Courtney Announces Medicare Part B Premiums Will Not Rise for Connecticut Seniors
WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) announced that Medicare beneficiaries will not see any increase in premium costs for Medicare Part B in 2015. Despite claims that Part B premiums would rise significantly for seniors, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) confirmed the standard premium for 2015 will be $104.90—the same as in 2013 and 2014.
"Today's announcement is very good news for eastern Connecticut seniors, many of whom live on fixed incomes," Courtney said. "For the second year in a row, Medicare Part B premiums will not go up a dime, at the same time Social Security benefits are expected to increase. Thanks to historic moderation in Medicare spending attributable to the Affordable Care Act, program spending has risen at a lower rate over the past four years than during any previous four-year period, and those savings are benefiting seniors.
"While costs are moderating, Medicare benefits are stronger than ever, including prescription drug coverage. Since 2011, Second District beneficiaries have received more than $30 million in prescription drug assistance thanks to the Affordable Care Act—assistance that will continue to increase until the Part D donut is fully closed in 2020. Today's news is a welcome sign that Medicare benefits are a better value than ever for eastern Connecticut seniors."
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