The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the premiums for Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $96.40 for 2009, the same rate as Part B premiums in 2008. This is the first year since 2000 there was no increase in the monthly premium over the past year.
 
This monthly premium paid by beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part B covers a portion of the cost of physicians' services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment and other items.
 
For more information about the 2009 Medicare Part B premiums, please visit the CMS Web site.

This article originally appeared in the September 2008 issue of AAKP Public Policy Briefing.