Big Price Hikes for Medicare Premiums in 2017?
Some Medicare beneficiaries could see rate increases of 22% next year.
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Newsletter sign up Newsletter

Retirees, brace yourselves: Some participants may see double-digit premium hikes for Medicare Part B in 2017.
See More: 11 Common Medicare Mistakes
Congress figures to step in before the bills are due, as it did last year. But if it doesn't, premiums for about 30% of beneficiaries could jump 22%, from $121.80 per month to $149 a month in January 2017, if the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security is low, as expected. The COLA for next year is likely to be quite small: 0.2% to 0.8%. The actual rates for Part B (which covers the costs of doctor visits and outpatient care) will be announced in October and take effect January 1.
When Social Security COLAs are very low or nonexistent, as was the case this year, about 70% of folks are protected from paying more for Medicare than they receive in the form of a raise in their monthly benefit checks. That sticks other recipients with the bill, specifically:

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
- those who enroll in Part B in 2017,
- people who don’t have their premiums deducted from Social Security payments,
- individuals with annual incomes above $85,000,
- and people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
For the last group, known as “dual eligibles,” Part B premiums are paid by the state where they live.
-
-
Personal Finance Tips for the Year of the Rabbit
Being intelligent like a rabbit by making smart choices about spending and saving, paying attention to details and exercising patience in investing can help increase financial security.
By Marguerita M. Cheng, CFP® • Published
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Drop After Bleak Big Tech Earnings, Jobs Shocker
Apple (AAPL), Amazon.com (AMZN) and Alphabet (GOOGL) all reported quarterly profit that fell short of estimates.
By Karee Venema • Published
-
Kiplinger's Retail Outlook: Sales on a Downtrend
Economic Forecasts Weakening retail sales and high inventories point to further cuts in production.
By David Payne • Last updated
-
Kiplinger Jobs Outlook: Surprising Market Strength Won’t Last
Economic Forecasts The labor market is still strong now but will slow in the months to come.
By David Payne • Last updated
-
Kiplinger's Interest Rates Outlook: The Fed Gives Some Clarity on Rate Hike Intentions
Economic Forecasts Signs of a slowing economy and easing inflation are key to the interest rates outlook.
By David Payne • Last updated
-
Kiplinger's Housing Outlook: Home Prices Keep Softening
Economic Forecasts Kiplinger's Housing Outlook: Homebuilders slow down as worries about the housing market mount.
By Rodrigo Sermeño • Last updated
-
How to Get a Good Deal on Auto Insurance
insurance Car-insurance premiums can be a big-ticket expense. Here are some ways to lower insurance bills.
By the editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance • Last updated
-
How to Size up Banks and Savings and Loans
credit & debt Six factors to consider when selecting an institution for your daily banking needs.
By the editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance • Last updated
-
What Your Homeowners Policy Covers
insurance A breakdown of what is and isn't included with your insurance coverage.
By the editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance • Last updated
-
How to Pick a Financial Planner
credit & debt Candidates aren't hard to come by. Here's how to find the right one for you.
By the editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance • Last updated