The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released its indexed 2019 values for Medicare Parts A and B.
There are increases in cost-sharing and premiums, as well as higher Part B premiums for individuals with higher incomes.
Here is the breakdown.
Medicare Part A – Hospital
Medicare Part A cost-sharing values for 2019 are as follows:
- Inpatient hospital deductible: $1,364 (up from $1,340 in 2018)
- Daily coinsurance for 61st-90th days (per day): $341 (up from $335 in 2018)
- Daily coinsurance for lifetime reserve days (per day): $682 (up from $670 in 2018)
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance for 21st-100th days (per day): $170.50 (up from $167.50 in 2018)
Medicare Part B – Medical
The calendar year Medicare Part B deductible will be $185 for 2019, compared to $183 for 2018.
The standard monthly premium will be $135.50 in 2019, up slightly from $134 in 2018. Many current Medicare beneficiaries may pay less than $135.50 because current law includes a hold-harmless provision.
Under this provision, which generally applies to individuals who have the Part B premium deducted from their monthly Social Security retirement benefits, the amount of the premium increase will be reduced, if necessary, to avoid causing a decrease in the individual’s net monthly Social Security benefit payment.
The hold-harmless provision does not apply to individuals required to pay an increased Part B premium based on income.
Beneficiaries with incomes above specified amounts are required to pay an additional income-related adjustment amount.