Medicare: Are You Paying Too Much?
Friday, December 8th, 2006There are three parts to Medicare and two of the three will charge you a monthly premium. Medicare Part B carries a monthly premium of $88.50 in 2006. Part D premium amounts vary by the plan you choose Part D plans average around $35 per month. Both Medicare Part B and D have annual deductibles that you must meet. Do you really have to pay all these expenses?
If your spouse works and can cover you under a group health plan that is due to their employment, you can decline the Medicare Part B coverage. Declining this coverage will save you the $88.50 each month. As long as you are covered by a group health plan from your spouse s employment you will not be penalized for dropping Medicare Part B. If you do not have other health insurance and are under the age of 65 you can still decline Medicare Part B. When you turn 65 you will get another chance to enroll without a penalty.
If neither of these circumstances apply to you and you drop Medicare Part B, Social Security will charge you a pr (more...)
