Medicare costs

 

Understanding Medicare costs is crucial to ensuring you get the most out of your coverage. Here is an updated breakdown of the costs associated with each part of Medicare, including premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and more.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Premium-Free Part A:
Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A, as it’s premium-free for those who paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years).

If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A, the costs for 2024 are as follows:

  • If you paid Medicare taxes for less than 30 quarters: The premium is $499 per month.
  • If you paid Medicare taxes for 30-39 quarters: The premium is $274 per month.

Part A Hospital Inpatient Deductible and Coinsurance

Service 2024 Cost
Inpatient hospital deductible $1,632 per benefit period
Days 1-60 (hospital inpatient stay) $0 coinsurance
Days 61-90 (hospital inpatient stay) $408 coinsurance per day
Days 91+ (lifetime reserve days) $816 coinsurance per “lifetime reserve day” (up to 60 days)
Beyond lifetime reserve days All costs are your responsibility

Skilled Nursing Facility Care Costs

Service 2024 Cost
Days 1-20 (skilled nursing facility) $0 per day
Days 21-100 $200 per day coinsurance
Days 101 and beyond All costs

Home Health Care: $0 for home health care services.

Hospice Care: $0 for hospice care services, but up to $5 per prescription for pain relief drugs and 5% of the Medicare-approved amount for respite care.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Part B Premium

The standard premium for Medicare Part B in 2024 is $174.70 per month. Higher-income beneficiaries may have to pay more due to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).

Part B Deductible and Coinsurance

Service 2024 Cost
Annual Part B deductible $240
Coinsurance (after meeting deductible) 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most services
Durable medical equipment (DME) 20% of the Medicare-approved amount

Preventive Services: Most preventive services are covered at 100% if the provider accepts Medicare.

Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)

For individuals with higher incomes, IRMAA adds extra charges to Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. This surcharge is determined based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior. Below are the IRMAA brackets for 2024.

IRMAA Brackets for Part B and Part D in 2024

MAGI (Individual Tax Return) MAGI (Joint Tax Return) Part B Premium (2024) Part D IRMAA (2024)
$103,000 or less $206,000 or less $174.70 Plan premium only
$103,001 – $129,000 $206,001 – $258,000 $244.60 $15.70 + plan premium
$129,001 – $161,000 $258,001 – $322,000 $316.70 $40.10 + plan premium
$161,001 – $194,000 $322,001 – $388,000 $392.10 $64.50 + plan premium
$194,001 – $499,999 $388,001 – $749,999 $474.20 $88.90 + plan premium
$500,000 and above $750,000 and above $577.00 $98.40 + plan premium

Appealing IRMAA

If your financial situation has changed due to a life event (such as retirement, marriage, or the death of a spouse), you can appeal the IRMAA charges. You’ll need to file Form SSA-44 and submit relevant documentation showing the changes in your income.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. The premiums for Part D vary by plan and, like Part B, higher-income beneficiaries may pay an additional IRMAA.

Part D IRMAA (2024)

Income Bracket IRMAA Added to Plan Premium (2024)
$103,000 or less (individual) No extra charge beyond plan premium
$103,001 – $129,000 $15.70 + your plan premium
$129,001 – $161,000 $40.10 + your plan premium
$161,001 – $194,000 $64.50 + your plan premium
$194,001 – $499,999 $88.90 + your plan premium
$500,000 or above $98.40 + your plan premium

Late Enrollment Penalty

You may owe a late enrollment penalty if you go without Part D or other creditable prescription drug coverage for 63 days or more after your Initial Enrollment Period. This penalty will be added to your premium.

Late Enrollment Penalties for Parts A and B

  • Part A: If you don’t enroll when first eligible, your premium may increase by 10% for twice the number of years you could have had Part A but didn’t sign up.
  • Part B: If you don’t sign up when first eligible, your premium may go up by 10% for each 12-month period you were eligible but didn’t enroll. This penalty applies as long as you have Part B.

Conclusion

Understanding the costs associated with Medicare is essential for budgeting your healthcare expenses. Be sure to stay informed about your premiums, deductibles, and how IRMAA may impact your overall costs, especially if your income has changed. For assistance in navigating Medicare costs and enrollment, feel free to reach out to us at 616-600-8444 or fill out our Contact Us form for personalized guidance.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Medicare changes to ensure you’re making the best financial and coverage decisions.

Explore More on Our Website

If you’re looking for more information on Medicare options or how to choose the right coverage, be sure to explore the following articles:

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: Which One is Right for You?]
How to Choose a Medicare Part D Plan

Source of information www.medicare.gov