Announcing Medicare A and B costs for 2015

Overall, good news on your costs for Medicare in 2015. Although some costs will rise, Part B deductibles and premiums will remain unchanged, largely as a result of the Affordable Care Act, aka "Obamacare." Fees for higher-income beneficiaries will also remain at 2015 levels. Here are the new numbers for next year, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services:

Part A 

Deductible: $1,260 (was $1,216 last year)

Part B   

Deductible: $147 (no increase from last year)

Premium: $104.90/month (no increase from last year)   

Premiums for high income beneficiaries, rates based on 2013 income:

• Married couples with annual income between $117,000 - $214,000 and individuals with annual income between $85,000 and $107,000: $146.90/month (no increase from last year)

• Married couples with annual income between $214,000 - $320,000 and individuals with annual income between $107,000 and $160,000: $209.80/month (no increase from last year)

• Married couples with annual income between $320,000 - $428,000 and individuals with annual income between $160,000 and $214,000: $272.70/month (no increase from last year)

• Married couples with annual income in excess of $428,000, and individuals with annual income in excess of $214,000: $335.70/month (no increase from last year)

Note: rates differ for married couples who file separate tax returns.

Hospital co-payments 

• Days 61-90: $315/day (was $204 last year)

• Days 91 days or greater: $630/day (was $608 last year)

Skilled Nursing Facility co-payments

Days 21 - 100: $157/day (was $152). Note that Medicare does NOT cover long-term, custodial nursing care!

You can find more information on 2015 Medicare costs here.