NEW MEDICARE PREMIUMS 2008

Here are all the new Medicare figures:

· Part B premium: $96.40/month (was $93.50)

· Part B deductible: $135 (was $131)

· Part A deductible: $1,024 (was $992)

· Co-payment for hospital stay days 61-90: $256/day (was $248)

· Co-payment for hospital stay days 91 and beyond: $512/day (was $496)

· Skilled nursing facility co-payment, days 21-100: $128/day (was $124)

As directed by the 2003 Medicare law, for the first time, higher income beneficiaries will pay higher Part B premiums. Following are the higher premium rates:

· Individuals with annual incomes between $82,000 and $102,000 and married couples with annual incomes between $164,000 and $204,000 in 2008 will pay a monthly premium of $122.20.

· Individuals with annual incomes between $102,000 and $153,000 and married couples with annual incomes between $204,000 and $306,000 in 2008 will pay a monthly premium of $160.90.

· Individuals with annual incomes between $153,000 and $205,000 and married couples with annual incomes between $306,000 and $410,000 in 2008 will pay a monthly premium of $199.70.

· Individuals with annual incomes of $205,000 or more and married couples with annual incomes of $410,000 or more in 2008 will pay a monthly premium of $238.40.

Rates differ for beneficiaries who are married but file a separate tax return from their spouse:

· Those with incomes between $82,000 and $123,000 will pay a monthly premium of $199.70.

· Those with incomes greater than $123,000 will pay a monthly premium of $238.40.