2019 Medicare Parts A and B Premiums and Deductibles
By Yasmeen Elhaj, Supervisor, Advisory Services
On October 12, 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the rates for Medicare Parts A and B premiums and deductibles. Below is a summary of the major changes for calendar year 2019. As a reminder, providers should update their billing systems to be ready for the January 1, 2019, changes. For more specific information, consult the CMS website.
Medicare Part B covers physician, outpatient hospital, and certain home health services, as well as durable medical equipment.
- Part B monthly premiums range from $135.50 to $460.50, depending on income tax returns and whether filed individually or jointly.
- The Part B deductible is $185.00.
Medicare Part A, which covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home health services, is usually not purchased nor does it have a monthly premium for most beneficiaries. Medicare beneficiaries who have contributed for 40 quarters through their employment are not subject to a premium. However, for those who did not contribute for 40 quarters through their employment, Medicare Part A insurance may be purchased with the monthly premium based on the number of quarters the beneficiary contributed.
Monthly cost to purchase Medicare Part A premium (please see more details at the website above):
- $240 per month if contributed to the program for at least 30 quarters.
- $437 per month if contributed fewer than 30 quarters.
Inpatient hospital coverage:
- Part A deductible per benefit period is $1,364, which covers the cost of the first 60 days of the covered inpatient hospital stay.
- Part A co-insurance is $341/day for days 61-19 of the inpatient hospital stay.
- Part A lifetime reserve days cost is $682/day.
Skilled Nursing Facility
- Coinsurance is $170.50 for days 21-100.
Contact your Marcum healthcare professional for questions or more information.
