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Medicare Part A deductibles for inpatients increase from $ 1,340 in 2018 to $ 1,364 in 2012, for a total of $ 24, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said Friday.
Most Medicare beneficiaries, about 99%, do not pay a Part A premium.
Part B outpatient premiums have increased from $ 134 in 2018 to $ 135.50 in 2019. Some beneficiaries will pay less than that as their premium increases should not exceed increases in their social security benefits.
Part B franchises also increase slightly from $ 183 to $ 185.
CMS released Part C or Medicare Advantage premiums and deductibles last month. On average, the MA premiums for 2019 are expected to decrease by 6% to 28 USD, against 29.81 USD in 2018.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
Open enrollment at Medicare starts on Monday, October 15th and ends on December 7th. Recipients can switch between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. CMS highlighted the benefits of private rather than public insurance for people aged 65 and over.
CMS has launched an eMedicare initiative providing cost information, including prescription drug costs, so recipients can get information, choose a plan and compare options between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
THE TREND
While CMS claims the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans and more and more insurers are offering them, seniors are choosing more and more the option. The current third of all Medicare enrollees in an AM plan is expected to increase to 36%.
Medicare Advantage enrollees have access to additional benefits not available to regular Medicare beneficiaries, said CMS. Many are already receiving dental care, vision and hearing care, over-the-counter items, meals, telephone support lines for nursing, and transportation to medical services. indicated the agency. Some plans include adult child care, home support services, caregiver support services, home palliative care and therapeutic massage.
ON THE RECORD
"CMS is committed to giving beneficiaries the information they need to make informed decisions about their health care," said Seema Verma, CMS Administrator. "In addition to the information we have recently released for Medicare Advantage, the program by which private plans provide Medicare benefits, we are now publishing information for fee-based Medicare, so that enrollees understand their options for benefiting from Medicare. of these benefits. "
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the author: [email protected]
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