The 2009 premiums, co-pays and deductibles are as follows:

Part A Premiums: (Hospital) as long as you have paid Medicare taxes for 40 or more quarters there is no charge.
Part B Premiums: (Outpatient & Physician) Most people will pay $96.40 per month.  If you make more than $85,000 (individual) or $170,000 (joint) you will pay more.

Part A Deductible: $1,068 up $44 from 2008.
For each benefit period you pay:
* A total of $1,068 for a hospital stay of 1-60 days.
* $267 per day for days 61-90 in the hospital.
* $534 per day for days 91-150.
* All costs for days after 150.

Skilled Nursing Facility Co-insurance: $133.50 per day for days 21 through 100.

Part B Deductible: $135 the same as 2008.
Note: you pay 20% of Medicare approved amount for services after you meet the $135 annual deductible.

To cover these potentially large out annual out of pocket expenses, a person with both Medicare A & B should look into either a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan. www.JohnConner.com.

John Conner
john@johnconner.com
800-700-1246