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2012 Part B Premium Amounts for Persons with Higher Income Levels

Medicare beneficiaries will pay $99.90 in Part B premiums in 2012. Beneficiaries who currently have the Social Security Administration (SSA) withhold their Part B premium and have incomes of $85,000 or less ($170,000 or less for joint filers) will not have an increase in their Part B premium for 2012. For additional details, see our FAQ titled:  Will my Medicare Part B premiums increase in 2012?

For all others, the standard Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $99.90 in 2012, which is a $15.50 decrease compared to the 2011 premium. If your income is above $85,000 (single) or $170,000 (married couple), then your Medicare Part B premium may be higher than $99.90 per month.

Social Security will use the income reported two years ago on your IRS income tax return to determine your premium (if unavailable, SSA will use income from three years ago).  For example, the income reported on your 2010 tax return will be used to determine your monthly Part B premium in 2012. If your income has decreased since 2010, you can ask that the income from a more recent tax year be used to determine your premium, but you must meet certain criteria.

The chart below shows the Part B monthly premium amounts based on income. These amounts change each year. There may be a late-enrollment penalty.

If you are having trouble paying your premiums, you should call your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office to see if you qualify for some help. Some states refer to the Medicaid office as the Public Aid office, the Public Assistance office, or the State Medical Assistance office.