening tests, such as mammograms and prostate cancer screenings; outpatient physical, speech and occupational therapy; outpatient mental health care; and ambulance services.

Part D is prescription drug coverage.

Part C (Medicare Advantage) allows beneficiaries to choose to receive their Part A, B, and D services through a private managed care insurance plan rather than original Medicare.

Medicare Part B Premiums and Deductible

Over 90% of eligible Medicare beneficiaries enroll in Part B and over 70% use Part B services during a year. Part B generally pays 80% of the approved amount for covered services in excess of the annual deductible ($166 in 2016 and $183 in 2017). The beneficiary is liable for the remaining 20%. Many beneficiaries purchase a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy to cover that exposed 20%.

Part B coverage is not free. You pay a premium each month for your Part B coverage. If you get Social Security, Railroad Retirement Board, or Office of Personnel Management benefits, your Part B premium is deducted from your benefit payment. If you don’t get these benefit payments, you’ll get a bill. Beneficiaries with low incomes and limited resources can get help paying the premiums through several Medicare Savings Programs.

Medicare has recently announced that the standard monthly Part B premium for 2017 will be $134. But due to quirks in the law, most beneficiaries will pay less. However, approximately 30% of beneficiaries will have to pay the standard premium and many of those will pay much more each month. Here is how the Medicare website describes it:

The standard Part B premium amount in 2017 will be $134 (or higher depending on your income). However, most people who get Social Security benefits will pay less than this amount. This is because the Part B premium increased more than the cost-of-living increase for 2017 Social Security benefits. If you pay your Part B premium through your monthly Social Security benefit, you’ll pay less ($109 on average). Social Security will tell you the exact amount you will pay for Part B in 2017. You’ll pay the standard premium amount if:

  • You enroll in Part B for the first time in 2017.
  • You don’t get Social Security benefits.
  • You’re directly billed for your Part B premiums.
  • You have Medicare and Medicaid, and Medicaid pays your premiums. (Your state will pay the standard premium amount of $134.)
  • Your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount. If so, you’ll pay the standard premium amount and an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). IRMAA is an extra charge added to your premium.

If you’re in 1 of these 5 groups, here’s what you’ll pay:

If your yearly income in 2015 (for what you pay in 2017) was You pay each month (in 2017)
File individual tax return File joint tax return File married & separate tax return
$85,000 or less $170,000 or less $85,000 or less $134
above $85,000 up to $107,000 above $170,000 up to $214,000 Not applicable $187.50
above $107,000 up to $160,000 above $214,000 up to $320,000 Not applicable $267.90
above $160,000 up to $214,000 above $320,000 up to $428,000 above $85,000 and up to $129,000 $348.30
above $214,000 above $428,000 above $129,000 $428.60

Note: If you have joined a Medicare Advantage Part C Plan, you still have Medicare. You’ll get your Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), and perhaps Medicare Part D (Drug) coverage from the Medicare Advantage Plan and not Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans have different rules and charge different out-of-pocket costs. Those rules can and costs change each year.

Related Links:

Medicare 2016 & 2017 costs at a glance

Information about your Part B premium from Social Security

Medicare and You – 2017

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