WASHINGTON (AP) — The Medicare “Part B” premium that most older people pay for outpatient care will stay the same in 2015 — $104.90 a month.
The government says it’s the third consecutive year that the basic monthly premium has held steady.
Higher premiums paid by upper-income beneficiaries also are unchanged. These are for people with an income greater than $85,000 a year, or $170,000 for married couples.
Medicare enrollment is growing as baby boomers enter retirement. But costs-per-beneficiary have barely risen the past four years. That’s due to spending cuts by President Barack Obama and Congress, as well as low inflation in health care.
Medicare’s hospital deductible will rise by $44 next year, to $1,260. But many people carry additional insurance to cover such costs.
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