Medicare out-of-pocket expenses to rise 2.1% in 2012

WASHINGTON—Medicare beneficiaries will face out-of-pocket expenses that are 2.1% higher next year, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday.

Next year, the deductible for the first 60 days of a hospital stay will rise to $1,156, up from $1,132 this year.

In addition, the daily copayment for days 61 through 90 will increase to $289 from $283, while the daily payment for stays exceeding 90 days will increase to $578 from $566.

The increases also will affect employers whose retiree health care plans are coordinated with Medicare to pick up costs that Medicare does not cover.

The increases are based on a formula set in law.