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Medicare Changes 2023 due to COVID-19

Learn how COVID-19 has impacted Medicare benefits.

Eight Medicare Changes in 2023 You Should Know

To protect the health and safety of the millions of people on Medicare, adjustments were made to Medicare benefits following the development of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Learn more about Medicare and the coronavirus.

1. Medicare Part A Changes

  • Premium: While most people don’t pay a premium for Medicare Part A, for those who do, the cost of premium has increased. Those who work for 30 to 39 quarters in their lifetime will pay $278 per month in 2023 from $274 in 2022. Those who have worked less than 30 quarters in their lifetime will pay $506 per month, up from $499 per month in 2022.
  • Deductible: The Medicare Part A deductible has increased $44 from 2022, being $1,600 for each benefit period in 2023.
  • Coinsurance: The coinsurance cost applies when care is required longer than 60 days. Medicare Part A recipients will be charged $400 per day from days 61 through 90, an increase of $11 from 2022. After 90 days, you will be charged a coinsurance of $800 per day for lifetime reserve days, up $22 from 2022. Your benefit period renews once you have been out of the hospital or nursing home for 60 consecutive days, and your deductible and coinsurance rates are reset.

2. Medicare Part B Changes

  • Premium: The base cost for the Medicare Part B premium in 2023 is $164.90 for those who make less than $88,000 per year or couples who make less than $176,000 per year.
  • Deductible: The deductible for Medicare Part B decreased $7 from 2022, making it a total of $226 per year for 2023.

3. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) Changes

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, cost changes depend on your carrier and plan. As of 2021, those with End-Stage Renal Disease can enroll in Medicare Advantage plans.

4. Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) Changes

Similar to Medicare Part C, Medicare Part D plan cost changes depend on your carrier and plan. The major change from 2020 was the closing of the donut hole. The donut hole was a gap in prescription drug coverage that occurred once your plan had paid a certain amount for prescription medications that year. For 2023, the annual out-of-pocket maximum is $7,400 and the deductible, which can vary depending on your plan, is $505 for Medicare Part D. After you’ve paid the out-of-pocket maximum, you may pay a copay up to $4.15 on generic medications and up to $10.35 for brand-name medications, or a 5% coinsurance fee.

5. Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap) Changes

Rates for Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, vary based on the carrier. With Plan G in 2023, Medicare will cover its share of costs, and you’ll then pay out-of-pocket until you have reached a $2,490 deductible, after which your Plan G coverage will kick in, paying the remainder of the costs.

6. Inflation Adjustments for High-Income Beneficiaries

High-income beneficiaries pay more from Medicare Part B and Part D. The income brackets began to be adjusted for inflation in 2020. In 2023, the start of the “high-income” range increased to $97,000 per year, and $194,000 for married couples. The Part B premium for high-income beneficiaries ranges from $164.90 to $560.50 per month, depending on income.

7. Those with ESRD Can Join Medicare Advantage Plans

As of January 1, 2021, individuals with ESRD can also enroll in Medicare Advantage plans. This increases options for chronic-disease management and potentially more flexible or affordable payment opportunities.

8. Expansion and Continuation of Telehealth Services in COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare expanded its coverage for telehealth services. Medicare can pay for office, hospital, and other visits completed via telehealth. Telehealth allows Medicare beneficiaries to access a wider range of services without having to risk their health or the health of others. In addition to Original Medicare, individuals with Medicare Advantage plans can also expect coverage to include telehealth services. These expanded telehealth services will remain covered through December 31, 2024.

Navigate 2023 Medicare changes with the Help of SelectQuote

At SelectQuote, we want to alleviate any worry or stress you might have when it comes to Medicare changes in 2023. The Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment Period takes place every year from October 15 – December 7. During this Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, we can answer any questions you may have about your options for coverage and ensure you’re still getting the benefits you deserve.

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