The U.S. had 46,589,141 Medicare beneficiaries in 2010.
Medicare was signed into law in 1965 as part of the Social Security Act. At the time, Medicare came in only two parts: A and B. Because two more parts have been added since 1965, A and B are often referred to as Original Medicare. Part A is the mandatory part; Part B isn't. However, because Part B includes benefits such as preventive services, health screenings and outpatient hospital care, Medicare beneficiaries often enroll in Part B. Part B isn't free, however; it comes with various out-of-pocket costs to consumers.
Premiums
People often receive Part A premium-free because they've already paid 40 quarters, or 10 years, of Medicare taxes. However, Part B coverage always requires a monthly premium payment. Premiums sometimes change, but as of 2011, most new enrollees in Part B pay $115.40 per month. Those already enrolled in Part B who have their premiums deducted from their Social Security benefits and who make less than $85,000 pay $96.40. Medicare recipients with higher incomes pay higher premiums. The amount of this premium depends on how much money you make, whether or not you're married and whether you file an individual tax return or a joint return.
Copays
Medicare Part B services usually require that users pay part of the costs. These are called copayments, or copays. Generally, Part B copays are 20 percent of the Medicare-determined amount. Copays for certain Part B services are different, however. The copay for a doctor's visit to diagnose a mental health condition is also 20 percent, but the copay for outpatient treatment is 45 percent as of 2011. You also have to pay additional costs for an inpatient hospital stay at a mental health facility. You have no copyaments for the first 60 days, but you pay $283 per day for days 61 through 90. You then pay $566 per day for an extra 60 "lifetime reserve" days. After these are used, you pay all costs. Copayments are made on top of the monthly premiums and the annual deductible.
Deductibles
Part B Medicare has an annual deductible that must be paid by beneficiaries before insurance benefits kick in. As of 2011, the annual deductible for Part B was $162. Additionally, inpatient mental-health stays have their own deductible of $1,132. Deductibles can be changed annually by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Health Screenings
Part B offers coverage for various kinds of health screenings and preventive services. These screenings are often free if your doctor accepts the assignment; if not, you pay the standard 20 percent copay. These screenings include biennial bone-mass measurements, cancer screenings, diabetes tests, glaucoma tests, mammograms and screening for HIV.
Tags: annual deductible, Medicare Part, deductible Deductibles, have their, health screenings, Medicare beneficiaries
