What’s new in Medicare for 2022?
Changes in Medicare coverage for 2022 include premium increases and added services.
Like other health care plans, Medicare premiums and deductibles change annually. Here’s what you need to know:
Premiums and deductibles Medicare Part A
For most people, Medicare Part A premiums will remain zero. Most recipients have free Part A coverage because they cumulatively paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
People who pay for Part A will likely see a premium increase.
The Part A annual deductible will be $1,408, a 3.2% increase from the 2021 deductible of $1,364.
Medicare Part B
The Medicare Part B premium will be $144.60, a 6.7 percent increase over the 2021 monthly premium of $135.50.
The Part B deductible will increase to $198 per year. That’s a 7% increase over the 2021 deductible of $185.
Medicare Part C
In Colorado, 94 Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage Plans are available, up from 80 in 2021.
Consumers will see an average monthly premium of $14.11 in 2022, an 8.3 percent decrease from the $15.39 premium in 2021.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services anticipates 29.5 million people nationally will enroll in a 2022 Medicare Advantage Plan. These plans offer supplemental benefits, including eyewear, hearing aids, dental benefits, over-the-counter drugs, fitness benefits, and worldwide emergency care.
Medicare Part D
Average monthly premiums for standalone prescription Part D plans are $33 per month. That’s up less than $2 from the average 2021 premium of $31.47 per month.
“We are committed to ensuring that the health system and Medicare work for people, their families, and their providers,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Chiquita Brooks-lasure in a news release.
“Open Enrollment is the one time each year when more than 63 million people with Medicare can review their health care coverage to find new plans or change existing plans, discover extra benefits and help them save money.”
New services for 2022
New services covered by Medicare for 2022 include Covid-19-related items and services, cognitive assessment and care plans, and bloodbased biomarker tests.
COVID-19
Medicare coverage will include COVID-19 services, including vaccines, diagnostic tests, antibody tests, and monoclonal antibody treatments. Medicare participants will pay nothing for vaccines, diagnostic tests, and antibody tests.
Monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19 can help fight the disease and prevent hospitalization. Patients must meet certain conditions to get free treatments from a Medicare provider or supplier.
Cognitive assessment and care plans
Medicare cognitive assessments to help detect early signs of cognitive impairment. The cognitive evaluation can be included during routine doctor visits. It also can be performed during a separate visit with your doctor or a specialist.
Assessments are critical because conditions like depression, anxiety, and delirium can cause confusion.
If you are diagnosed with a cognitive impairment like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, Medicare covers the costs to develop a care plan to address and manage symptoms. Medicare Part B deductible and coinsurance apply.
Blood-based biomarker test
Medicare covers a blood-based biomarker test to screen for colorectal cancer once every three years in some instances.
To be eligible, you must be between the ages of 50 and 85, show no symptoms of colorectal disease, and be at average risk for developing colorectal cancer.
There is no charge for the test if you meet the conditions and an approved doctor or other qualified health provider performs the test.