Each year, Medicare makes minor changes in its deductibles, co-insurance (80/20%), copayments and premiums. The amounts shown in this edition of Medicare Blueprint reflect 2017 amounts. Below are the most common changes for 2018.
| Changes | 2017 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Part A premium (if not free) | $413 | $422 |
| Part B premium | $134 | $134 |
| Part A deductible | $1,316 | $1,340 |
| Part A – days 61-90 co-insurance | $329 | $335 |
| Part A – days 90-150 co-insurance | $658 | $670 |
| Part A – SNF days 20-100 co-insurance | $164.50 | $167.50 |
| Part B deductible | $183 | $183 |
| Part D deductible | $400 | $405 |
| Part D “donut hole” level starts | $3,700 | $3,750 |
| Part D “donut hole” level ends | $4,950 | $5,000 |
| Part D “donut hole” cost for generic Rx | 51% of cost | 44% of cost |
| Part D “donut hole” cost for brand Rx | 41% of cost | 35% of cost |
| Part D “catastrophic” level cost for generic Rx | $3.30 | $3.35 |
| Part D “catastrophic” level cost for brand Rx | 8.30 or 5% | $8.35 or 5% |
| Part D National Base Beneficiary Premium | $35.63 | $35.02 |
Part A premiums
If you buy Part A, you’ll pay up to $422 each month in 2018. If you paid Medicare taxes for less than 30 quarters, the standard Part A premium is $422.
If you paid Medicare taxes for 30-39 quarters, the standard Part A premium is $232.
Part B Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)
Your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount.
If so, you’ll pay the standard premium amount and an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). IRMAA is an extra charge added to your premium.
If you’re in 1 of these 5 groups, here’s what you’ll pay:
| If your yearly income in 2016 (for what you pay in 2018) was | You pay each month (in 2018) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| File individual tax return | File joint tax return | File married & separate tax return | |
| $85,000 or less | $170,000 or less | $85,000 or less | $134 |
| above $85,000 up to $107,000 | above $170,000 up to $214,000 | Not applicable | $187.50 |
| above $107,000 up to $133,500 | above $214,000 up to $267,000 | Not applicable | $267.90 |
| above $133,500 up to $160,000 | above $267,000 up to $320,000 | Not applicable | $348.30 |
| above $160,000 | above $320,000 | above $85,000 | $428.60 |
Part D Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)
Your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount.
If so, you’ll pay the standard premium amount and an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). IRMAA is an extra charge added to your premium.
The chart below shows your estimated prescription drug plan monthly premium based on your income as reported on your IRS tax return.
If your income is above a certain limit, you’ll pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount in addition to your plan premium 2018.
| If your filing status and yearly income in 2016 was | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| File individual tax return | File joint tax return | File married & separate tax return | You pay each month (in 2018) |
| $85,000 or less | $170,000 or less | $85,000 or less | your plan premium |
| above $85,000 up to $107,000 | above $170,000 up to $214,000 | Not applicable | $13.00 + your plan premium |
| above $107,000 up to $133,500 | above $214,000 up to $267,000 | Not applicable | $33.60 + your plan premium |
| above $133,500 up to $160,000 | above $267,000 up to $320,000 | Not applicable | $54.20 + your plan premium |
| above $160,000 | above $320,000 | above $85,000 | $74.80 + your plan premium |