US announces big hike in Medicare premiums

CNN ^ | 13 November 2021 | Maggie Fox and Tami Luhby, CNN

[blueplum]

(CNN)The federal government announced a large hike in Medicare premiums Friday night, blaming the pandemic but also what it called uncertainty over how much it may have to be forced to pay for a pricey and controversial new Alzheimer's drug.

The 14.5% increase in Part B premiums will take monthly payments for those in the lowest income bracket from $148.50 a month this year to $170.10 in 2022. Medicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, medical equipment, and certain other medical and health services not covered by Medicare Part A, including medications given in doctors' offices. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services played down the spike, pointing out that most beneficiaries also collect Social Security benefits and will see a cost-of-living adjustment of 5.9%...

[ETCM]

Hey medicare people we're going to give you a miserable 5.9% raise, but we're going to claw that back by raising your premiums by 15%.

Of course, the 15% increase is more reflective of actual inflation, vice the 5.9% the regime is trying to pass off on SS recipients.

[bert]

Bull shit. They deliver more and better than straight medicare

[SuperLuminal]

Good decision I made (about 30-years ago) when I declined to opt for Part B and, instead, kept my BCBS policy that I had had for many, many years...

[GOPJ]

I got the “F” plan years ago - it’s been a blessing. Yeah it’s $200 a month but I haven’t paid a dime for medical care in years. The problem with ‘advantage’ programs is the yearly deductible and co-pays can add up quickly when you’re older and really need more medical care.

One hospital stay last year offset almost all my monthly payments over what I would have paid with an ‘advantage’ program.

[Eleutheria5]

Pay your fair share. It’s all the fault of those evil pharmaceuticals daring to make a profit. Blame them.

[dragnet2]

The 14.5% increase in Part B premiums. Medicaid Services played down the spike, pointing out that most beneficiaries also collect Social Security benefits and will see a cost-of-living adjustment of 5.9%

So those getting a SS COLA increase will be happy to know the increase in medicare will more than wipe out your puny SS increase before you ever get it.

It's a kick in the teeth as those in government wink and nod.

[oldtech]

After I studied this a little & read the comments, I noticed I had no increase in part B copay...maybe a reduction because of a new plan. So, then I’m thinking; why this Medicare increase? It still makes no sense, but I bet it does to the thieves who designed it. Who is actually getting the Medicare increased payments? As usual, I’m sure the increase in percentage of S.S. payments is not based on actual inflation either. The inflation is due solely to gov’t. action(Biden) as far as I can tell. I do not trust anything about this present administration!

[mabarker1]

your $100M income,

ROFLMAO if I lived to be 200 years old and worked until I died I still would never have that kind of money. 🤣

[BiteYourSelf]

Of course.🙄

[Svartalfiar]

ROFLMAO if I lived to be 200 years old and worked until I died I still would never have that kind of money. 🤣

It's a comparative point :p But it's not that hard to save up, if you manage $5000 a year, that's only 20 years. Not including any investment or interest.

[mabarker1]

There’s no such thing as savings in My world. My entire SSDI check covers the rent. The Mrs. check covers almost everything else.