What is a Medicare deductible?

September 20, 2009 by admin

A deductible is the amount you must pay each year before Medicare begins paying its portion of your medical bill. There are deductibles for both the Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (doctor services) portions of Medicare. Your deductible is taken out of your claims when Medicare receives them. Medicare will not start paying on your claims until you have met your annual deductible. The Medicare Part A deductible for 2009 is $1,068.00 per benefit period. The Medicare Part B deductible for 2009 is $135.00. If you have any questions on the status of your deductible please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).