Out-of-pocket Medicare costs rise 2.1%

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

Next year, the deductible for the first 60 days of a hospital stay will rise to $1,156, which is 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 the costs that Medicare does not cover.

The 2.1% increases are based on a formula set in law.