The Medicare Part B premium amount for 2005 was announced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  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 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

It is important to note that no one's Social Security benefit will decrease as a result of the 2005 Medicare Part B premium increase, announced last month. By law, the Part B premium increase cannot be larger than a beneficiary's COLA increase.

For other Medicare premiums and deductibles for 2005, see Medicare's Frequently Asked Questions