Income may affect your premiums
Each year the government releases the costs for Medicare premiums for the coming year. While Part A, hospital insurance, is free for most people, the premiums for Part B — doctor visits, tests and procedures — and Part D, drug coverage, are paid for by the beneficiaries.
The amount payed in premiums is based on your income tax return from two years prior to the current fiscal year. There are five income thresholds on which premiums are calculated from. If your income is above a certain threshold then your Medicare premiums may also be higher. It is best to check annually, with a knowledgeable insurance agent, for any changes in the income thresholds. This is important to remember because if your increases you will likely pay more in premium for Parts B and D.
For example if your adjusted gross income as a single taxpayer, plus tax exempt interest, is over $85,000 or your income as a married couple and filing jointly is $170,000, Medicare premiums for Parts B and D can come with a surcharge.
In 2017, higher wage earners’ premiums range from $187.50 a month to $428.60 a month for Part B. For Part D coverage, high earners pay an extra charge from $13.30 to $76.20 in addition to regular premiums.
Since these numbers change based on the wages you earn and any changes in the health insurance coverage requirements, it is best to speak to a health insurance carrier to determine what you may be paying for premiums each year.