Medicare participants waiting to hear how much their premiums would increase next year learned their fate early this year.
On Thursday, the more than 66 million people enrolled in Medicare were informed about their Medicare Part B premiums, which are usually deducted from Social Security benefits. Generally the adjustment announcement is made in mid- to late November, but it arrived a month early this year.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $174.70 in 2024, an increase of $9.80 from $164.90 in 2023. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $240 next year, an increase of $14 from the annual deductible of $226 this year, according to the CMS.
Higher-income Medicare beneficiaries will pay even more next year. In 2024, individuals with modified adjusted gross income of $103,000 or more and married couples with MAGIs of $206,000 or more will pay additional surcharges ranging from an extra $69.90 per month to an extra $419.30 per month on top of the standard Part B premium. Married couples where both spouses are enrolled in Medicare pay twice as much.
High-income surcharges for 2024, known as income-related monthly adjustment amounts or IRMAA, are based on income reported on 2022 federal tax returns. About 8% of Medicare beneficiaries pay IRMAA surcharges.
High-income retirees are also subject to monthly surcharges on their Medicare prescription drug plans, ranging from an extra $12.90 per month to an extra $81 per month per person on top of the monthly premium. Medicare drug plans are run by private insurers, and premiums vary widely.
The CMS says the increases in the 2024 Part B standard premium and deductible are primarily a result of projected increases in health care spending and, to a lesser extent, a result of the 340B drug payment policy for the 2018-2022 period under the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System.
Also Thursday, the Social Security Administration said its cost-of-living adjustment would be 3.2% in 2024, down from the 8.75% COLA this year. That amounts to an average increase of $50 a month for the 66 million people who receive Social Security, plus the 7.5 million who get Supplemental Security Income.
Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.
From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.
"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.
Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.
Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.
Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.
Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.
