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Medicare premiums stable

An occasional snapshot of current facts and trends in medicine.

Quick View. Posted Oct. 20, 2008

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Monthly Part B premiums for most beneficiaries will stay the same in 2009.

But the break might not last long, because premiums are tied in part to increases in Medicare physician pay. If Congress blocks a roughly 20% projected doctor pay cut for 2010, these premiums likely will make an upward leap after next year.

Note: Since 2007, beneficiaries with higher incomes pay higher premiums, on a sliding scale. For 2009, beneficiaries will pay higher premiums if income exceeds $85,000 for individuals or $170,000 for couples.

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, September, (link)

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