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Medicare Part B helps pay for doctors’ services, outpatient,
and other medically necessary services that aren’t covered under
Part A. Some preventative services
are also covered, but annual physicals are not. Unlike with Part A, nearly everyone
pays a premium for Part B. The 2008 Part B premium is $96.40 for most people, but
single people who earn more than $82,000 a year or married couples who earn more
than $164,000 a year pay more.
 What are the other costs associated with Part B?
Medicare Part B premiums are only one cost. Before you can use Part B, you must pay
a $135 annual deductible. After you have paid your annual deductible, you generally
pay 20% of all additional costs for most services. For a detailed description of what
various Medicare benefits co-payments will be and what services are covered, you can
download this lengthy
Your Medicare Benefits publication.
Is Medicare Part B enough insurance?
Many people can afford to pay the deductible and co-pays for routine Part B
services without health insurance; however, Part B also covers many expensive
outpatient services and drugs that quickly add up if you're paying 20% of those
costs. For this reason, we recommend that no one go without either a Medicare
Supplement (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage Plan to provide the peace of mind
that they will be protected against unlimited financial exposure if they need
to use Part B services. For free help navigating Medicare and choosing a health
insurance policy that meets your needs, click here.
What are the income-releated Part B premiums (2008)?
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If you are single and make...
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Premium
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Less than $82,000 a year
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$96.40
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Between $82,000 and $102,000 a year
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$122.20
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Between $102,000 and $153,000 a year
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$160.90
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Between $153,000 and $205,000 a year
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$1199.70
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More than $205,000 a year
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$238.40
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If you are married and make...
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Premium
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Less than $164,000 a year
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$96.40
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Between $164,000 and $204,000 a year
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$122.20
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Between $204,000 and $306,000 a year
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$160.90
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Between $306,000 and $410,000 a year
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$1199.70
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More than $410,000 a year
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$238.40
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