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Medicare Part B helps pay for doctors’ services, outpatient, and other medically necessary services that aren’t covered under Parts 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 2010 Part B monthly premium remains $96.40 if beneficiary drew social security in 2009 and earned less than $85,000 a year if single or $170,000 a year if married. If beneficiary met income requirements, but did not draw social security in 2009, the premium is $110.50. If you do not meet the income requirements, you will pay more. See below for more information on Part B premiums.
 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 $155 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 (2010)?
| If you are single and make... |
Premium |
|
Less than $85,000 a year
(and drew social security in 2009)
|
$96.40 |
|
Less than $85,000 a year
(no social security in 2009)
|
$110.50 |
| Between $85,001 and $107,000 a year |
$154.70 |
| Between $107,001 and $160,000 a year |
$221.00 |
| Between $160,001 and $214,000 a year |
$287.30 |
| More than $214,000 a year |
$353.60 |
| If you are married and make... |
Premium |
|
Less than $170,000 a year
(and drew social security in 2009)
|
$96.40 |
|
Less than $170,000 a year
(no social security in 2009)
|
$110.50 |
| Between $170,000 and $214,000 a year |
$154.70 |
| Between $214,000 and $320,000 a year |
$221.00 |
| Between $320,000 and $426,000 a year |
$287.30 |
| More than $426,000 a year |
$353.60 |
|
