Part B premiums, deductibles remain stable for 2018
By HME News Staff
Updated Tue November 21, 2017
WASHINGTON - The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $134 for 2018, the same as 2017, CMS has announced.
Some beneficiaries who were protected from Part B premium increases in prior years will have increases in 2018, but they will be offset by the increases in their Social Security benefits next year, CMS says.
“Medicare's top priority is to ensure that beneficiaries have choices for affordable, high-quality care that fit their needs,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. “Next year, no beneficiary protected by the hold-harmless provision will see a Part B premium increase that is greater than the increase in their Social Security benefits. We encourage Medicare beneficiaries to explore their options to make an informed choice between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage before Open Enrollment ends on Dec. 7.”
The average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage enrollees will drop to about $30 in 2018, about a 6% decrease compared to 2017, CMS estimates. More than 77% of Medicare Advantage enrollees remaining on their current plans will have the same or lower premiums for 2018, the agency says.
The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $183 in 2018, the same as 2017.
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