Every year, we bring you the latest patient share of Medicare cost for the coming year. For Medicare 2019, the numbers have only changed slightly. Here’s a quick review. And, you can click here to download our 2019 Medicare Fact Sheet for all the details and key Medicare facts.
Our patient advocates are here to answer your questions and help with understanding coverage and your patient rights, as well as dealing with any billing or insurance difficulties you face. The Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15-December 7th for the coming year. Take time to review your choices to make sure you’re in the best plan for you. Contact us at 727-447-5845.
What will Medicare cost patients in 2019?
As of October 12, 2018, the CMS released the following Medicare 2019 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts.
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment and more.
The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $135.50 for 2019, an increase of $1.50 from $134 in 2018.
A number of Medicare beneficiaries have a lower Medicare B premium due to the “hold harmless” provision. This limits the increase to the social security annual adjustment.
Roughly 5 percent of people with Medicare Part B pay more due to higher income. If your income is above $85,000 (filing individually) or $170,000 (filing jointly), your premium will more expensive according to your bracket. See the complete chart here.
The annual deductible for Medicare Part B is $185 in 2019, an increase of $2 from the annual deductible of $183 in 2018.
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, qualified skilled nursing facility stays, and some home health care. Most Medicare beneficiaries do not have a Part A premium because they have at least 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment.
Hospital Stay Medicare Cost for 2019
The Medicare deductible that patients will pay when admitted to the hospital will be $1,364 in 2019, an increase of $24 from $1,340 in 2018. This covers beneficiaries’ share of costs for the first 60 days of Medicare-covered inpatient hospital care in a benefit period.
Patients pay a coinsurance amount of $341 per day for the 61st through 90th day of a hospitalization (up from $335 in 2018) in a benefit period. And, they will pay $682 per day for lifetime reserve days (up from $670).
Skilled Nursing Facility Copay
When medically necessary after a qualifying 3-day hospital stay, days 1-20 are 100% covered in a skilled nursing facility.
For continued care that may be necessary, the daily coinsurance for days 21 through 100 will be $170.50 in 2019 (up from $167.50).
*Medicare Supplemental policies may help patients with many of these copays and deductibles.
Want help finding your best Medicare options?
Our patient advocates offer a full Medicare analysis for retirees and an annual review to ensure you aren’t paying more than you need to, missing out on benefits or facing costly gaps.
