The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that Social Security and SSI beneficiaries will receive a 1.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2015. According to the SSA’s announcement, after the COLA, the estimated average monthly retirement benefit payable in January 2015 will be $1,328.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has also announced next year’s Medicare costs. The standard monthly Medicare Part B premium will be $104.90 in 2015, the same as in 2014. However, beneficiaries with higher incomes (individuals with taxable incomes of more than $85,000 and couples with taxable incomes of more than $170,000) will pay more than $104.90 per month because they must pay an income-related surcharge.
Other important Social Security and Medicare figures are listed below.
2015 Social Security Figures
- The amount of taxable earnings subject to the Social Security tax (called the maximum taxable earnings limit) will increase to $118,500 from $117,000 in 2014.
- The annual retirement earnings test exempt amount for beneficiaries under full retirement age will increase to $15,720 from $15,480 in 2014. If a beneficiary has earnings that exceed the exempt amount, $1 in benefits will be withheld for every $2 in earnings above the exempt amount.
- The annual retirement earnings test exempt amount that applies during the year a beneficiary reaches full retirement age will increase to $41,880 from $41,400 in 2014. If a beneficiary has earnings that exceed this amount, $1 in benefits will be withheld for every $3 in earnings above the exempt amount.
- The amount of earnings needed to earn one Social Security credit will increase to $1,220 from $1,200 in 2014.
2015 Medicare Figures
- The Medicare Part B deductible will be $147, the same as in 2014.
- The monthly Medicare Part A premium for those who need to buy coverage will cost up to $407, down from $426 in 2014. However, most people don’t pay a premium for Medicare Part A.
- The Medicare Part A deductible for inpatient hospitalization will be $1,260, up from $1,216 in 2014. Beneficiaries will pay an additional daily co-insurance amount of $315 for days 61 through 90, up from $304 in 2014, and $630 for stays beyond 90 days, up from $608 in 2014.
- Beneficiaries in skilled nursing facilities will pay a daily co-insurance amount of $157.50 for days 21 through 100 in a benefit period, up from $152 in 2014.
If you have questions, contact the experts at Henssler Financial:
- Experts Request Form
- Email: experts@henssler.com
- Phone: 770-429-9166.
Disclosures
The following information is reprinted with permission from Forefield, a division of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. This article is meant to provide valuable background information on particular investments, NOT a recommendation to buy. The investments referenced within this article may currently be traded by Henssler Financial. All material presented is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and current, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The contents are intended for general information purposes only. Information provided should not be the sole basis in making any decisions and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional, such as a tax consultant, insurance adviser or attorney. Although this material is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with respect to the subject matter, it may not apply in all situations. Readers are urged to consult with their adviser concerning specific situations and questions. This is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments. It is not our intention to state, indicate or imply in any manner that current or past results are indicative of future profitability or expectations. As with all investments, there are associated inherent risks. Please obtain and review all financial material carefully before investing. Henssler is not licensed to offer or sell insurance products, and this overview is not to be construed as an offer to purchase any insurance products.
