Medicare Blog: Moorestown, Cranford NJ

2019 Medicare Changes Finalized

10/13/2018

In prior years, we didn't hear about changes to Medicare & Social Security until November/December for the following year.

However, on Friday 10/12/18, the Government Announced 2019 Changes to Social Security & Medicare which are summarized below.

2.8% increase in Social Security Payments for 2019 (biggest increase since 2012)
Minimal increase of $1.50/month in the base Part B Premium from $134/month in 2018 to $135.50/month in 2019
Minimal increase of $2 in the annual Part B deductible from $183 to $185
Minimal Increases in Part A Deductible & Coinsurance Amounts:

For the Part B Premiums, Part B Income Related Monthly Adjustments, and Part D Income Related Monthly Adjustments there were also minimal increases for 2019.

Overall, this is very good news for individuals on Social Security and Medicare. The increase in the Social Security check should far outweigh the increase in Medicare costs for 2019.

12 Comments

Rose Mary Lanfranchi

10/13/2018 12:38:06 pm

Thank you Justin. I hope you and your family are well and happy.
Take care, Rose Mary

Justin Lubenow

10/13/2018 12:51:20 pm

Hi Rose Mary - thanks for the note! Everyone is great - take care!

Malisette Josif

10/13/2018 01:46:02 pm

Thank you Rose Mary for the information

Steven

10/13/2018 03:59:43 pm

Is that increase calculated before medicare is taken out?

10/13/2018 08:11:12 pm

Hi Steven - Yes, the Social Security increase is on the gross amount.

Carolyn J Mathews

10/14/2018 05:25:33 am

Thank you so much for increase. Every tiny bit helps. And not increasing Medicare premium by the same amount is wonderful. Since I have been retired I have not received any increases at all because Medicare took it all. Hopefully not this time. Maybe I'll see a dollar or two of the increase which would almost pay for a loaf of bread. Again to whomever worked this increase up THANK YOU!!

10/14/2018 11:44:15 am

Hi there - I wish I could take credit for the increase but I can’t :-). Best regards, Justin

melinda price

10/14/2018 08:56:16 am

Thanks. Hope this really is good news! It would be better news if we got an increase in Medicare without a counterbalance in the cost of premiums.

10/14/2018 11:39:23 am

Hi Melinda - yes, the 2.8% increase should definitely cover the $1.50/month increase in the Part B premiums and the $2 per year increase on the Part B deductible from $183 to $185 in 2019. Take care, Justin

Carol

10/14/2018 11:34:27 am

Just as usual - the increase of 2.8% will leave me with less than $5/month more in my pocket - doesnt keep up with food, medicine, and gasoline increases!! This happens EVERY year - cost if food ALONE in far nirthern NJ will be mire than $5/month! And I still can’t afford to pay my $405/year co-insurance deductible for medications (so I have to hope & pray Iour lical clinic keeps receiving samples of one of my meds; otherwise, I can’t afford to take it, since rhere is no generic & it is “out of formulary). The NJ assistance plan for low income & below poverty line won’t pay for it if the primary prescription drug plan does’t cover it, and the manufacturer won’t send you free sample supplies if you have any health insurance. And no, there is not another drug I can switch to.

Very discouraging. Can’t afford vacations anymore, can’t affir new clither, definitely can’t afford new shoes, or car repairs.

10/14/2018 11:42:47 am

Hi Carol - even with the minimum social security benefit ($750/month), this 2.8% would increase about $20/month or $240 per year... hopefully that can help with your drug deductible that you mention. Another option is to get a Part D plan that has a $0 deductible. If you are on PAAD, PAAD should pay the Part D premium for you too.

Maggie

10/14/2018 12:34:19 pm

For me, it's the meds that kill me. After 47 years of nursing and 1 year of RETIREMENT I just took a job waitressing @ a little mom & pop. Cracks me up when people ask if I'm bored. Not bored, broke, after the 20th of the month. Not making a mint but it's milk,bread & gas money.
BTW after all those years of swimming in every germ known to man & NEVER getting sick, I'm recovering from pneumonia. Go figure!

2019 Medicare Changes Finalized

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Justin Lubenow

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