{ "id": "R40082", "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "R", "number": "R40082", "active": true, "source": "CRSReports.Congress.gov, EveryCRSReport.com, University of North Texas Libraries Government Documents Department", "versions": [ { "source_dir": "crsreports.congress.gov", "title": "Medicare Part B: Enrollment and Premiums", "retrieved": "2022-06-23T04:03:35.415071", "id": "R40082_52_2022-05-19", "formats": [ { "filename": "files/2022-05-19_R40082_143a23f28239eec6ef87bac952856d5a14d0a22e.pdf", "format": "PDF", "url": "https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R40082/52", "sha1": "143a23f28239eec6ef87bac952856d5a14d0a22e" }, { "format": "HTML", "filename": "files/2022-05-19_R40082_143a23f28239eec6ef87bac952856d5a14d0a22e.html" } ], "date": "2022-05-19", "summary": null, "source": "CRSReports.Congress.gov", "typeId": "R", "active": true, "sourceLink": "https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/details?prodcode=R40082", "type": "CRS Report" }, { "source_dir": "crsreports.congress.gov", "title": "Medicare Part B: Enrollment and Premiums", "retrieved": "2022-06-23T04:03:35.410695", "id": "R40082_48_2021-06-15", "formats": [ { "filename": "files/2021-06-15_R40082_96e36d766eeed2b407a2d551a40203c3d860b9a4.pdf", "format": "PDF", "url": "https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R40082/48", "sha1": "96e36d766eeed2b407a2d551a40203c3d860b9a4" }, { "format": "HTML", "filename": "files/2021-06-15_R40082_96e36d766eeed2b407a2d551a40203c3d860b9a4.html" } ], "date": "2021-06-15", "summary": null, "source": "CRSReports.Congress.gov", "typeId": "R", "active": true, "sourceLink": "https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/details?prodcode=R40082", "type": "CRS Report" }, { "source": "EveryCRSReport.com", "id": 624817, "date": "2020-05-06", "retrieved": "2020-05-19T13:45:56.627159", "title": "Medicare Part B: Enrollment and Premiums", "summary": "Medicare is a federal insurance program that pays for covered health care services of most individuals aged 65 and older and certain disabled persons. In calendar year 2020, the program is expected to cover about 63 million persons (54 million aged and 9 million disabled) at a total cost of $862 billion. Most individuals (or their spouses) aged 65 and older who have worked in covered employment and paid Medicare payroll taxes for 40 quarters receive premium-free Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). Those entitled to Medicare Part A (regardless of whether they are eligible for premium-free Part A) have the option of enrolling in Part B, which covers such things as physician and outpatient services and medical equipment. \nBeneficiaries have a seven-month initial enrollment period, and those who enroll in Part B after this initial enrollment period and/or reenroll after a termination of coverage may be subject to a late-enrollment penalty. This penalty is equal to a 10% surcharge for each 12 months of delay in enrollment and/or reenrollment. Under certain conditions, some beneficiaries are exempt from the late-enrollment penalty; these exempt beneficiaries include working individuals (and their spouses) with group coverage through their current employment, some international volunteers, and those granted \u201cequitable relief.\u201d\nWhereas Part A is financed primarily by payroll taxes paid by current workers, Part B is financed through a combination of beneficiary premiums and federal general revenues. The standard Part B premiums are set to cover 25% of projected average per capita Part B program costs for the aged, with federal general revenues accounting for the remaining amount. In general, if projected Part B costs increase or decrease, the premium rises or falls proportionately. However, some Part B enrollees are protected by a provision in the Social Security Act (the hold-harmless provision) that prevents their Medicare Part B premiums from increasing more than the annual increase in their Social Security benefit payments. This protection does not apply to four main groups of beneficiaries: low-income beneficiaries whose Part B premiums are paid by the Medicaid program; high-income beneficiaries who are subject to income-related Part B premiums; those whose Medicare premiums are not deducted from Social Security benefits; and new Medicare and Social Security enrollees.\nMost Part B participants must pay monthly premiums, which do not vary with a beneficiary\u2019s age, health status, or place of residence. However, since 2007, higher-income enrollees pay higher premiums to cover a higher percentage of Part B costs (\u201cincome-related monthly adjustment amounts\u201d (IRMAA)). Additionally, certain low-income beneficiaries may qualify for Medicare cost-sharing and/or premium assistance from Medicaid through a Medicare Savings Program. The premiums of those receiving benefits through Social Security are deducted from their monthly payments.\nEach year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) determines the Medicare Part B premiums for the following year. The standard monthly Part B premium for 2020 is $144.60. However, in 2020, the hold-harmless provision applies to some Part B enrollees, and these individuals pay lower premiums. (The premiums of those held harmless vary depending on the dollar amount of the increase in their Social Security benefits.) Higher-income beneficiaries, currently defined as individuals with incomes over $87,000 per year or couples with incomes over $174,000 per year, pay $202.40, $289.20, $376.00, $462.70, or $491.60 per month, depending on their income levels. \nStarting in 2018, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA; P.L. 114-10) reduced the income thresholds in the highest two income tiers so that more enrollees will pay higher premiums. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA 18; P.L. 115-123) added an additional income tier beginning in 2019 for individuals with annual incomes of $500,000 or more or couples filing jointly with incomes of $750,000 or more.\nCurrent issues related to the Part B premium that may come before Congress include the amount of the premium and its rate of increase (and the potential net impact on Social Security benefits), the impact of the hold-harmless provision on those not held harmless, modifications to the late-enrollment penalty, and possible increases in Medicare premiums as a means to reduce federal spending and deficits.", "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "REPORTS", "active": true, "formats": [ { "format": "HTML", "encoding": "utf-8", "url": "https://www.crs.gov/Reports/R40082", "sha1": "cbf32dfb9657c351abdba8bedd68c0e2750c06ea", "filename": "files/20200506_R40082_cbf32dfb9657c351abdba8bedd68c0e2750c06ea.html", "images": { "/products/Getimages/?directory=R/html/R40082_files&id=/0.png": "files/20200506_R40082_images_fd05d4cd879c9b3c596a2e437f8ca4c06a649141.png" } }, { "format": "PDF", "encoding": null, "url": "https://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/R40082", "sha1": "3726d909cde11a908b6d04c419e702c596f1e917", "filename": "files/20200506_R40082_3726d909cde11a908b6d04c419e702c596f1e917.pdf", "images": {} } ], "topics": [ { "source": "IBCList", "id": 4912, "name": "Medicare" } ] }, { "source": "EveryCRSReport.com", "id": 595754, "date": "2019-04-04", "retrieved": "2019-12-20T19:34:38.829623", "title": "Medicare: Part B Premiums", "summary": "Medicare is a federal insurance program that pays for covered health care services of most individuals aged 65 and older and certain disabled persons. In calendar year 2019, the program is expected to cover about 61 million persons (52 million aged and 9 million disabled) at a total cost of $798 billion. Most individuals (or their spouses) aged 65 and older who have worked in covered employment and paid Medicare payroll taxes for 40 quarters receive premium-free Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). Those entitled to Medicare Part A (regardless of whether they are eligible for premium-free Part A) have the option of enrolling in Part B, which covers such things as physician and outpatient services and medical equipment. \nBeneficiaries have a seven-month initial enrollment period, and those who enroll in Part B after this initial enrollment period and/or reenroll after a termination of coverage may be subject to a late-enrollment penalty. This penalty is equal to a 10% surcharge for each 12 months of delay in enrollment and/or reenrollment. Under certain conditions, some beneficiaries are exempt from the late-enrollment penalty; these exempt beneficiaries include working individuals (and their spouses) with group coverage through their current employment, some international volunteers, and those granted \u201cequitable relief.\u201d\nWhereas Part A is financed primarily by payroll taxes paid by current workers, Part B is financed through a combination of beneficiary premiums and federal general revenues. The standard Part B premiums are set to cover 25% of projected average per capita Part B program costs for the aged, with federal general revenues accounting for the remaining amount. In general, if projected Part B costs increase or decrease, the premium rises or falls proportionately. However, some Part B enrollees are protected by a provision in the Social Security Act (the hold-harmless provision) that prevents their Medicare Part B premiums from increasing more than the annual increase in their Social Security benefit payments. This protection does not apply to four main groups of beneficiaries: low-income beneficiaries whose Part B premiums are paid by the Medicaid program; high-income beneficiaries who are subject to income-related Part B premiums; those whose Medicare premiums are not deducted from Social Security benefits; and new Medicare and Social Security enrollees.\nMost Part B participants must pay monthly premiums, which do not vary with a beneficiary\u2019s age, health status, or place of residence. However, since 2007, higher-income enrollees pay higher premiums to cover a higher percentage of Part B costs. Additionally, certain low-income beneficiaries may qualify for Medicare cost-sharing and/or premium assistance from Medicaid through a Medicare Savings Program. The premiums of those receiving benefits through Social Security are deducted from their monthly payments.\nEach year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) determines the Medicare Part B premiums for the following year. The standard monthly Part B premium for 2019 is $135.50. However, in 2019, the hold-harmless provision applies to about 3.5% of Part B enrollees, and these individuals pay lower premiums. (The premiums of those held harmless vary depending on the dollar amount of the increase in their Social Security benefits.) Higher-income beneficiaries, currently defined as individuals with incomes over $85,000 per year or couples with incomes over $170,000 per year, pay $189.60, $270.90, $352.20, $433.40, or $460.50 per month, depending on their income levels. \nStarting in 2018, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA; P.L. 114-10) reduced the income thresholds in the highest two income tiers so that more enrollees will pay higher premiums. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA 18; P.L. 115-123) added an additional income tier beginning in 2019 for individuals with annual incomes of $500,000 or more or couples filing jointly with incomes of $750,000 or more.\nCurrent issues related to the Part B premium that may come before Congress include the amount of the premium and its rate of increase (and the potential net impact on Social Security benefits), the impact of the hold-harmless provision on those not held harmless, modifications to the late-enrollment penalty, and possible increases in Medicare premiums as a means to reduce federal spending and deficits.", "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "REPORTS", "active": true, "formats": [ { "format": "HTML", "encoding": "utf-8", "url": "https://www.crs.gov/Reports/R40082", "sha1": "e77f49cde9dc9c5e4121b65d85d5872c9c385d69", "filename": "files/20190404_R40082_e77f49cde9dc9c5e4121b65d85d5872c9c385d69.html", "images": { "/products/Getimages/?directory=R/html/R40082_files&id=/0.png": "files/20190404_R40082_images_20daa54b502b6c37f725ab4602461d8a36884fb3.png" } }, { "format": "PDF", "encoding": null, "url": "https://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/R40082", "sha1": "3713417cdc0ec301a9de1e8a9b300dcff918821c", "filename": "files/20190404_R40082_3713417cdc0ec301a9de1e8a9b300dcff918821c.pdf", "images": {} } ], "topics": [ { "source": "IBCList", "id": 4912, "name": "Medicare" } ] }, { "source": "EveryCRSReport.com", "id": 584951, "date": "2018-07-05", "retrieved": "2018-09-12T22:41:47.427723", "title": "Medicare: Part B Premiums", "summary": "Medicare is a federal insurance program that pays for covered health care services of most individuals aged 65 and older and certain disabled persons. In calendar year 2018, the program is expected to cover about 60 million persons (51 million aged and 9 million disabled) at a total cost of $745 billion. Most individuals (or their spouses) aged 65 and older who have worked in covered employment and paid Medicare payroll taxes for 40 quarters receive premium-free Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). Those entitled to Medicare Part A (regardless of whether they are eligible for premium-free Part A) have the option of enrolling in Part B, which covers such things as physician and outpatient services and medical equipment. \nBeneficiaries have a seven-month initial enrollment period, and those who enroll in Part B after this initial enrollment period and/or reenroll after a termination of coverage may be subject to a late-enrollment penalty. This penalty is equal to a 10% surcharge for each 12 months of delay in enrollment and/or reenrollment. Under certain conditions, some beneficiaries are exempt from the late-enrollment penalty; these exempt beneficiaries include working individuals (and their spouses) with group coverage through their current employment, some international volunteers, and those granted \u201cequitable relief.\u201d\nWhereas Part A is financed primarily by payroll taxes paid by current workers, Part B is financed through a combination of beneficiary premiums and federal general revenues. The standard Part B premiums are set to cover 25% of projected average per capita Part B program costs for the aged, with federal general revenues accounting for the remaining amount. In general, if projected Part B costs increase or decrease, the premium rises or falls proportionately. However, some Part B enrollees are protected by a provision in the Social Security Act (the hold-harmless provision) that prevents their Medicare Part B premiums from increasing more than the annual increase in their Social Security benefit payments. This protection does not apply to four main groups of beneficiaries: low-income beneficiaries whose Part B premiums are paid by the Medicaid program; high-income beneficiaries who are subject to income-related Part B premiums; those whose Medicare premiums are not deducted from Social Security benefits; and new Medicare and Social Security enrollees.\nMost Part B participants must pay monthly premiums, which do not vary with a beneficiary\u2019s age, health status, or place of residence. However, since 2007, higher-income enrollees pay higher premiums to cover a higher percentage of Part B costs. Additionally, certain low-income beneficiaries may qualify for Medicare cost-sharing and/or premium assistance from Medicaid through a Medicare Savings Program. The premiums of those receiving benefits through Social Security are deducted from their monthly payments.\nEach year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) determines the Medicare Part B premiums for the following year. The standard monthly Part B premium for 2018 is $134.00. However, due to a relatively low (2.0%) Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2018, the hold-harmless provision applies to about 28% of Part B enrollees, and these individuals pay lower premiums. (The premiums of those held harmless vary depending on the dollar amount of the increase in their Social Security benefits.) Higher-income beneficiaries, currently defined as individuals with incomes over $85,000 per year or couples with incomes over $170,000 per year, pay $187.50, $267.90, $348.30, or $428.60 per month, depending on their income levels. \nStarting in 2018, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA; P.L. 114-10) reduces the income thresholds in the highest two income tiers so that more enrollees will pay higher premiums. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA 18; P.L. 115-123) adds an additional income tier beginning in 2019 for individuals with annual incomes of $500,000 or more or couples filing jointly with incomes of $750,000 or more.\nCurrent issues related to the Part B premium that may come before Congress include the amount of the premium and its rate of increase (and the potential net impact on Social Security benefits), the impact of the hold-harmless provision on those not held harmless, modifications to the late-enrollment penalty, and possible increases in Medicare premiums as a means to reduce federal spending and deficits.", "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "REPORTS", "active": true, "formats": [ { "format": "HTML", "encoding": "utf-8", "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/R40082", "sha1": "86b758b792ec710953c68a5140981719b89615ce", "filename": "files/20180705_R40082_86b758b792ec710953c68a5140981719b89615ce.html", "images": { "/products/Getimages/?directory=R/html/R40082_files&id=/0.png": "files/20180705_R40082_images_204f155bd4635152528b8e97bad05d2e7d12ac42.png" } }, { "format": "PDF", "encoding": null, "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/R40082", "sha1": "84a9cec6bf22058c211805ed4ab70113774378f7", "filename": "files/20180705_R40082_84a9cec6bf22058c211805ed4ab70113774378f7.pdf", "images": {} } ], "topics": [ { "source": "IBCList", "id": 4912, "name": "Medicare" } ] }, { "source": "EveryCRSReport.com", "id": 580921, "date": "2018-05-08", "retrieved": "2018-05-10T10:08:46.579847", "title": "Medicare: Part B Premiums", "summary": "Medicare is a federal insurance program that pays for covered health care services of most individuals aged 65 and older and certain disabled persons. In calendar year 2018, the program is expected to cover about 60 million persons (51 million aged and 9 million disabled) at a total cost of $744 billion. Most individuals (or their spouses) aged 65 and older who have worked in covered employment and paid Medicare payroll taxes for 40 quarters receive premium-free Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). Those entitled to Medicare Part A (regardless of whether they are eligible for premium-free Part A) have the option of enrolling in Part B, which covers such things as physician and outpatient services and medical equipment. \nBeneficiaries have a seven-month initial enrollment period, and those who enroll in Part B after this initial enrollment period and/or reenroll after a termination of coverage may be subject to a late-enrollment penalty. This penalty is equal to a 10% surcharge for each 12 months of delay in enrollment and/or reenrollment. Under certain conditions, some beneficiaries are exempt from the late-enrollment penalty; these exempt beneficiaries include working individuals (and their spouses) with group coverage through their current employment, some international volunteers, and those granted \u201cequitable relief.\u201d\nWhereas Part A is financed primarily by payroll taxes paid by current workers, Part B is financed through a combination of beneficiary premiums and federal general revenues. The standard Part B premiums are set to cover 25% of projected average per capita Part B program costs for the aged, with federal general revenues accounting for the remaining amount. In general, if projected Part B costs increase or decrease, the premium rises or falls proportionately. However, some Part B enrollees are protected by a provision in the Social Security Act (the hold-harmless provision) that prevents their Medicare Part B premiums from increasing more than the annual increase in their Social Security benefit payments. This protection does not apply to four main groups of beneficiaries: low-income beneficiaries whose Part B premiums are paid by the Medicaid program; high-income beneficiaries who are subject to income-related Part B premiums; those whose Medicare premiums are not deducted from Social Security benefits; and new Medicare and Social Security enrollees.\nMost Part B participants must pay monthly premiums, which do not vary with a beneficiary\u2019s age, health status, or place of residence. However, since 2007, higher-income enrollees pay higher premiums to cover a higher percentage of Part B costs. Additionally, certain low-income beneficiaries may qualify for Medicare cost-sharing and/or premium assistance from Medicaid through a Medicare Savings Program. The premiums of those receiving benefits through Social Security are deducted from their monthly payments.\nEach year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) determines the Medicare Part B premiums for the following year. The standard monthly Part B premium for 2018 is $134.00. However, due to a relatively low (2.0%) Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2018, the hold-harmless provision applies to about 28% of Part B enrollees, and these individuals pay lower premiums. (The premiums of those held harmless vary depending on the dollar amount of the increase in their Social Security benefits.) Higher-income beneficiaries, currently defined as individuals with incomes over $85,000 per year or couples with incomes over $170,000 per year, pay $187.50, $267.90, $348.30, or $428.60 per month, depending on their income levels. \nStarting in 2018, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA; P.L. 114-10) reduces the income thresholds in the highest two income tiers so that more enrollees will pay higher premiums. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA 18; P.L. 115-123) adds an additional income tier beginning in 2019 for individuals with annual incomes of $500,000 or more or couples filing jointly with incomes of $750,000 or more.\nCurrent issues related to the Part B premium that may come before Congress include the amount of the premium and its rate of increase (and the potential net impact on Social Security benefits), the impact of the hold-harmless provision on those not held harmless, modifications to the late-enrollment penalty, and possible increases in Medicare premiums as a means to reduce federal spending and deficits.", "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "REPORTS", "active": true, "formats": [ { "format": "HTML", "encoding": "utf-8", "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/R40082", "sha1": "ca29693204291422930b871ab2c8dbdd3d9522fb", "filename": "files/20180508_R40082_ca29693204291422930b871ab2c8dbdd3d9522fb.html", "images": { "/products/Getimages/?directory=R/html/R40082_files&id=/0.png": "files/20180508_R40082_images_be1be634e5f48412a7c5b0795614ece5c463a184.png" } }, { "format": "PDF", "encoding": null, "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/R40082", "sha1": "3d88272f8a40de61c30c43a1bef8c2b0a5bbc3b1", "filename": "files/20180508_R40082_3d88272f8a40de61c30c43a1bef8c2b0a5bbc3b1.pdf", "images": {} } ], "topics": [ { "source": "IBCList", "id": 4912, "name": "Medicare" } ] }, { "source": "EveryCRSReport.com", "id": 573601, "date": "2017-09-14", "retrieved": "2017-10-02T22:26:45.072119", "title": "Medicare: Part B Premiums", "summary": "Medicare is a federal insurance program that pays for covered health care services of most individuals aged 65 and older and certain disabled persons. In calendar year (CY) 2017, the program is expected to cover about 58 million persons (49 million aged and 9 million disabled) at a total cost of $707 billion. Most individuals (or their spouses) aged 65 and older who have worked in covered employment and paid Medicare payroll taxes for 40 quarters receive premium-free Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). Those entitled to Medicare Part A (regardless of whether they are eligible for premium-free Part A) have the option of enrolling in Part B, which covers such things as physician and outpatient services and medical equipment. \nBeneficiaries have a seven-month initial enrollment period, and those who enroll in Part B after this initial enrollment period and/or reenroll after a termination of coverage may be subject to a late-enrollment penalty. This penalty is equal to a 10% surcharge for each 12 months of delay in enrollment and/or reenrollment. Under certain conditions, some beneficiaries are exempt from the late-enrollment penalty; these exempt beneficiaries include working individuals (and their spouses) with group coverage through their current employment, and some international volunteers.\nWhereas Part A is financed primarily by payroll taxes paid by current workers, Part B is financed through a combination of beneficiary premiums and federal general revenues. The standard Part B premiums are set to cover 25% of projected average per capita Part B program costs for the aged, with federal general revenues accounting for the remaining amount. In general, if projected Part B costs increase or decrease, the premium rises or falls proportionately. However, most Part B enrollees are protected by a provision in the Social Security Act (the hold-harmless provision) that prevents their Medicare Part B premiums from increasing more than the annual increase in their Social Security benefit payments. This protection does not apply to four main groups of beneficiaries: low-income beneficiaries whose Part B premiums are paid by the Medicaid program; high-income beneficiaries who are subject to income-related Part B premiums; those whose Medicare premiums are not deducted from Social Security benefits; and new Medicare and Social Security enrollees.\nMost Part B participants must pay monthly premiums, which do not vary with a beneficiary\u2019s age, health status, or place of residence. However, since 2007, higher-income enrollees pay higher premiums to cover a higher percentage of Part B costs. Additionally, certain low-income beneficiaries may qualify for Medicare cost-sharing and/or premium assistance from Medicaid through a Medicare Savings Program. The premiums of those receiving benefits through Social Security are deducted from their monthly payments.\nEach year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) determines the Medicare Part B premiums for the following year. The standard monthly Part B premium for 2017 is $134.00. However, due to a 0.3% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2017, the hold-harmless provision applies to about 70% of Part B enrollees; their premiums are, on average, $109.00. (Because there was a small Social Security COLA in 2017, the increase in the premiums of those protected under the hold-harmless rule may vary depending on the dollar amount of the increase in their Social Security benefits.) Higher-income beneficiaries, currently defined as individuals with incomes over $85,000 per year or couples with incomes over $170,000 per year, pay $187.50, $267.90, $348.30, or $428.60 per month, depending on their income levels. \nThe Social Security Administration estimates that there will be a 2.2% Social Security COLA in 2018, and the Medicare trustees project that 2018 Medicare Part B premiums will be about the same as in 2017, $134 per month. Under this scenario, the dollar amount of the increase in many beneficiaries\u2019 monthly Social Security benefits in 2018 would be large enough to cover the difference between the 2017 premiums of those individuals held harmless (an average of $109 per month) and the expected 2018 standard premium of $134 per month (an average difference of $25). Thus, it is possible that many of those held harmless in 2017 will not be held harmless in 2018 and will return to paying the standard premium amount. The actual 2018 Social Security COLA and Medicare premiums will not be announced until the fall of 2017 and could be higher or lower than projected.\nCurrent issues related to the Part B premium that may come before Congress include the amount of the premium and its rate of increase (and the potential net impact on Social Security benefits), the impact of the hold-harmless provision on those not held harmless, modifications to the late-enrollment penalty, and possible increases in Medicare premiums as a means to reduce federal spending and deficits.", "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "REPORTS", "active": true, "formats": [ { "format": "HTML", "encoding": "utf-8", "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/R40082", "sha1": "59c69e87a8786a483e983399f300bf1786b11dab", "filename": "files/20170914_R40082_59c69e87a8786a483e983399f300bf1786b11dab.html", "images": { "/products/Getimages/?directory=R/html/R40082_files&id=/0.png": "files/20170914_R40082_images_d84bce1b2053531a26d24351bc66301c4d90546a.png" } }, { "format": "PDF", "encoding": null, "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/R40082", "sha1": "993a8cc88a99446c9233c1d7eb019c03eb0541c8", "filename": "files/20170914_R40082_993a8cc88a99446c9233c1d7eb019c03eb0541c8.pdf", "images": {} } ], "topics": [ { "source": "IBCList", "id": 4912, "name": "Medicare" } ] }, { "source": "EveryCRSReport.com", "id": 457127, "date": "2016-11-10", "retrieved": "2016-11-28T21:08:36.662997", "title": "Medicare: Part B Premiums", "summary": "Medicare is a federal insurance program that pays for covered health care services of most individuals aged 65 and older and certain disabled persons. In 2016, the program is expected to cover about 57 million persons (48 million aged and 9 million disabled) at a total cost of $683 billion. Most individuals (or their spouses) aged 65 and older who have worked in covered employment and paid Medicare payroll taxes for 40 quarters receive premium-free Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). Those entitled to Medicare Part A (regardless of whether they are eligible for premium-free Part A) have the option of enrolling in Part B, which covers such things as physician and outpatient services and medical equipment. \nBeneficiaries have a seven-month initial enrollment period, and those who enroll in Part B after this initial enrollment period and/or reenroll after a termination of coverage may be subject to a late-enrollment penalty. This penalty is equal to a 10% surcharge for each 12 months of delay in enrollment and/or reenrollment. Under certain conditions, select beneficiaries are exempt from the late-enrollment penalty; these exempt beneficiaries include working individuals (and their spouses) with group coverage through their current employment, some military retirees, and some international volunteers.\nWhereas Part A is financed primarily by payroll taxes paid by current workers, Part B is financed through a combination of beneficiary premiums and federal general revenues. The standard Part B premiums are set to cover 25% of projected average per capita Part B program costs for the aged, with federal general revenues accounting for the remaining amount. In general, if projected Part B costs increase or decrease, the premium rises or falls proportionately. However, most Part B enrollees are protected by a provision in the Social Security Act (the hold-harmless provision) that prevents their Medicare Part B premiums from increasing more than the annual increase in their Social Security benefit payments. This protection does not apply to four main groups of beneficiaries: low-income beneficiaries whose Part B premiums are paid by the Medicaid program; high-income beneficiaries who are subject to income-related Part B premiums; those whose Medicare premiums are not deducted from Social Security benefits; and new Medicare and Social Security enrollees.\nMost Part B participants must pay monthly premiums, which do not vary with a beneficiary\u2019s age, health status, or place of residence. However, since 2007, higher-income enrollees pay higher premiums to cover a higher percentage of Part B costs. Additionally, certain low-income beneficiaries may qualify for Medicare cost-sharing and/or premium assistance from Medicaid through a Medicare Savings Program. The premiums of those receiving benefits through Social Security are deducted from their monthly payments.\nEach year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) determines the Medicare Part B premiums for the following year. The standard monthly Part B premium for 2016 is $121.80. However, due to a 0% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2016, the hold-harmless provision applies to about 70% of Part B enrollees; their premiums are being held flat at the 2015 premium amount of $104.90 through 2016. Higher-income beneficiaries, currently defined as individuals with incomes over $85,000 per year or couples with incomes over $170,000 per year, pay $170.50, $243.60, $316.70, or $389.80 per month, depending on their income levels. \nThe Medicare trustees estimate that, absent the application of the hold-harmless provision, 2017 premiums will be about the same as in 2016. However, based on preliminary data, the Medicare trustees are projecting only a very small Social Security COLA increase in 2017. Should this be the case, it is possible that most of those held harmless in 2016 could be held harmless again in 2017 and, absent legislation, those who do not qualify for hold-harmless protection could be subject to significantly higher premiums. The actual 2017 Social Security COLA and Medicare premiums will not be announced until the fall of 2016 and could be higher or lower than projected.\nCurrent issues related to the Part B premium that may come before Congress include the amount of the premium and its rate of increase (and the potential net impact on Social Security benefits), the impact of the hold-harmless provision on those not held harmless, modifications to the late-enrollment penalty, and possible increases in Medicare premiums as a means to reduce federal spending and deficits.\nOn October 18, 2016, the Social Security Administration announced that there will be a 0.3% Social Security COLA in 2017. Subsequently, on November 10, 2016, CMS announced the Part B premiums and deductibles for 2017. In 2017, those not held harmless (about 30% of enrollees) will pay monthly premiums of $134.00, and higher-income enrollees will pay $187.50, $267.90, $348.30, or $428.60, depending on their level of income. CMS estimates that those held harmless in 2017 (about 70% of enrollees) will pay, on average, about $109.00 per month for their Part B premiums. Because there is a small Social Security COLA in 2017, the increase in the premiums of those protected under the hold-harmless rule will vary depending on the amount of the increase in their Social Security benefits. \nThis CRS report will be updated in 2017.", "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "REPORTS", "active": true, "formats": [ { "format": "HTML", "encoding": "utf-8", "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/R40082", "sha1": "dc9ca90ce3af10b53d7e1b64eeed7e55a9d89406", "filename": "files/20161110_R40082_dc9ca90ce3af10b53d7e1b64eeed7e55a9d89406.html", "images": null }, { "format": "PDF", "encoding": null, "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/R40082", "sha1": "e780b2a0dbe11e4bb137f99ea4a86e05275796c7", "filename": "files/20161110_R40082_e780b2a0dbe11e4bb137f99ea4a86e05275796c7.pdf", "images": null } ], "topics": [ { "source": "IBCList", "id": 4912, "name": "Medicare" } ] }, { "source": "EveryCRSReport.com", "id": 455520, "date": "2016-08-04", "retrieved": "2016-09-09T19:03:45.477867", "title": "Medicare: Part B Premiums", "summary": "Medicare is a federal insurance program that pays for covered health care services of most individuals aged 65 and older and certain disabled persons. In 2016, the program is expected to cover about 57 million persons (48 million aged and 9 million disabled) at a total cost of $683 billion. Most individuals (or their spouses) aged 65 and older who have worked in covered employment and paid Medicare payroll taxes for 40 quarters receive premium-free Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). Those entitled to Medicare Part A (regardless of whether they are eligible for premium-free Part A) have the option of enrolling in Part B, which covers such things as physician and outpatient services and medical equipment. \nBeneficiaries have a seven-month initial enrollment period, and those who enroll in Part B after this initial enrollment period and/or reenroll after a termination of coverage may be subject to a late-enrollment penalty. This penalty is equal to a 10% surcharge for each 12 months of delay in enrollment and/or reenrollment. Under certain conditions, select beneficiaries are exempt from the late-enrollment penalty; these exempt beneficiaries include working individuals (and their spouses) with group coverage through their current employment, some military retirees, and some international volunteers.\nWhereas Part A is financed primarily by payroll taxes paid by current workers, Part B is financed through a combination of beneficiary premiums and federal general revenues. The standard Part B premiums are set to cover 25% of projected average per capita Part B program costs for the aged, with federal general revenues accounting for the remaining amount. In general, if projected Part B costs increase or decrease, the premium rises or falls proportionately. However, most Part B enrollees are protected by a provision in the Social Security Act (the hold-harmless provision) that prevents their Medicare Part B premiums from increasing more than the annual increase in their Social Security benefit payments. This protection does not apply to four main groups of beneficiaries: low-income beneficiaries whose Part B premiums are paid by the Medicaid program; high-income beneficiaries who are subject to income-related Part B premiums; those whose Medicare premiums are not deducted from Social Security benefits; and new Medicare and Social Security enrollees.\nMost Part B participants must pay monthly premiums, which do not vary with a beneficiary\u2019s age, health status, or place of residence. However, since 2007, higher-income enrollees pay higher premiums to cover a higher percentage of Part B costs. Additionally, certain low-income beneficiaries may qualify for Medicare cost-sharing and/or premium assistance from Medicaid through a Medicare Savings Program. The premiums of those receiving benefits through Social Security are deducted from their monthly payments.\nEach year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) determines the Medicare Part B premiums for the following year. The standard monthly Part B premium for 2016 is $121.80. However, due to a 0% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2016, the hold-harmless provision applies to about 70% of Part B enrollees; their premiums are being held flat at the 2015 premium amount of $104.90 through 2016. Higher-income beneficiaries, currently defined as individuals with incomes over $85,000 per year or couples with incomes over $170,000 per year, pay $170.50, $243.60, $316.70, or $389.80 per month, depending on their income levels. \nThe Medicare trustees estimate that, absent the application of the hold-harmless provision, 2017 premiums will be about the same as in 2016. However, based on preliminary data, the Medicare trustees are projecting only a very small Social Security COLA increase in 2017. Should this be the case, it is possible that most of those held harmless in 2016 could be held harmless again in 2017 and, absent legislation, those who do not qualify for hold-harmless protection could be subject to significantly higher premiums. The actual 2017 Social Security COLA and Medicare premiums will not be announced until the fall of 2016 and could be higher or lower than currently projected.\nCurrent issues related to the Part B premium that may come before Congress include the amount of the premium and its rate of increase (and the potential net impact on Social Security benefits), the impact of the hold-harmless provision on those not held harmless, modifications to the late-enrollment penalty, and possible increases in Medicare premiums as a means to reduce federal spending and deficits.", "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "REPORTS", "active": true, "formats": [ { "format": "HTML", "encoding": "utf-8", "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/R40082", "sha1": "9e06a7bb4f78cf57554dc947ae36046e4c775cb5", "filename": "files/20160804_R40082_9e06a7bb4f78cf57554dc947ae36046e4c775cb5.html", "images": null }, { "format": "PDF", "encoding": null, "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/R40082", "sha1": "fab14ee19787841da5080e561a48d17fd6646a7f", "filename": "files/20160804_R40082_fab14ee19787841da5080e561a48d17fd6646a7f.pdf", "images": null } ], "topics": [ { "source": "IBCList", "id": 2177, "name": "Medicare" } ] }, { "source": "EveryCRSReport.com", "id": 451454, "date": "2016-03-25", "retrieved": "2016-04-07T17:32:17.714029", "title": "Medicare: Part B Premiums", "summary": "Medicare is a federal insurance program that pays for covered health care services of most individuals aged 65 and older and certain disabled persons. In 2016, the program is expected to cover about 57 million persons (48 million aged and 9 million disabled) at a total cost of $688 billion. Most individuals (or their spouses) aged 65 and older who have worked in covered employment and paid Medicare payroll taxes for 40 quarters receive premium-free Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). Those entitled to Medicare Part A (regardless of whether they are eligible for premium-free Part A) have the option of enrolling in Part B, which covers such things as physician and outpatient services and medical equipment. \nBeneficiaries have a seven-month initial enrollment period, and those who enroll in Part B after this initial enrollment period and/or reenroll after a termination of coverage may be subject to a late-enrollment penalty. This penalty is equal to a 10% surcharge for each 12 months of delay in enrollment and/or reenrollment. Under certain conditions, select beneficiaries are exempt from the late-enrollment penalty; these exempt beneficiaries include working individuals (and their spouses) with group coverage through their current employment, some military retirees, and some international volunteers.\nWhereas Part A is financed primarily by payroll taxes paid by current workers, Part B is financed through a combination of beneficiary premiums and federal general revenues. The standard Part B premiums are set to cover 25% of projected average per capita Part B program costs for the aged, with federal general revenues accounting for the remaining amount. In general, if projected Part B costs increase or decrease, the premium rises or falls proportionately. However, most Part B enrollees are protected by a provision in the Social Security Act (the hold-harmless provision) that prevents their Medicare Part B premiums from increasing more than the annual increase in their Social Security benefit payments. This protection does not apply to four main groups of beneficiaries: low-income beneficiaries whose Part B premiums are paid by the Medicaid program; high-income beneficiaries who are subject to income-related Part B premiums; those whose Medicare premiums are not deducted from Social Security benefits; and new Medicare and Social Security enrollees.\nMost Part B participants must pay monthly premiums, which do not vary with a beneficiary\u2019s age, health status, or place of residence. However, since 2007, higher-income enrollees pay higher premiums to cover a higher percentage of Part B costs. Additionally, certain low-income beneficiaries may qualify for Medicare cost-sharing and/or premium assistance from Medicaid through a Medicare Savings Program. The premiums of those receiving benefits through Social Security are deducted from their monthly payments.\nEach year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) determines the Medicare Part B premiums for the following year. The standard monthly Part B premium for 2016 is $121.80. However, due to a 0% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2016, the hold-harmless provision applies to about 70% of Part B enrollees; their premiums are being held flat at the 2015 premium amount of $104.90 through 2016. Higher-income beneficiaries, currently defined as individuals with incomes over $85,000 per year or couples with incomes over $170,000 per year, pay $170.50, $243.60, $316.70, or $389.80 per month, depending on their income levels. \nThe Social Security and Medicare Trustees currently project that in 2017 there will be a 3.1% Social Security COLA and no increase in the Medicare Part B premiums. As such, it is expected that most of those held harmless in 2016 will not be held harmless in 2017 and that their premiums will increase to the normal standard premium amounts for that year. \nCurrent issues related to the Part B premium that may come before Congress include the amount of the premium and its rate of increase (and the potential net impact on Social Security benefits), the impact of the hold-harmless provision on those not held harmless, modifications to the late-enrollment penalty, and possible increases in Medicare premiums as a means to reduce federal spending and deficits.", "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "REPORTS", "active": true, "formats": [ { "format": "HTML", "encoding": "utf-8", "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/R40082", "sha1": "eef4ce0e561a1479e050f60a44e6db7914da536d", "filename": "files/20160325_R40082_eef4ce0e561a1479e050f60a44e6db7914da536d.html", "images": null }, { "format": "PDF", "encoding": null, "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/R40082", "sha1": "861bdf68ac8c26b72fa3b6916ee580617d678688", "filename": "files/20160325_R40082_861bdf68ac8c26b72fa3b6916ee580617d678688.pdf", "images": null } ], "topics": [ { "source": "IBCList", "id": 2177, "name": "Medicare" } ] }, { "source": "University of North Texas Libraries Government Documents Department", "sourceLink": "https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc819086/", "id": "R40082_2015Sep29", "date": "2015-09-29", "retrieved": "2016-03-19T13:57:26", "title": "Medicare: Part B Premiums", "summary": null, "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "REPORT", "active": false, "formats": [ { "format": "PDF", "filename": "files/20150929_R40082_6fe6c0f721161b71e15dd3bd8c786a36a6b4f540.pdf" }, { "format": "HTML", "filename": "files/20150929_R40082_6fe6c0f721161b71e15dd3bd8c786a36a6b4f540.html" } ], "topics": [] }, { "source": "University of North Texas Libraries Government Documents Department", "sourceLink": "https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc810956/", "id": "R40082_2014Mar12", "date": "2014-03-12", "retrieved": "2016-03-19T13:57:26", "title": "Medicare: Part B Premiums", "summary": null, "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "REPORT", "active": false, "formats": [ { "format": "PDF", "filename": "files/20140312_R40082_7864b4d839fb47f47f17c41dcd37f3994b07e274.pdf" }, { "format": "HTML", "filename": "files/20140312_R40082_7864b4d839fb47f47f17c41dcd37f3994b07e274.html" } ], "topics": [] }, { "source": "University of North Texas Libraries Government Documents Department", "sourceLink": "https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc805624/", "id": "R40082_2013Jun11", "date": "2013-06-11", "retrieved": "2016-03-19T13:57:26", "title": "Medicare: Part B Premiums", "summary": null, "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "REPORT", "active": false, "formats": [ { "format": "PDF", "filename": "files/20130611_R40082_142a2eccfc5bbecbcfd38a6eaa7a9d177a91be40.pdf" } ], "topics": [] }, { "source": "University of North Texas Libraries Government Documents Department", "sourceLink": "https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc463177/", "id": "R40082_2008Dec29", "date": "2008-12-29", "retrieved": "2014-12-05T09:57:41", "title": "Medicare: Part B Premiums", "summary": "This report examines the history of the Medicare Part B Premium. The report considers issues including the changing factors that go into determining the premium. The report also discusses the comparative cost adjustment program, the Part B deductible, and the Part A premium.", "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "REPORT", "active": false, "formats": [ { "format": "PDF", "filename": "files/20081229_R40082_6a35d73de09396e426d1f09c00810e426581373c.pdf" }, { "format": "HTML", "filename": "files/20081229_R40082_6a35d73de09396e426d1f09c00810e426581373c.html" } ], "topics": [ { "source": "LIV", "id": "Health policy", "name": "Health policy" }, { "source": "LIV", "id": "Health insurance", "name": "Health insurance" }, { "source": "LIV", "id": "Retiree health benefits", "name": "Retiree health benefits" } ] } ], "topics": [ "Health Policy" ] }