The 2018 Medicare Part B (physicians and related services) premium is $134 a month for most enrollees–an increase for most but not for many CSRS retirees and others who paid that rate in 2017 due to a complex provision called “hold harmless” that protected others from a 2017 rate increase. Those with annual taxable incomes above $85,000 for single filers and $170,000 for joint filers also pay surcharges that will again range from $53.50 to $294.60 a month.
The Part B annual deductible is unchanged at $183, and the average monthly premium for Part D prescription drug coverage (which only some federal retirees choose because it largely duplicates what is covered under FEHB plans) is also about the same, around $34 a month.
In Part A, which covers hospitalization and related costs, the deductible will rise from $1,316 to $1,340 for the first 60 days, and proportionate boosts also will apply to deductibles for longer periods.