Medicare Premiums to Rise 15% as Costs Jump .

[elleng]

The basic Medicare premium will shoot up next year by 15 percent, to $110.50 a month, federal officials said Monday.

The increase means that monthly premiums would top $100 for the first time — - a stark indication of the rise in medical costs that is driving the debate in Congress about a broad overhaul of the health care system.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/health/policy/20health.html?hp

[Speck Tater]

1. I love the way the government wields the double-edged sword

No increase in cost of living, therefore no cost of living increase in your social security benefits.

Oh, wait, just kidding, there WAS an increase in health care cost, so we WILL increase your Medicare premium.

Bottom line: Recipients of SS benefits get squeezed from both ends based on OPPOSITE interpretations of the same reality.

That's a big steaming crock of bullshit.

[Laelth]

2. You make a very good point. n/t

:dem:

-Laelth

[indepat]

6. Ain't it f'ing wonderful that there is no inflation. The government's stats are crookeder than

a f'ing $3 bill. :grr:

[CountAllVotes]

3. this critical part was not mentioned above -

>About 12 million people, or 27 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries, will have to pay higher premiums. The other 73 percent will be shielded from the increase because, under federal law, their Medicare premiums cannot go up more than the increase in their Social Security benefits.

Kind of important fact I think!

:dem:

[elleng]

4. AND

Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of health and human services, urged the Senate to approve a bill, already passed by the House, to block the scheduled increase in Medicare premiums.

“We are in tremendously difficult economic times, and seniors are being hit particularly hard,” Ms. Sebelius said. “The last thing seniors need right now is a substantial increase in their Medicare premiums, and many seniors will see such an increase if no action is taken.”

Among those who face higher premiums next year are new Medicare beneficiaries, high-income people and those whose Medicare premiums are paid by Medicaid. Premiums can be as high as $353.60 a month, or more than $4,200 a year, for Medicare beneficiaries who file tax returns with adjusted gross income greater than $214,000 for an individual or $428,000 for a couple.

[CountAllVotes]

5. how this affects Medicaid I don't know - may vary by State

From medicare.gov:

The following is a listing of the Medicare premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates that will be in effect in 2010:

Medicare Premiums for 2010:

Part A: (Hospital Insurance) Premium

*
Most people do not pay a monthly Part A premium because they or a spouse has 40 or more quarters of Medicare-covered employment.
*
The Part A premium is $254.00 per month for people having 30-39 quarters of Medicare-covered employment.
*
The Part A premium is $461.00 per month for people who are not otherwise eligible for premium-free hospital insurance and have less than 30 quarters of Medicare-covered employment.

Part B: (Medical Insurance) Premium

Most beneficiaries will continue to pay the same $96.40 premium amount in 2010. Beneficiaries who currently have the Social Security Administration (SSA) withhold their Part B premium and have incomes of $85,000 or less (or $170,000 or less for joint filers) will not have an increase in their Part B premium in 2010. For additional details, see our FAQ titled: "Will my Medicare Part B premium increase in 2010?"

For all others, the standard Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $110.50 in 2010, which is a 15% increase over the 2009 premium. The Medicare Part B premium is increasing in 2010 due to possible increases in Part B costs. If your income is above $85,000 (single) or $170,000 (married couple), then your Medicare Part B premium may be higher than $110.50 per month. For additional details, see our FAQ titled: "2010 Part B Premium Amounts for Persons with Higher Income Levels".

http://questions.medicare.gov/cgi-bin/medicare.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=2260

[Davis_X_Machina]

7. Don't confuse me...

...with facts. I have a thesis, and I'm sticking with it.