2013 Medicare Changes

Around this time of year we start hearing questions like, "Are there going to be any changes to Medicare this year?"  That's a great question.  And so, we'll take a quick minute and answer it for you.  The answer is yes.  Each year Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays change.  Below we have highlighted the major changes.  These changes are universal for all Medicare recipients and thus are the same in our neighboring states as here in Idaho.

Before getting to that, however, we need to remind you that these changes may not necessarily effect your out-of-pocket expense.  If you have a Medicare Supplement, your policy is already set to adjust to pay many of these increased costs for you.  And, if you're on a Medicare Advantage plan, you probably have a totally different set of deductibles and copays to pay.

• The Part B premium increased from $99.90 to $104.90 for most people, however there are income-related increases for people with higher incomes.
• The Part A deductible increased from $1,156/benefit period to $1,184/benefit period.
• The Skilled Nursing Coinsurance increased from $144.50/day to $148/day.
• The Part B deductible increased from $140/year to $147/year.

For a full printable list of all the changes, including the income-related adjustments for the Part B and Part D premiums, click here.