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Medicare Costs [Updated 2023]

Many people are shocked to learn that, even though you paid into Medicare every week from your payroll taxes, you still have to pay for Medicare. For 2023, the costs for Medicare are listed below:

Medicare Part A

Cost: $0/month

As long as you worked 40 quarters (10 years) in the United States, you won’t have to pay an additional premium for Medicare Part A.

The Part A deductible for 2023 is $1,600 per benefit period which means that you could have to pay that charge more than once per calendar year.

Once you deductible is paid, you’ll have no co-pays for Part A for your first 60 days as an inpatient in the hospital. Starting on day 61, your co-pay is $400 per day for days 61-90, and then $800 per day for your lifetime reserve days which cover days 91-150.

You only get 60 lifetime reserve days to use during your lifetime.

Medicare Part B

Cost: $164.90/month

The minimum monthly premium for Part B in 2022 is $164.90/month. However, if you made more than $97,000 in tax year 2021 as an individual or double for couples filing taxes jointly, you may have to pay up to $560.50/month for your Medicare due to the IRMAA adjustment for high earners.

Sign up for Medicare Easy Pay to have your premium automatically deducted from your bank account.

Medicare Part C - Medicare Advantage

Cost: Typically $0-20/month

The cost for Medicare Advantage plans depends on which one you select. In most areas, you can find a quality Medicare Advantage plan for $0-20/month, but this is heavily dependent on your prescriptions, whether you want an HMO or PPO, and many other factors. Note that this monthly payment is in addition to your Part B premium.

For more information on Medicare Advantage Plans, see the page Medicare Advantage Plans.

For a 65 year old female non-smoker in Indiana, it will cost roughly $110/mo for a Plan G or $90/mo for a Plan N. This premium is in addition to your Part B premium.

Medicare Part D - Prescription Drug Plans

Cost: Typically $7-30/month

The monthly premium for your Part D Prescription drug plan is dependent upon which prescriptions you are taking. Some plans might be as low as $7/month, but if they don’t cover your medications, they will end up costing you way, way more than a $20/month plan that does cover them. On average, you can expect to pay around $20/month for your prescription drug plan.

For more information on Prescription Drug Plans, see the page Medicare Part D.

Medicare Supplements

Cost: The cost of a Medicare Supplement plan depends on several factors:

  • Coverage: Higher coverage levels plans will cost more than lower coverage level plans.
  • Location: Certain states (FL, NY, CA) have high prices than others.
  • Gender: Men have higher prices than Women.
  • Tobacco Usage: Tobacco users have higher prices than non-tobacco users.
  • Age: An 80 year old will pay more than a 65 year old.
  • Company: Some companies change more than others for exactly the same coverage.

For more information on Medicare Supplement Plans, see the page Medicare Supplements.

FAQs

Why is my first Medicare bill so high?

If you are not taking social security benefits yet, the default payment method for Medicare is quarterly billing via mail. Your first bill is for 3 months of coverage, which is why it is so large!

It is a good idea to set up “Medicare Easy Pay” through your Medicare.gov account. This will allow your payment to come directly out of your bank account each month.

Can I get Medicare Part B for free?

If your income is below a certain threshold, you may qualify for the government to pay for your Part B premium. Check with your state’s Medicaid office to see if you qualify.

Is paying into Medicare optional?

Every paycheck, part of your FICA payroll taxes go towards Medicare, so no, you cannot opt out of contributing to Medicare.

Exceptions may exist for government workers and railroad retirees who have separate retirement systems.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

Original Medicare – Automatically taken out of your Social Security check. If you’re not receiving SS yet, the default setting is quarterly bill. You can set this to be taken out of your bank account monthly by submitting the Medicare EZ Pay form.

Medicare Advantage / Drug Plans – Monthly premium can be deducted from SS or from bank account. No credit cards accepted.

Medicare Supplements – Monthly bank draft is the preferred method.

Do I Still Have to Pay For Part B If I Get Supplemental Coverage?

Yes, you must continue to pay the $164.90/mo for Part B (or higher if you have a higher income). Your Medicare Supplement or Advantage plan will not work if you don’t keep your Medicare Part B.

Medicare Mama Pink

Sylvia Gordon, aka Medicare Mama, is an expert on all things Medicare and Social Security. She is the 2nd Generation here at The Medicare Family and has served on the advisory boards of major insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare®, Cigna, and Anthem. In her free time, she can be found taking care of her animals (dogs, goats, peacocks, chickens), and reading a good book. Learn More.

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