Part B Archives

Part B

Professional photo of a concerned senior man or woman looking at a medical bill with a surprised expression, clean modern home setting, warm lighting, navy and gold accents

Medicare Part B Excess Charges

Medicare education, Medicare Supplement Plans, Part BMay 14, 2026

Medicare Part B Excess Charges — What You Need to Know in 2026 If you have Original Medicare, you may have heard the term “excess charges,” but most people don’t fully understand what they are until they receive an unexpected bill. At Craig Smith Insurance Group, we help seniors across Queens, Long Island, the Bronx,…

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Chart showing 2025 Medicare Part B premiums and IRMAA income brackets

Medicare Part B Premium for 2025: What You Need to Know

Deductibles, IRMAA, Part BMay 10, 2026

Navigate the upcoming changes in Medicare Part B premiums for 2025. Knowing these details is essential for smart financial planning and optimal healthcare coverage. Understanding Medicare Part B Medicare Part B is a critical component of the United States healthcare system for seniors and certain younger individuals with disabilities. It primarily covers outpatient medical services,…

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patient at an eye doctor's office for cataract surgery

What Type of Lens Does Medicare Cover for Cataract Surgery?

Cataract Surgery, Part A, Part B, VisionApril 8, 2026

What Type of Lens Does Medicare Cover for Cataract Surgery? Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery? Medicare covers cataract surgery and includes a standard monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) as part of the procedure. If you’re wondering what type of lens Medicare covers for cataract surgery, after meeting your Part B deductible, Medicare pays 80% of the…

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Is Medicare Part B Tax Deductible? A Senior’s Guide to Premium Deductions & IRS Rules

medicare basics, Medicare Costs & Savings, Part BMarch 23, 2026

Is Medicare Part B Tax Deductible? What Seniors Need to Know Medicare Part B premiums may be tax-deductible, but only in specific situations. In most cases, your Part B Premiums can be included as a qualified medical expense. However, you generally must itemize deductions. Also, your total medical expenses must exceed the 7.5% of adjusted…

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As we approach the end of 2025, many Medicare beneficiaries are wondering what changes they can expect for 2026. While the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) won't announce the final official amounts until fall 2025, we can help you prepare by sharing the current projections based on the 2025 Medicare Trustees Report and expert analysis. Understanding these potential changes now allows you to make informed decisions during Open Enrollment and plan your healthcare budget accordingly. When Will We Know the Final Numbers? The official 2026 Medicare premiums and deductibles will be announced by CMS in fall 2025, typically in November. However, the projections we're sharing today are based on comprehensive analysis from the Medicare Trustees Report and provide a reliable preview of what to expect. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) Projections for 2026 Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services. Here's what the projections show for 2026: Part A Premiums The good news is that most Medicare beneficiaries won't see any change in their Part A premium situation: $0 per month for most people who worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters) Up to $310 per month for those with 30-39 quarters of Medicare-covered employment Up to $563 per month for those who worked fewer than 30 quarters Part A Hospital Deductible 2026 Projection: $1,716 per benefit period 2025 Current: $1,676 per benefit period Increase: $40 per benefit period This deductible applies each time you're admitted to the hospital for a new benefit period. A benefit period begins when you enter the hospital and ends when you haven't been in a hospital or skilled nursing facility for 60 consecutive days. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) Projections for 2026 Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. This is where most beneficiaries will see the most significant changes. Part B Standard Monthly Premium 2026 Projection: $206.50 per month 2025 Current: $185.00 per month Increase: $21.50 per month ($258 annually) This represents an 11.6% increase, which is notably higher than typical year-over-year changes. Part B Annual Deductible 2026 Projection: $288 per year 2025 Current: $283 per year Increase: $31 per year After meeting your deductible, you'll typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most covered services. Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) Higher-income beneficiaries pay additional surcharges on top of the standard premiums. These Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts affect both Part B and Part D premiums and are based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years prior. For 2026 IRMAA calculations, Medicare will use your 2024 tax return information. The IRMAA brackets are adjusted annually for inflation, and projections suggest modest increases in the surcharge amounts for 2026. How These Changes Impact Your Budget Social Security Deduction For most Medicare beneficiaries, the Part B premium is automatically deducted from Social Security benefits. This automatic deduction means the premium increase will directly reduce your monthly Social Security payment. Cost-of-Living Adjustment Impact The projected 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is estimated at approximately 2.7%, which would add about $54 per month to the average Social Security benefit. However, with the projected $21.50 increase in Medicare Part B premiums, nearly 40% of the COLA increase would be offset by higher Medicare costs. Real-World Example If you receive the average Social Security benefit and see a $54 monthly increase from COLA, but your Medicare Part B premium increases by $21.50, your net increase would only be about $32.50 per month. What Factors Drive These Increases? Several factors contribute to the projected Medicare premium and deductible increases: Healthcare Inflation: Rising costs for medical services, hospital care, and prescription drugs directly impact Medicare program expenses. Utilization Changes: As the Medicare population grows and uses more services, program costs increase accordingly. Legislative Changes: Updates to Medicare policies and coverage requirements can affect overall program costs. Economic Factors: General inflation and economic conditions influence healthcare costs and Medicare's financial projections. Planning Strategies for 2026 Review Your Current Coverage Now is an excellent time to evaluate whether your current Medicare coverage still meets your needs and budget. Consider factors such as: Your anticipated healthcare needs for 2026 Changes in your prescription medications Your preferred doctors and hospitals Your overall healthcare budget Explore Medicare Supplement Options If you have Original Medicare, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy can help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles and coinsurance. With projected increases in Medicare costs, supplement coverage becomes even more valuable. Consider Medicare Advantage Medicare Advantage plans often have different cost structures than Original Medicare. Some plans offer $0 premiums, though you'll still pay the Medicare Part B premium. These plans may provide predictable copayments instead of percentage-based coinsurance. Budget for the Changes Start incorporating these projected cost increases into your 2026 budget planning. Even small monthly increases can add up significantly over the year. When to Take Action Don't Wait for Open Enrollment While Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, you don't need to wait to start planning. Understanding these projections now gives you time to: Review your current coverage Research alternatives Discuss options with your insurance professional Make informed decisions without time pressure Stay Informed Medicare rules and costs change annually. Working with an experienced insurance professional ensures you stay informed about changes that could affect your coverage and costs. How Craig Smith Insurance Group Can Help Navigating Medicare changes can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Our team specializes in helping Medicare beneficiaries understand their options and make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage. We offer: Comprehensive Medicare plan reviews Personalized cost analysis Assistance with Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage options Ongoing support throughout the year No-cost consultations What's Next? While these projections provide valuable insight into potential 2026 costs, remember that the final amounts will be announced by CMS in fall 2025. We'll continue monitoring these developments and will update our clients as soon as official numbers are released. The key is to start planning now rather than waiting for the official announcement. By understanding these projected changes and reviewing your options early, you can make confident decisions about your Medicare coverage for 2026. Take Action Today Don't let Medicare changes catch you off guard. Contact Craig Smith Insurance Group today to schedule your complimentary Medicare consultation. We'll review your current coverage, discuss how these projected changes might affect you, and explore options to help you maintain quality healthcare coverage within your budget. Ready to get started? Call us today or visit our office to discuss your Medicare options. Your future self will thank you for planning ahead. The information in this post is based on current projections from the Medicare Trustees Report and industry analysis. Final 2026 Medicare premiums and deductibles will be announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in fall 2025. Contact Craig Smith Insurance Group for personalized Medicare guidance and the most current information.

Medicare Parts A & B Premiums & Deductibles for 2026 What You Need to Know

Deductibles, IRMAA, Medicare Premiums, Part A, Part BSeptember 24, 2025

As we approach the end of 2025, many Medicare beneficiaries are wondering what changes they can expect for 2026. While the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) won’t announce the final official amounts until fall 2025, we can help you prepare by sharing the current projections based on the 2025 Medicare Trustees Report and…

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Medicare in Middle Village, NY: Your Complete Guide to Healthcare Coverage in Western Queens

Medicare in Middle Village NY Complete Guide to Healthcare Coverage in Western Queens

AEP, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, Part A, Part B, Part C, UncategorizedSeptember 1, 2025

Medicare in Middle Village, NY: Your Complete Guide to Healthcare Coverage in Western Queens Published on September 1, 2025, by Craig Smith, Licensed Medicare Insurance Agent. This article serves as the Medicare in Middle Village, NY, Complete Guide to Healthcare Coverage in Western Queens. If you’re a Middle Village resident approaching 65 or already enrolled…

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5 Medicare Mistakes That Cost Nassau County Seniors Thousands

AEP, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, Part A, Part BAugust 27, 2025

5 Medicare Mistakes That Cost Nassau County Seniors Thousands Published by Craig Smith, Licensed Medicare Agent | Nassau County, NY | August 27, 2025. Understanding Medicare can be tricky, and 5 Medicare mistakes cost Nassau County seniors thousands every year. Avoid these pitfalls to save money and ensure proper coverage. During my 13+ years helping…

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How Medicare Insurance Works: A Complete Guide to Coverage and Costs

Medicare, medicare basics, Part A, Part BMarch 1, 2025

Discover how Medicare insurance works in this comprehensive guide designed for those approaching retirement or helping loved ones. Learn about parts A, B, C, and D, eligibility requirements, coverage options, and costs. Simplifying the complexities of Medicare, this article empowers you to make informed healthcare decisions, ensuring you navigate this essential federal program with confidence.

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Can You Deduct Medicare Premiums on Your Taxes? Complete 2024 Guide

Deductibles, Medicare Premiums, Part A, Part BFebruary 15, 2025

Are insurance premiums tax deductible? When managing retirement healthcare costs, understanding tax deductions for Medicare premiums can lead to significant savings. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about deducting Medicare premiums on your taxes. The Basics of Medicare Premium Tax Deductions Medicare premiums can be tax deductible, but qualifying…

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Find the Best Medicare Agent NYC: Your Guide to Simplifying Medicare Choices

Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, Part A, Part BFebruary 9, 2025

Medicare in New York City can be challenging, but with expert guidance, it doesn't have to be. Explore the vital role of knowledgeable Medicare agents, such as those at Craig Smith Insurance Group, in simplifying the process for clients. Discover how personalized support, tailored solutions, and local expertise can empower individuals approaching retirement or optimizing their coverage

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Part B

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