Here are the new numbers for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays for 2018.
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 don't have a long enough work history, you'll pay between $232 (for 30-39 work credits) and $422 (for fewer than 30 work credits).
In 2018, you’ll also pay a $1,340 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: $335 coinsurance per day of each benefit period
- Hospital days 91 and beyond: $670 coinsurance per each lifetime reserve day for each benefit period
- Skilled nursing days 21-100: $167.50 coinsurance per day of each benefit period.
Part B Costs
The standard Medicare Part B premium is $134 in 2018. But some people will pay less, $130 on average, because of a hold harmless provision that doesn't allow Social Security payments to be reduced from year to year for Medicare premiums.
If you first enroll in Medicare Part B during 2018, or you are not collecting Social Security benefits, your premium will be $134 per month. 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 |
$187.50 |
|
single, $107,001–$133,500 |
$267.90 |
|
married, $214,001–$267,000 |
$267.90 |
|
single, $133,501–$160,000 |
$348.30 |
|
married, $267,001–$320,000 |
$348.30 |
|
single, more than $160,000 |
$428.60 |
|
married, more than $320,000 |
$428.60 |
The Part B deductible for 2018 is unchanged at $183 per year.
There are also caps on the following Part B services for 2018:
- outpatient physical therapy and speech-language pathology combined: $2,010
- occupational therapy: $2,010.
Part D Costs
Part D premiums vary depending on the plan you choose, with an average $33.50. The maximum Part D deductible for 2018 is $405 per year (though some plans waive the deductible).
Also, if your adjusted gross income is over $85,000 (or $170,000 for a couple), you will pay a monthly adjustment amount to Medicare in addition to your monthly premium, as follows:
|
Yearly Income |
Monthly Adjustment Amount |
|
single, $85,000–$107,000 |
$13 |
|
married, $170,001–$214,000 |
$13 |
|
single, $107,001–$133,500 |
$33.60 |
|
married, $214,001–$267,000 |
$33.60 |
|
single, $133,501–$160,000 |
$54.20 |
|
married, $267,001–$320,000 |
$54.20 |
|
single, more than $160,000 |
$74.80 |
|
married, more than $320,000 |
$74.80 |
In 2018, the “donut hole” (coverage gap) begins at $3,750 and ends at $5,000. However, in 2018, while you are in the donut hole, you will only pay 44% of the cost of generic drugs and 35% of the cost of brand-name drugs (plus a small processing fee to the pharmacy).
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 2018.
Effective date: Jan 01, 2018