How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost?
Medicare is an excellent insurance plan, but it’s not free. There are monthly premiums and you will have some out-of pocket health care costs while still paying for your Part B coverage with a Medigap policy or other options available on the market today!
Medicare Part B is a great way to ensure that you always have coverage for your medical needs. However, it does come with some costs and considerations so make sure not only do I know about them but also plan ahead!
What Medicare Part B will cost you
Premiums:
Most people pay a standard premium for Medicare Part B: $170.10 per month in 2022. That figure rises with income, however. In 2022, beneficiaries whose 2020 income exceeded $91,000 (individual return) or $182,000 (joint return) will pay a premium amount ranging from $238.10 to $578.30, depending on income. See the table below for a breakdown.
| Individual tax return (2021 income) | Joint tax return (2020 income) | Married & separate tax return (2020 income) | Monthly Medicare Part B premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| $91,000 or less. | $182,000 or less. | $91,000 or less. | $170.10. |
| Above $91,000 up to $114,000. | Above $182,000 up to $228,000. | Not applicable. | $238.10. |
| Above $114,000 up to $142,000. | Above $228,000 up to $284,000. | Not applicable. | $340.20. |
| Above $142,000 up to $170,000. | Above $284,000 up to $340,000. | Not applicable. | $442.30. |
| Above $170,000 and less than $500,000. | Above $340,000 and less than $750,000. | Above $91,000 and less than $409,000. | $544.30. |
| $500,000 and above. | $750,000 and above. | $409,000 and above. | $578.30. |
Deductible:
The Part B annual deductible is $233 in 2022. This is what you’ll pay before Medicare Part B coverage kicks in. The government usually adjusts the deductible amount each year, so you should expect your deductible to increase yearly.
Copays:
After you meet your deductible amount for the year, you’ll usually pay 20% of the Medicare approved amount of your bill. If your provider charges more than the Medicare-approved amount, your share of the bill may be more.
Penalty:
If you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period (the seven-month period starting three months before the month you turn 65) and you don’t have qualified insurance from another source, you’ll pay an extra 10% above the standard premium cost for every 12-month period you delayed. That extra premium can add up to a significant amount over the course of your retirement. (Qualified insurance from another source may include coverage through an employer if you’re still working, or your spouse’s employer. COBRA doesn’t count as qualified insurance.)
Medigap can help cover some costs
People who enroll in Original Medicare Part A and Part B often purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, to help pay for out-of-pocket costs. These policies can cover Part B copays or coinsurance, but they don’t cover Part B premiums. Also, Medigap plans issued after Jan. 1, 2020, aren’t allowed to cover the Medicare Part B deductible, unless you’re exempt.
Private insurers sell an array of standardized Medigap plans, with premiums regulated by the states. Your premiums depend on where you live, what coverage you get, how the insurer prices the plans and how old you are. Medigap plans aren’t allowed with Medicare Advantage plans.
The Medicare supplement insurance is a way for people who enroll in Original Medicare to help pay their out-of pocket costs. For example, if you have Part B but not premium coverage and need assistance with copays or coinsurance payments because it’s too high on your own plan due the deductible that came along when signing up then this could be an option worth looking at however there are some rules about what types of Medigap policies will qualify so make sure before buying one!
The Medicare Advantage alternative
More than a third of people who sign up for Medicare Parts A and B also choose a Medicare Advantage plan, also known as Medicare Part C.
These policies, administered by private insurers, provide the same coverage as Original Medicare. In addition, most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage and other cost-sharing benefits not included in Part A and Part B, such as some amounts toward dental and vision services.
Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans often use a network of providers that plan members must use. In exchange, Medicare Advantage plans often cost less, with advertised premiums as low as $0 and limits on how much you will pay out-of-pocket. The maximum out-of-pocket limit is $7,550 in 2022. In order to buy a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be enrolled in Parts A and B and paying your Part B premium, plus any income-related monthly adjustment amounts.
Medicare Advantage providers
Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage providers. These insurers offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.
Medicare Advantage Providers can offer you a range of options to choose from when it comes time for coverage. These insurers provide plans in most states and the types will depend on your address, as well what part or county is closest too (alcoholism).
