Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Medicare Deductibles and Copays for 2009?
The following is a listing of the Medicare premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates that will be in effect in 2009:
Medicare Premiums for 2009:
Part A: (Hospital Insurance) Premium
- Most people do not pay a monthly Part A premium because they or a spouse has 40 or more quarters of Medicare-covered employment.
- The Part A premium is $244.00 per month for people having 30-39 quarters of Medicare-covered employment.
- The Part A premium is $443.00 per month for people who are not otherwise eligible for premium-free hospital insurance and have less than 30 quarters of Medicare-covered employment.
Part B: (Medical Insurance) Premium
$96.40 per month*
Medicare Deductible and Coinsurance Amounts for 2009:
Part A: (pays for inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home health care) For each benefit period Medicare pays all covered costs except the Medicare Part A deductible (2009 = $1,068) during the first 60 days and coinsurance amounts for hospital stays that last beyond 60 days and no more than 150 days.
For each benefit period you pay:
- A total of $1,068 for a hospital stay of 1-60 days.
- $267 per day for days 61-90 of a hospital stay.
- $534 per day for days 91-150 of a hospital stay (Lifetime Reserve Days).
- All costs for each day beyond 150 days
Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance
- $133.50 per day for days 21 through 100 each benefit period.
- $135.00 per year. (Note: You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for services after you meet the $135.00 deductible.)
Additional information about the Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance rates for 2009 is available in the September 19, 2008 Fact Sheet titled, " CMS Announces Medicare Premiums, Deductibles for 2009" on the www.cms.gov website.
*Note: If your income is above $85,000 (single) or $170,000 (married couple), then your Medicare Part B premium may be higher than $96.40 per month.