What are Medicare changes for 2023

Medicare is continuing to evolve in 2023 with updates to costs, coverage, and enrollment periods. If you currently have Medicare or will become eligible in the coming year, it's important to understand these changes. This will help you make the most of your Medicare benefits.

In this in-depth guide, we'll explore:

• Increases to Medicare premiums and deductibles
• New benefits added for 2023
• Changes to Medicare Advantage
• Modified enrollment periods
• Steps to take to save money

Knowing Medicare’s 2023 updates will ensure you can access the affordable healthcare covered by Medicare Part A ,B, C, etc. Let’s dive in.

Higher Medicare Premiums and Cost Sharing
Most years see certain increases to Medicare costs. Here are some key 2023 changes to plan for:

• Part B premiums - The standard Part B premium will be $ 164.90 in 2023  per month, over $5 higher than 2022. Higher earners pay more.
  
  
• Part B deductible - The Part B deductible rises to $ 226 in 2023, up from $203 in 2022 according to centers for Medicare. This is what you pay before coverage starts.
  
  
• Part A costs - Inpatient hospital deductibles will increase to $1,600 per benefit period in 2023 from $1,556 in 2022.
  
  
• Part D costs - Prescription drug deductibles rise to $505 in 2023 from $480 in 2022. Premiums vary by plan.
  
  

So expect to pay a bit more for your Medicare coverage in the coming year. But you may be able to reduce costs by switching to plans with lower premiums.

New Medicare Benefits for 2023
Along with cost increases, 2023 brings new benefits to expand Medicare coverage.

Vaccines
Medicare Part B will start covering all recommended adult vaccines in 2023 with no out-of-pocket costs. This includes vaccines for shingles, tetanus, and hepatitis among others.

Previously vaccines were only covered if you had an increased medical risk. Now all Medicare beneficiaries can get covered vaccines for disease prevention.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Starting in 2023, Medicare will cover colorectal cancer screenings including CT colonography for people ages 45-49. This provides an affordable screening option for more beneficiaries at average risk.

Changes to Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage Plans continue gaining popularity, covering over half of all Medicare enrollees. Here are some 2023 Medicare Advantage changes:

• Premiums – Average monthly premiums for Medicare Advantage Plans are projected to decline 14% to $18 in 2023 from $21 in 2022. Many plans still have $0 premiums.
  
  
• Insulin costs – Advantage plans will be required to cap copays for covered insulin at $35 per month in 2023. This will reduce costs for diabetic enrollees.
  
  
• Telehealth – Expanded Medicare Advantage telehealth benefits enacted during COVID-19 will remain in effect for 2023. This maintains telehealth access.
  
  
• New supplemental benefits – Expect more Advantage plans to add non-medical perks like meal delivery, transportation, in-home support, and physical activity programs.
  
  

Review Advantage plan options closely during open enrollment to ensure affordable prescription and health services.

Medicare Enrollment Period Changes
Medicare also has some 2023 enrollment period changes. Here are details to know:

• No open enrollment premium penalty – The late enrollment penalty for not signing up during open enrollment will be waived January – March 2023. This offers more flexibility.
• New special enrollment period – A new special enrollment period from April – June 2023 will allow Medicare Advantage Plan changes. This provides an extra chance to switch plans.
  
• General enrollment period – The general enrollment period will only run April – June starting in 2023, reduced from its prior January – March time frame. Use it to sign up if you missed your initial enrollment period.
  
  

Take note of these updated enrollment deadlines when considering Medicare Plan selections.

Steps to Help Manage Medicare Costs
With Medicare premiums and deductibles rising in 2023, here are some tips to limit expenses:

• Review Part D prescription plans annually and switch if you can get lower premiums or costs.
• Compare Medicare Advantage Plans each open enrollment and change plans if you find better benefits or lower out-of-pocket costs.
  
• Ask your doctor for lower-cost generic medication options when possible.
• Check if you may qualify for financial assistance programs like certain Medicare Savings Programs.
• Use in-network providers with lower cost sharing when going through Medicare Advantage Plans.
  

Monitoring 2023 Medicare changes and taking advantage of cost savings programs can help you get quality coverage while managing expenses.

The coming year will extend Medicare benefits with new vaccines and screenings, while providing more Medicare Advantage choices. Look for ways to offset the rises in premiums and deductibles so you can maintain your Medicare access. Check back for any additional 2023 Medicare updates released later in the year.

We’re Here to Help
You do not have to spend hours reading articles on the internet to get answers to your Medicare questions. Give the licensed insurance agents at The Insurance Space a Call at (866) 717-8683. You will get the answers you seek in a matter of minutes, with no pressure and no sales pitch. We are truly here to help.

FAQS 

What are the new rules for Medicare premium in 2023?
 As of 2023, there have been multiple changes in Medicare premiums. The Medicare Part B monthly premium will increase to $164.90, an increase of $10 from the previous year. People with higher income may have to pay higher premiums. The Part D deductible will also be adjusted.

What are the Part A costs under Medicare?
 Part A of Medicare covers hospital stays, and most people do not have to pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse have paid Medicare taxes for a certain amount of time. However, there may still be costs associated with Part A, such as deductibles and coinsurance.

How much are the Part B costs under Medicare?
 In 2023, the monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $164.90. This premium is subject to change, and the amount may differ based on factors such as income. Part B coverage includes medical services and doctor visits.

Can I enroll in Medicare?
 Most people are eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 or when they meet certain other criteria, such as having a disability. You can enroll in Medicare during the Initial Enrollment Period, which is the seven-month period around your 65th birthday. You can also enroll during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year.

What changes are coming to Medicare in 2023?
 In 2023, there are several changes happening in Medicare. The Part B monthly premium will increase to $164.90, and there may be changes to the Part D prescription drug plans as well. Higher-income individuals or people with Medicare may have to pay higher premiums, and the Part D deductible may also be adjusted.

Will Medicare coverage be affected by the changes in 2023?
 The changes in Medicare for 2023 primarily relate to the costs and premiums. The coverage under Medicare, including the services and benefits provided, will still be available to Medicare beneficiaries.

How do I sign up for Medicare?
 To enroll in Medicare, you can apply online on the Social Security website or visit your local Social Security office. You can sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period or General Enrollment Period, depending on your eligibility.

Which vaccines are covered under Medicare?
Medicare covers a range of vaccines, including those recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Vaccines such as the flu vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and hepatitis B vaccine are covered under Medicare Part B.

Can I change my Medicare Plan during the Medicare Open Enrollment?
 Yes, the Medicare Open Enrollment Period provides an opportunity for beneficiaries to make changes to their Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D prescription drug plans. This enrollment period happens annually, from October 15 to December 7.

What is Medicare Advantage?
 Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits. It combines the coverage of Parts A and B, and may also include additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage (Part D) and extra services.