CMS Announces 2011 Medicare Premiums

CMS Announces 2011 Medicare Premiums, Coinsurance, and Deductibles

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on November 4, 2010, the 2011
Medicare Part A and Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance amounts to be paid by Medicare
beneficiaries. The standard monthly Medicare Part B premium will increase to $115.40 in 2011; however,  "hold harmless" provision in the current law will protect 73% of beneficiaries from the increase. These beneficiaries will pay the same $96.40 monthly premium they have paid since 2008. The Part B deductible will increase to $162 in 2011, up from $155 in 2010. Higher-income beneficiaries (those with incomes over $85,000 single/$170,000 married) will pay higher premiums.

The Medicare Part A deductible for 2011 will increase to $1,132, up from $1,100 in 2010. The Part A deductible is paid by the beneficiary per "spell of illness" for covered inpatient hospital services. After the first 60 days of hospitalization, the 2011 coinsurance will be $283 per day for days 61 through 90 ($275 in 2010), and $566 per day ($550 in 2010) for the 91st and later days. The daily coinsurance for the 21st through 100th day in a skilled nursing facility will be $141.50 in 2011, up from $137.50 in 2010.