Medicare Changes in 2022
Key Takeaways
- Medicare increased the amount of services offered in 2022.
- New in 2022 are covered screenings and services for opioid abuse and cognitive decline, as well as advancements in early detection for colorectal cancer.
- COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines also are covered.
- The standard costs for Medicare Parts A, B and D increased.
Following several Medicare changes, 2022 offers enrollees new coverages and benefits as part of their healthcare. These services, announced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), are meant to promote healthy aging while responding to the ever-evolving needs of older Americans. And because they’re now covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B), they must also be added to the list of services covered by all private Medicare Advantage plans.
As you might have guessed, these changes are also accompanied by several cost increases. Keep reading to learn how your Medicare coverage has changed in 2022, and what that means for you (and your budget).
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Medicare Changes 2022 : What’s New for You?
Medicare has bolstered its benefits in 2022, adding services that help address the growing needs of today’s older population. As a refresher, Original Medicare consists of Part A (inpatient services), Part B (outpatient services and covered equipment). In 2022, the following services have been added to Medicare’s list of covered benefits:
Cognitive assessment and care plan services
As a part of your Part B coverage, Medicare now covers a cognitive assessment. These tests, which are designed to spot early signs of dementia, can be completed at any regular appointment, including your annual wellness visit. Medicare will also cover a separate, more thorough visit if your doctor finds signs of cognitive impairment.
Blood-based biomarker test
To help in the fight against colorectal cancer, Medicare now covers this early detection test if you meet certain criteria:
- You must be between 50 and 85 years old.
- You’re not currently showing any symptoms of colorectal cancer.
- You’re at an average risk level for colorectal cancer.
Opioid use disorder treatment services
If you’re one of the millions of Americans affected by opioid abuse, Medicare has several services that aim to provide the support to aid in your recovery from addiction. In an effort to intervene in patients’ health before they become dependent on their medications, Medicare now also includes a review process for current opioid prescriptions. If you have a current prescription, your doctor or provider can now:
- Assess your risk of developing opioid use disorder.
- Evaluate your level of pain.
- Evaluate your current treatment plan.
- Provide education on opioid-free treatment alternatives.
- When needed, refer you to a specialist.
COVID-19 testing, prevention and treatments
In an effort to continue to protect Medicare-age Americans, Medicare covers a host of services meant to detect, treat and protect against COVID-19 and its variants. If you have Medicare, you can typically receive these services at no cost during the COVID-19 public health emergency. These services include:
- Diagnostic testing
- Antibody testing
- Vaccines and boosters
- Monoclonal antibody treatments
Is Medicare Going Up in 2022?
Yes – following the latest Medicare increase, 2022 features higher costs across Medicare’s menu of covered services. The premiums and deductibles for Parts A and B all increased, and Medicare Part D also will cost more for some customers.
How much will Medicare B go up in 2022?
Since it’s the portion most Americans have to pay for each month through a premium (unlike Part A), many people associate Part B with their Medicare costs. It accounts for the out-of-pocket costs you pay for approved equipment, doctor’s visits and other outpatient services. That’s why it’s helpful to start with Part B when examining Medicare’s price increases for 2022.
Premium: Medicare Part B saw its biggest increase ever as standard premiums jumped to $170.10 per month in 2022, meaning beneficiaries pay at least $21.60 more than in 2021. Part B premiums are determined by income, and the highest earners can pay as much $587.30 monthly in 2022 (up from $504.90 in 2021).
Deductible: Medicare beneficiaries must reach a deductible of $233 in 2022 before Medicare will pick up its share for Part B services. That’s $30 more than 2021.
Part A increases in 2022
Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient care received in an approved medical setting, as well as some home healthcare. Medicare Part A costs are also up in 2022, but If you worked at least 10 years (or 40 quarters), you probably won’t have to pay a premium each month. Here’s a rundown of Medicare Part A costs in 2022:
Premium: If you or your spouse worked between 30 and 40 quarters, your monthly Part A premium is $274 in 2022, up from $259 in 2021. Those that worked fewer than 30 quarters will pay $499 monthly ($471 in 2021).
Deductible: When admitted to a hospital or other facility, Part A will cover your first 60 days of inpatient care after you’ve paid your deductible. In 2022, the deductible is $1,556 per benefit period, an increase from $1,484 in 2021.
Coinsurance: You’ll pay a daily coinsurance if you need hospitalization for more than 60 days in a benefit period. In 2022, the daily rate is $389 for Days 61 to 90 and $778 per day for lifetime reserve daysLifetime reserve days are additional days that Medicare Part A will cover when you’re in a hospital for more than 90 days. You have a total of 60 reserve days that can be used over different benefit periods. . If you need extended care services in a skilled nursing facility, Part A will cover your first 20 days. The daily coinsurance rate for Days 21 through 100 is $194.50 in 2022.
Part D increases in 2022
Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) help cover medications. They’re offered by private insurance companies and are priced on a per-plan basis. Like Part B, Part D premiums are affected by income, with the highest earners paying an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) of $77.90 per month in 2022 on top of their standard premium cost. If your income is $91,000 or less ($182,000 for returns filed jointly) in 2022, you probably won’t pay an IRMAA for Part D.
Who has the best Medicare plan for 2022?
Finding the Medicare plan that’s best for you means determining your needs and shopping for benefits that will help you stay healthy. The plan that works for a friend or a loved one may not work for you, so it’s important to understand your options and know which questions to ask when it’s time. To help, GoHealth has helpful pages on a range of topics, including:
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