Medicare Part B Premiums to Drop 3% Next Year

The government has finally announced the new standard monthly premiums for Medicare Part B. And after all the speculation about rate hikes, rates will actually be decreasing a little bit next year. Not only that, but the annual deductible for Medicare Part B will also be lower next year. With many Medicare beneficiaries struggling with increased healthcare costs, this decrease in rates should be helpful. So what will you be paying for Medicare Part B in 2023?piggy bank on a calendar with money sticking out of it and article title written across

Medicare Part B Premium

The new standard monthly premium for Part B will be $164.90 next year, which is about 3% lower than it is this year.  

2022 saw a large increase in Medicare Part B premiums because of projected spending on Aduhelm, a new drug for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Now that spending on the drug, and other treatments and services, has gone down, Part B once again has more financial reserves. This is allowing Medicare to lower next year’s premiums for Medicare beneficiaries.

Medicare Deductiblesblack envelope filled with money

Medicare Part B premiums are not the only costs that are going down. The annual deductible for Part B will be $226 for 2023, which is a $7 decrease from $233 in 2022.

But while the Medicare Part B deductible is going down, the deductible for Medicare Part A will go up $44 from this year’s $1556, making it $1,600 in 2023. For the 61st through 90th day of hospitalization, coinsurance will be $400 per day, up from $389 this year. For lifetime reserve days, the charge will be $800 per day (up from $778 in 2022).

IRMAA Changes

Income-related adjustment amounts, or IRMAAs, will kick in for single beneficiaries at the modified adjusted gross income amount of more than $97,000, up from $91,000 this year. For married beneficiaries filing a joint tax return, the extra monthly charge will apply if income is above $194,000, up from $182,000 this year.

Want To Save More?

If you need help paying for the things that Medicare doesn’t cover, you have the option of purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan. Your plan can help pay for the things that Medicare does not, including the 20% coinsurance that you will have to pay out-of-pocket for every Part B expense. One of these plans could cover 100% of your Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, as well as 100% of Part B coinsurance and copayments, for one low monthly premium price. 

 

There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, each offering different coverage options and rates. It’s worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can, so speak to an EZ agent for all of your options. EZ’s agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

How Inflation Is Affecting Projected Medicare IRMAA Brackets for 2023

Every year, Medicare rates go up, and so the brackets for the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA, also change. Knowing the IRMAA brackets is important because if you make a certain amount, you could end up paying more for Medicare. While the IRMAA brackets are not out for 2023 yet, they will be released within the next 2 months. Let’s look at some projections, so you can be better prepared for next year.

What is IRMAA?

As we pointed out above, IRMAA is short for  Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, which is an additional surcharge for higher-income Medicare beneficiaries. The theory behind scaling Medicare rates is that those who have higher incomes can afford to pay more for their premiums, so can put more money into keeping Medicare going. That means there is an additional monthly charge for Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D premiums for people who can afford to pay these additional charges.calculator next to income tax book and a pen and papers

How Is the IRMAA Calculated?

The adjusted gross income you declare on your taxes dating back two years will determine how much you will pay for your Medicare premiums. For example, your 2023 Medicare Part B and D premiums will be based on your tax return from 2021. 

Projected IRMAA Brackets for 2023

The 2023 IRMAA brackets have not been finalized yet; typically the next year’s brackets are determined as soon as the Social Security Administration announces its cost of living adjustment (COLA), which is usually in November or December. It is expected, though, that the IRMAA will increase to more than $91,000 for individuals and $182,000 for joint filers, meaning beneficiaries making more than that amount can expect to pay more in Medicare premiums.

gold piggy bank
The best way to save is by working with an agent and investing into a Medicare Supplement Plan that can sav you hundreds of dollars.

It’s important to note that if you think you have been put into the wrong bracket, you have the opportunity to appeal the surcharge, especially if you have had a life-changing event that has had an impact on your income. This type of life-changing event can include a work stoppage, marriage, or divorce.

Looking To Save?

A Medicare Supplement Plan can help you pay the medical expenses that aren’t covered by Medicare Part B, helping you save hundreds, or maybe even thousands of dollars each year.

Medicare Supplement Plans can cover your Part A deductible and coinsurance costs, as well as your Medicare Part B copayment, coinsurance, and deductible. There are 10 different plans to choose from, and depending on which plan you choose, you could get anywhere from 75% coverage of your medical expenses up to 100%. Each plan offers a range of coverage at different price points; if you are worried about rising Medicare costs, a Medicare Supplement Plan is a great option, since you’ll only have to pay your Medicare Supplement Plan monthly premiums. 

EZ can compare all 10 Medicare Supplement Plans and find the one that will meet your financial and medical needs. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, which makes comparing plans easy, quick, and free – our services come at no cost to you because we just want to help you save money so you can focus on your health. To get free instant quotes on plans that cover your doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.