Guidance on COLAs and Health Insurance Costs

DHCS has issued guidance about the effect of this year’s lack of a Social Security COLA on Medicare premiums and costs, along with other programs such as the Pickle program.

The Medicare Part A premium increased to $411 for those who do not receive free Part A; the reduced Part A premium is $226.  Part B premiums will stay at $104.90 for current Medicare beneficiaries who have the premium deducted from Social Security; those new to Medicare this year, or those who do not have Part B deducted from their Social Security check, will pay $121.90.  Those with higher incomes will pay higher premiums.

Medi-Cal resource limits remain at $2000 for an individual and $3000 for a couple.  DHCS ACWDL 16-05 (4/15/16).

Medicare Savings Program property limits remain unchanged: $7280 for an individual and $10930 for a couple.  DHCS ACWDL 16-07 (4/21/16).