2019 Medicare Premiums

The government recently announced the Medicare Part A and Part B premiums for 2019.

Medicare Part B Deductible and Premium for 2019

Medicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and certain other medical and health services not covered by Medicare Part A. As you can see, there is only a very modest increase in both the monthly premium and the deductible:

Part B Cost Sharing Amounts 

2018

2019

Standard Monthly Premium

$134

$135.50

Annual Deductible

$183

$185

Part B Services

20%

20%

Remember that you have to continue to pay Part B premiums whether you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare supplement plan.
Many Medicare beneficiaries with low income receive assistance paying for their Medicare Part B premiums. Some beneficiaries with higher income pay more for Part B each month. Income related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMMA) affect about 5% of people with Medicare Part B.
 

Medicare Part A Premium for 2019

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home health care services. About 99% of beneficiaries do not have a Part A premium since they have worked at least 40 quarters. Certain individuals who have not worked 40 quarters and who have low income may receive assistance paying for their Part A premiums.

Part A Premium Amounts

2018

2019

Monthly Premium – Worked more than 40 quarters

  $0  

$0

Monthly Premium – Worked between 30-40 quarters   

  $232  

$240

Monthly Premium – Worked less than 30 quarters

  $422  

$437

How to Figure Out Medicare

We’ve produced a short guide to Medicare to help people approaching age 65 get a clear understanding of what their options are. It’s not a sales pitch – just the facts.
You can get our Medicare 101 Guide here.
And of course you’re always welcome to contact us with questions about Medicare.