POMEROY–Aging and Disability Resource Center Information Specialist Rachel Anderson has Medicare updates for those enrolled or about to enroll in the healthcare program. “I would like everyone to know the 2020 updates for Medicare,” said Anderson.

Part A is hospital coverage and the deductible in 2019 was $1364 and for 2020 that amount is $1408 each benefit period.

Part B is for regular doctor visits and preventative care. The premium for 2019 was $135.50 and for 2020 the monthly cost stands at $144.60 The deductible for Part B was $185, but has increased to $198 for 2020 with coinsurance of 20 % for most services and will remain the same.

Part D is prescription coverage which had a maximum deductible of $415 in 2019 and is now $435 for 2020. The coverage gap threshold in 2019 was $3820 and for 2020 is $4020 a year. In 2020, the “Doughnut Whole” is eliminated and a flat 25% of prescription cost will take its place. “The “Doughnut Whole” would be eliminated as of 2020. Medicare and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) say the “Doughnut Whole” is now a flat 25% of cost of prescriptions and that it will not increase or decrease so it should stay the same from now on until you reach the catastrophic coverage,” said Anderson. Part D Catastrophic coverage was $5100 in 2019 and now at $6350 per year in 2020.

For further information or if you have questions or concerns please call Rachel Anderson at Aging and disability Resource center at 509-843-3563.