A new year also means new changes to Medicare. Thankfully, eligibility isn’t necessarily on that list. Let’s look at what is changing, and what you need to know about eligibility moving forward.
Eligibility Isn’t Changing
As of 2022, the standard age for Medicare eligibility is 65. That won’t change in 2022. Other limited-eligibility plans like Dual-Eligible Special Needs and Chronic Special Needs Plans (D-SNP and C-SNP, respectively), will not change either.
There are consistent talks of lowering the minimum eligibility age, but nothing has been officially enacted into a policy. It could happen in the future, but almost certainly not this year.
Related Changes
While basic eligibility won’t change, other Medicare-determining factors will shift. Namely, the cost of Medicare. Premium-free Medicare Part A eligibility will not change—you are still required to have worked (or a spouse has worked) at least 10 years, or 40 quarters while paying taxes.
Roughly 1% of Medicare Part A enrollees pay premiums. For 2022, the Part A premium for people with 30+ (but less than 40) quarters of work history is $274 a month, versus $252 in 2021. For those with less than 30 quarters of work history, the premium for Part A is $499 a month in 2022.
For the Part A deductible, it is $1,556 in 2022, up from $1,484 in 2021.
Part B, on the other hand, has a required premium. In 2021, the standard premium was $148.50. In 2022, it’s $170.10, for a $21.60 increase.
Higher income limits and higher premiums, however, have changed for 2022. If you file an individual tax return and report less than $91,000, you’ll pay the standard premium. If you file jointly, the income limit is $182,000 or less for the standard premium.
Last year, the income limit was $88,000 for a single return. Eligibility for the standard Part B premium, then, now allows for more enrollees.
You’ll also have to pay a Part B deductible. In 2021, it was $203. In 2022, it’s $233.
Coinsurance and copayments have also increased. The first 60 days spent in the hospital or in a mental health inpatient facility are still fully covered under Part A. From the 61st to 90th days, however, you have to pay out-of-pocket. For 2022, it’s $389 per day, versus $371 per day in 2021. You’re also covered for 20 days in a skilled nursing facility. For the 21st through 100th days, in 2022, you’ll pay $194.50 per day, up from $185.50 in 2021.
Your Health is Our Mission—Call ReLion
ReLion Insurance Solutions makes Medicare a whole lot easier. To learn more about your Medicare eligibility, call 858-999-2858.
