Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Medicare Part B Premiums On The Rise But Could've Been Higher For Many
Health News Florida: New Medicare Part B Premiums Rising 17%
One month into Medicare's enrollment period for seniors, the federal government announced that Medicare Part B premiums will be going up in 2016 for new enrollees. In 2015, most people paid $104.90 monthly for doctor visits and other medical expenses. Now, new enrollees will pay $122.80 a month. (Miller, 11/15)
USA Today: Social Security, Medicare Changes Are Coming With New Budget Law
President Obama signed into law a bipartisan budget bill last week that, among other things, changes — for better and worse — Social Security and Medicare laws. ... Some 30% of Medicare beneficiaries were expecting a 52% increase in their Medicare Part B medical insurance premiums and deductible in 2016. Under the new law, those beneficiaries — an estimated 17 million Americans — will pay about $119 per month, instead of $159.30, for Part B. (Some 70% of Medicare beneficiaries will continue to pay the same premium in 2016 as they did in 2015, $104.90.) (Powell, 11/13)
