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Here’s what to know about your 2022 Medicare costs

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Certain Medicare costs may rise when the calendar turns to 2022.

For the program’s 63.6 million beneficiaries — most of whom are 65 or older — annual adjustments can affect premiums, deductibles and other cost-sharing aspects of Medicare. Experts say that although each change is not necessarily significant in dollar amounts, it’s crucial to think about how increases might impact your household’s budget.

Co-founder and CEO of Boomer Benefits insurance company, Danielle Roberts said, “This year it is particularly important to be aware the rising costs of Medicare because they are happening at a moment when we are also experiencing inflation.” It may be more effective to plan ahead and look for ways you can reduce your expenses this year.

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You can choose your coverage to affect the amount you pay in coinsurance, premiums, deductibles, copays and copays. Your costs can also be affected by how frequently you use your health-care system.

Income is also a factor. With beneficiaries limited income may qualify for MedicaidPrograms that assist with out-of-pocket expenses. Higher-income beneficiaries will pay higher for some parts of the coverage.

Basic Medicare includes Parts A and B. Advantage Plans offer private insurers benefits that 42% of beneficiaries prefer to receive.

Part D, which covers prescription drugs, is included in these plans. Additional benefits such as vision and dental are also available. They also have out-of-pocket limits, which is a difference from basic Medicare.

Some beneficiaries choose to stick with Medicare basic and sometimes pair it with an individual Part D plan. Some also purchase a supplement plan — aka “Medigap” — which picks up some of the costs that come with basic Medicare, such as coinsurance or copays. It is not possible to have an Advantage Plan or Medigap.

Costs for Part A

The amount that you would pay for admission to the hospital if you do not have basic Medicare will rise from $1,484 in 2020 to $1,556 next fiscal year. It covers 60 days inpatient hospital care during the benefit period.

Beneficiaries will be charged $389 for the first to 90th day of hospitalization. This is an increase from $371 per day in 2021. Then, $778 per person per day after 60 days.

Costs for Part B

In 2022 the standard monthly premium for Part A will rise to $170.10 from $148.50 in 2018. This is the largest dollar increase ($21.60) since its beginning. A “hold harmless” clause prevents Part B premiums rising above the recipients’ actual costs. Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA.

Some people will be charged more due to income-adjusted fees (see below).

To determine whether or not you will be paying the monthly adjustments, the government looks at your tax returns from 2 years ago. For 2022 it would be your 2020 tax return. Social Security Administration allows you to request an income reduction due to major life events, such as retirement. has a form you can fill out.

“Medicare beneficiaries will definitely want to appeal their Part B premiums in January if they believe they had a significant change in income that would place them in a lower Part B bracket,” said Elizabeth Gavino, founder of Lewin & Gavino and an independent broker and general agent for Medicare plans.

An increase of $203 in the Part B annual deductible means that it will now be $233. After you have met your deductible you will typically be responsible for 20% of the services covered. You should also keep in mind that Advantage Plans beneficiaries might have to pay different amounts through copays. Medigap policies can either cover the coinsurance completely or in part.

Also, while Advantage Plan premiums vary among plans — the average for 2022 is $19 monthly, down from about $21 this year — any charge would be on top of your Part B premium. Some of these options have no monthly charges or pay Part B premiums. If you aren’t satisfied with your Advantage Plan you have the option to switch plans or terminate it. first three months of the year.)

Part D

From $31.47 in 2017, the monthly average premium for Part Coverage will increase to $33, or $33. Higher earners will pay more, as with Part B premiums (see the chart below).

While not everyone pays a deductible for Part D coverage — some plans don’t have one — the maximum it can be is $480 in 2022 up from $445.

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