You're 65: Welcome to Medicare - Personal Finance - Health Care - SmartMoney.com

You're 65: Welcome to Medicare - Personal Finance - Health Care - SmartMoney.com: "Medicare Part B is basic medical insurance that covers services ranging from doctors' visits and outpatient hospital care to some physical and occupational therapy and even some home health care. For 2008, people who file an individual tax return with $80,000 or less ($160,000 or less for joint filers) will pay $96.50 a month, or nearly $1,160 a year, for this coverage. (You'll pay a higher premium if your income is higher.) That's a remarkably good deal: Consider that a 64-year-old woman living in New York City would pay an average of $4,425 annually for an individual policy, according to a recent quote provided by eHealthInsurance. Medicare is the best buy in the country, says Irene Card, a Medicare expert and owner of MIC Insurance Services. For $96.50 you have phenomenal coverage, she says."