If you are one of the nearly 65 million people who have Medicare coverage, you have probably learned two things by now: Medicare does not cover everything and the costs continue to rise each year. Ready for some good news for a change? The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced some much-needed improvements for Medicare beneficiaries in 2023.
Here’s what you can look forward to this year:
- Part B costs will decrease: Part B covers outpatient medical care, and as of year 2022 the premium was $170.10 with an annual deductible of $233. In 2023, the standard Part B premium will be $164.90 with an annual deductible of $226.
- Vaccinations, free of cost: If you have prescription drug coverage (Part D) through a stand-alone drug plan, or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan, all covered vaccines will be provided free of cost to you (including the Shingles Vaccine).
- Lower drug costs: For eligible prescription drugs and certain insulins, you will now pay either 25% of the negotiated drug price or $35, whichever is cheaper.
Ultimately, those on high cost drugs will likely see the most savings on eligible medications. Even if you’re just saving $5 a month on Part B, at least you have extra money for a carton of eggs now!
For help with Medicare plans – or any questions you may have about Medicare – contact AMAC’s Medicare Advisory Service at 1-855-611-4856 or request a quote below!
Is that an attempt at humor? “Even if you’re just having $5 a month on Part B,””at least you have extra money for a carton of eggs now!”” Cute. And, notice the Medicare will provide vaccinations free. Vaccinations!!!??? In another article today (a substack I think) I read that ALL vaccinations – even ‘flu’ vaccinations have been over the allowed number of deaths in 1 million! This has been the case for 60 years!! Sure, they are going to pay for those vaccinations that have been shown to be dangerous and killers. But hey, they will save you $5 for a dozen eggs (if you get them on sale) The medical care of the U.S. is disgusting!
I just got my second quarterlyMedicare advantage bill. It is for $494.70, which is exactly $164.90. the timing on this couldn’t be better. January I found out I had prostate cancer. I have a pet scan coming up next week and the cost of that would be a ridiculous $6,853! The copay is $285.
For a detailed resource on prostate cancer, take a look at the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s (PCF) website for their Patient Guide.
Their Patient Guide runs about 100 pages but it’s a good overview resource. From the PCF website, you can either request a link to their Patient Guide or request that they send you a hardcopy version. Either option is free.
I liked the way their Patient Guide takes the patient down the timeline from:
1) The types of tests available including blood tests, imaging and biopsies;
2) Understanding what the test results mean;
3) Discussing the significance of stages and risk groups;
4) The treatment options available for each risk group once the test results are known (for example, watchful waiting, active surveillance, surgery, radiation (internal, external or both), if/when hormone treatment such as Lupron might be used);
5) The multiple choices within each treatment option;
6) The potential side effects of each treatment option;
7) Follow-up treatment options depending upon which initial treatment option is chosen;
8) New developments.
While their Patient Guide doesn’t fit any given patient’s exact circumstances, I found it useful both for drafting my list of questions prior to each doctor’s appointment and for giving me an overview of what to expect during each step of the process.
Good luck.
Great information Dan, thank you!
Wow, now that is a huge savings on what would have been a hefty bill, Bill!
As for the side effects of the shingles vaccine, I personally took the vaccine last year and the only side effect I experienced was a little soreness in my joints after the second shot.
Much better than getting the shingles virus!!
I agree!
My son had horrible side effects. After the 1st one, he said he felt like he had been hit in the head with a baseball bat. The 2nd he had every effect that was on the warning. I opted for taking L-Lysine daily 500mg. a.m. and 500 mg. p.m. He was 49 I was 72.
Having had shingles as a teenager, I can tell you, shingles is bad news. I have had both vaccines as they came available with no side effects!
That is great to hear!
i’ve weaned myself of drugs i was told i absolutely could not live without. i feel healthier, happier, stronger, more confident and secure about everything. i’d rather go out feeling like this than crappy from drugs not needed pushed by medical
wellness-doctors”/pharma to scare you into paying for doctors/pharma reps award trips all over the world from the pharma companies. what i have done is not for everyone but critical thinking yourself about all the crazy ideas from our institutions nowadays is a must.
The side effects from the meds are worst then what they are trying to cure. I would LOVE to get off all the Diabetes Meds I’m on !
WHOOPE DOOO. You can retire off those great saviungs. Kyle L.
Great reminder that i need my (free!) shingles vax!
Yes, that’s a big savings…about $300 on my plan. Now I have to weigh the side effects of the vaccine, possibly Guillain-Barre syndrome…I had shingles about 15 years ago, and lucky for me, it was a very mild case.
Great job!
Thank you Ginger!