Learn how you can sign up for Part B and the 2016 costs.
Learn how you can sign up for Part B and the 2016 costs.
Some people automatically get Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), and some people need to sign up for Part B. Learn how and when you can sign up for Part B.
If you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.
How much does Part B cost?
Part B premiums
You pay a premium each month for Part B. Most people will pay the standard premium amount. However, if your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount, you may pay an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). IRMAA is an extra charge added to your premium.
The standard Part B premium amount is $121.80 (or higher depending on your income). However, most people who get Social Security benefits will continue to pay the same Part B premium amount as they paid in 2015. This is because there wasn’t a cost-of-living increase for 2016 Social Security benefits. You’ll pay a different premium amount if:
You enroll in Part B for the first time in 2016.
You don’t get Social Security benefits.
You’re directly billed for your Part B premiums.
You have Medicare and Medicaid, and Medicaid pays your premiums. (Your state will pay the standard premium amount of $121.80.)
Your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount.
If you’re in 1 of these 5 groups, here’s what you’ll pay:
| Your yearly income in 2014 (for what you pay in 2016) was | You pay (in 2016) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| File individual tax return | File joint tax return | File married & separate tax return | |
| $85,000 or less | $170,000 or less | $85,000 or less | $121.80 |
| above $85,000 up to $107,000 | above $170,000 up to $214,000 | Not applicable | $170.50 |
| above $107,000 up to $160,000 | above $214,000 up to $320,000 | Not applicable | $243.60 |
| above $160,000 up to $214,000 | above $320,000 up to $428,000 | above $85,000 and up to $129,000 | $316.70 |
| above $214,000 | above $428,000 | above $129,000 | $389.80 |
Get more information about your Part B premium from Social Security.
Part B deductible & coinsurance
You pay $166 per year for your Part B deductible. After your deductible is met, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most doctor services (including most doctor services while you’re a hospital inpatient), outpatient therapy, and durable medical equipment.
Note
In 2016, there may be limits on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology services.
