2013 Medicare Premiums and Deductible Changes

Medicare Part A in 2013

As you probably know, premiums and deductibles for both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B fluctuate from year to year. The latest round of changes to Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments for hospitalization (Part A) and medical care (Part B) takes effect January 1st, 2013.

The following information will explain 2013 changes in Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments and what those changes mean for you.

What is changing in 2013?

2013 Medicare Part A Premium:
Most Beneficiaries will pay $0 premium towards Part A.

2013 Medicare Part A Deductible:
The Medicare Part A deductible will increase from $1,156 per benefit period to $1,184 per benefit period in 2013.

2013 Medicare Part A Copayments:
The cost of spending 61-90 days in the hospital will be $296 per day, which is a $7 increase. If you are in the hospital 91-150 days, the per-day Medicare Part A copayment in 2013 is $592, a $14 increase from 2012. After 150 days, Medicare no longer helps pay for your hospital expenses.

2013 Medicare Part A Skilled Nursing:
After 20 days of care at a skilled nursing facility, the per-day copayment for a Medicare beneficiary is $148 in 2013. This amount is a $3.50 increase from 2012.

How do the 2013 changes in Medicare affect you?

2013 Medicare Part A Premium:
The decrease in the 2013 Medicare Part A premium will not affect the vast majority of Medicare beneficiaries. Ninety-nine percent of beneficiaries are exempt from paying the Medicare Part A premium because they paid into this amount during their working years.

2013 Medicare Part A Deductible:
The Medicare Part A deductible increase will be paid by any Medicare beneficiary requiring hospitalization unless he or she has a Medicare supplement (or Medigap) insurance plan that covers those charges. The Medicare Part A deductible is fully covered under Medigap plans.

2013 Medicare Part A Copayments:
2013 increases in Part A copayments will affect Medicare recipients who undergo extended hospital stays without Medigap protection. Part A copayments are fully covered under Medicare Supplement Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, M, and N.

2013 Medicare Part A Skilled Nursing
Medicare will cover up to 20 days in a skilled nursing facility. See the definition of skilled nursing here.  Medigap plans C, D, F, G, M, and N cover skilled nursing, so if you have purchased one of these policies the 2013 skilled nursing copayment changes will not affect you.

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