2013 Medicare Rates and How They Affect You

Just as you were getting used to those 2012 Medicare rates, a brand new year is right around the corner.

New! Find the updated, 2014 rates and information here.

As you probably know, premiums and deductibles for both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B fluctuate from year to year. With 2013 almost upon us, it’s important to know about changes in Medicare co-payment costs, premium increases, and other factors that may affect your senior health insurance budget during the new year.

You need to be aware of changes in rates pertaining to both your Medicare Part A  and Medicare Part B coverage. The latest round of changes to Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-payments for hospitalization (Part A) and medical care (Part B) takes effect January 1st, 2013.

Here’s a rundown of key Medicare rate changes for 2013.

Medicare Part A

•  Less than 2% of Medicare recipients paying a Medicare Part A premium will see a decrease in premium by about $10 per month in 2013.
• Most Medicare beneficiaries will continue to pay a $0 premium to Medicare Part A.
• Your Medicare Part A deductible will increase from $1,156 per benefit period to $1,184 per benefit period in 2013.
• The cost of spending 61-90 days in the hospital will be $296 per day, which is a $7 increase from 2012. If you’re in the hospital 91-150 days, your per-day Medicare Part A co-payment in 2013 will be $592, a $14 increase from 2012.
• After you spend 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, your per-day Medicare Part A skilled nursing copayment in 2013 will be $148. That’s a $3.50 increase over what you might have paid in 2012.

Medicare Part B

• Most likely, your monthly Medicare Part B premium will increase by $5 to $104.90 per month.
• Your 2013 Medicare Part B deductible will increase by $5 to $147.