[20050629]RS21731_医疗保险：B部分保费罚款.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for Congress.Received through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21731Updated June 29, 2005Medicare: Part B Premium PenaltyJennifer OSullivanSpecialist in Social LegislationDomestic Social Policy DivisionSummaryMedicare is a nationwide health insurance program for the aged and certaindisabled persons. Medicare consists of two distinct parts Part A (Hospital Insurance)program and Part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) program. The Part A programis financed primarily through payroll taxes levied on current workers and theiremployers. Part B is financed through a combination of monthly premiums paid bycurrent enrollees and general revenues. The 2005 premium is $78.20 per month.Medicare Part B is a voluntary program. People generally enroll in Part B whenthey turn 65. Persons who delay enrollment in the program after their initial enrollmentperiod are subject to a premium penalty. This penalty is a surcharge equal to 10% of thepremium amount for each 12 months of delayed enrollment. There is no upper limit onthe amount of the surcharge that may apply. Further, the penalty continues to apply forthe entire time the individual is enr