|
My goal with this newsletter is to:
-
1
Keep You Informed
I will be sharing current articles about the changes in Medicare.
-
2
Answer Your Questions
I'm available to answer issues specific to you.
-
3
Stay Connected
I want to make Medicare coverage as simple as possible.
(858) 935-9120
Birthdays
- Judy T
- Donna D
- Lyle D
- Joseph D
- Guadalupe N
- James G
- Craig W
- Frank P
- Duane C
- Darla G
- Don W
- Steven D
- Roger M
- Russell O
- Jock A
- Ira K
- Joyce W
- Gary S
- Randy C
- Kostas M
- Andrew G
- Mick F
- Nancy W
- Karen B
- Linda S
- Tatiana D
- Susan G
- Eric S
- Mary F
- Deanne M
- Vicky L
- R.J K
- Susan L
- Mark G
Referrals
- Denis & Tess W referred Nancy W
- Paul V referred Linda S
- Janean S referred Patty & Art D and Karen L
- Caroline H referred Birgit K
We try hard to recognize every referral but if we missed anyone, please let us know.
Just send us a quick email so that we can acknowledge you. We want all of you to
know that it is our privilege to serve you.
The greatest compliment you pay us is the referral of your family and friends. Thank you!!!
|
Brace for Impact – Medicare Premiums Increasing in 2022
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced that monthly Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles will increase in 2022, in part due to uncertainty around the Covid-19 pandemic and coverage for the Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm.
Monthly Medicare premiums for physician and outpatient services (Part B) will increase by almost 15% in 2022. The standard Medicare Part B premium will be $170.10 per month, up from $148.50 per month in 2021. This increase in monthly premiums means an annual cost increase of $259.20 for Medicare beneficiaries. In addition, the Part B DEDUCTIBLE will increase from $203 to $233. According to CMS, Medicare enrollees will also receive a 5.9% year-over-year cost of living adjustment through their Social Security benefits. The agency said this will help enrollees cover the increase in monthly premiums.
Due to the pandemic, it is difficult to predict future Medicare spending, such as whether patients will receive more non-Covid related care that they may have delayed. Although Medicare is still determining whether it will pay for Aduhelm, federal regulators said they had to plan for a high-cost scenario. The Alzheimer's treatment, which the FDA approved in June, has been priced at an average of $56,000 a year. If covered, Aduhelm, along with its associated hospital and provider costs, could lead to very significant cost increases to Medicare.
The bottom line – The standard monthly Medicare Part B premium in 2022 will increase to $170.10 from $148.50 in 2021 – a 14.55% jump and more than double what had been expected. However, most people with Medicare will still get more in Social Security benefits. For example, a retired worker who gets $1,565 per month from Social Security will get a net increase of $70.40 more per month after the newly increased Medicare Part B premium is deducted. The premium increase may increase pressure on lawmakers to give Medicare the right to negotiate high-price drugs like Aduhelm.
Please remember to call me first if you have any questions about your Medicare plan. I act as your 'advocate' to make sure you have the best plan for your needs.
Are your ready for another Open Enrollment Period (OEP)?
Medicare beneficiaries who enroll in Medicare Advantage plans sometimes find themselves stuck in a plan that they do not like. Although the plan's Summary of Benefits covers the specifics of how the plan works, it's all too easy for a beneficiary to misunderstand the rules or forget to check whether a certain doctor is in the network.
The Medicare OEP is a period at the beginning of each year when Medicare Advantage plan enrollees can make a one-time switch to a new plan.
That is now changing, and we are going back to the way it was before the ACA legislation. Let's take a look at what changes you can make in 2022 when the OEP returns.
|
