Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
As Social Security Checks Go Up, So Do 'Part B' Premiums For Many Medicare Beneficiaries
The Associated Press: Higher Premiums For Outpatient Coverage For Many On Medicare
Higher monthly premiums for outpatient coverage await many Medicare beneficiaries next year, the government says. The additional expense will eat away at an increase in their Social Security checks. The news about "Part B" premiums was buried in the fine print of a notice issued late Friday afternoon by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Alonso-Zaldivar, 11/18)
Modern Healthcare: Medicare Part B Premiums, Deductibles To Remain Flat In 2018
Premiums and deductibles for Medicare Part B beneficiaries will remain flat, the CMS announced Friday. In 2018, seniors with incomes below or at $85,000 will pay a $134 monthly premium and face a deductible of $183, the same amounts as in 2017. Medicare Part B covers doctors' appointments and outpatient hospital care, among other services. Since 2007, seniors with incomes above $85,000, or less than 5% of the total Medicare Part B population, have been charged higher premiums. (Livingston, 11/17)
CNBC: Medicare Part B Premiums Jumping 23 Percent For Many Retirees
Many Medicare recipients should be prepared to pay more for their doctor's visits and other outpatient care next year. For the 70 percent of Medicare Part B enrollees who currently pay a lower monthly premium due to a "hold harmless" legal provision, their monthly cost will rise by as much as $25 to $134, from the 2017 average of $109, according to information released Friday by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. (O'Brien, 11/17)
