The Part B (medical insurance) premium for 2004 is $66.60/mo.  This premium paid by beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part B, covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment and other items.

The Medicare Part B premium amount for 2005 was recently announced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  The monthly premium will be $78.20, an increase of $11.60 over the $66.60 premium in 2004.  For more information, see the HHS press release at http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2004pres/20040903a.html

For other Medicare premiums and deductibles for 2004, see Medicare's Frequently Asked Questions