As 2013 arrives, there are two things you can count on. 1) New Year Eve parties and 2) New Fees associated with Medicare. Today we will discuss the new costs for Medicare in 2013.

Traditional Medicare Premiums

Part A Monthly Premium: If you have to buy Part A (Hospital Insurance), you’ll pay up $441 each month. Some Higher-income people will pay more. Most people do not have to pay Part A out of pocket. If you are not sure, please contact us at the number above.

Part B Monthly Premium: Most people pay a Part B (Doctor Insurance) premium. In 2013 the average amount will be $104.90. Certain higher-income individuals will pay more for part B Medicare.

2013 Medicare Deductibles

People with Traditional Medicare but without a Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) plan will have to pay 100% of their Medicare deductibles.

Part A Deductible: You pay $1,184 for each 60 day benefit period in 2013. This means that if you enter the hospital for a second time after 60 days, you will have to pay that same $1,184 deductible again.

Part B Deductible: You pay $147 in 2013 before your part B doctor and non-hospital medical benefits kick in.

2013 Medicare Medical Fees and Coinsurance

Those without a Medigap plan will also have to pay significant fees and co-insurance for medical treatment not covered (or only partly covered) by traditional Medicare.

Part A Hospital Coinsurance: (after your part A deductible):
• Days 61–90: You pay $296 coinsurance per day in 2013.
• Days 91 plus: You pay $592 coinsurance per each “lifetime reserve day” after day 90 for each benefit period (up to 60 days over your lifetime) in 2013.
• Beyond lifetime reserve days: You pay all costs.

The above applies to Mental health inpatient stay as well.

Skilled Nursing Facility Stay

• You pay $0 for the first 20 days each benefit period.
• You pay $148 per day for days 21-100 each benefit period in 2013.
• All costs for each day after day 100 in a benefit period.

Clinical laboratory services

• You pay $0 for Medicare-approved services.

Home health services

• You pay $0 for home health care services.
• You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment.

Medical and other services

• You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most doctor services (including most doctor services while you’re a hospital inpatient), outpatient therapy, and durable medical equipment.

Outpatient mental health services

• You will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for visits to a doctor or other health care provider to diagnose your condition or to monitor or change your prescriptions. If your doctor charges more than the approved amount, you will have to pay 100% of excess charges.

• You pay 35% of the Medicare-approved amount for outpatient treatment of your condition (such as counseling or psychotherapy) in a doctor’s office setting in 2013. In a hospital outpatient setting, you pay a copayment.

Outpatient Hospital Services

• You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the doctor’s services.
• For some screenings and preventive services, these charges and the Part B deductible don’t apply.