Here are the new numbers for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays for 2017.
Part A Costs
Most people don't pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance). But if you have to pay for Part A because you or your spouse doesn’t have a long enough work history, you'll pay between $227 (for 30-39 work credits) and $413 (for fewer than 30 work credits).
In 2017, you’ll also pay a $1,316 deductible for each benefit period in which you use hospital or skilled nursing inpatient care, in addition to the following copays.
- Hospital days 61-90: $329 coinsurance per day of each benefit period
- Hospital days 91 and beyond: $658 coinsurance per each lifetime reserve day for each benefit period
- Skilled nursing days 21-100: $164.50 coinsurance per day of each benefit period.
Part B Costs
Most people pay a Part B premium of $109 each month (up from $104.90 in 2016). But if you first enroll in Medicare Part B during 2017, or you are not collecting Social Security benefits, your premium will be $134 per month (up from $121.80 in 2016). Also, if your adjusted gross income is over $85,000 (or $170,000 for a couple), the monthly premium is higher, as follows:
|
Yearly Income |
Monthly Premium |
| single $85,000–$107,000 | $187.50 |
| married $170,001–$214,000 | |
| single $107,001–$160,000 | $267.90 |
| married $214,001–$320,000 | |
| single $160,001–$213,000 | $348.30 |
| married $320,001–$426,000 | |
| single more than $213,000 | $428.60 |
| married more than $426,000 |
The Part B deductible for 2017 is $183 per year.
There are also caps on the following Part B services for 2017:
- Cap on outpatient physical therapy and speech-language pathology combined: $1,980
- Cap on occupational therapy: $1,980.
Part D Costs
Part D premiums vary depending on the plan you choose. The Part D deductible for 2017 is $400 per year (though some plans waive the deductible).
In 2017, the “donut hole” (coverage gap) begins at $3,700 and ends at $4,950. However, in 2017, while you are in the donut hole, brand-name drugs must be sold to you at a 60% discount and generic drugs at a 49% discount.
There are subsidies available to pay for Part D for those with low income (called Extra Help). See Nolo’s article on Extra Help for Part D for eligibility numbers for 2017.
Effective date: Jan 01, 2017
