Medicare Premium Hikes Could Hurt State, Baker Says
BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker is warning that an increase in premiums for some Medicare recipients could have a major impact on state finances.
Baker sent a letter Friday to the state's congressional delegation urging them to support efforts in Washington to reduce or eliminate the approximately 50 percent hike in Medicare Part B premiums that is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1.
The increases would affect about 30 percent of Medicare recipients, including many who are also eligible for the state's Medicaid program and whose premiums are paid by the state.
Baker estimated the state could be on the hook for $38 million in unbudgeted costs for the remainder of the current fiscal year and $150 million in future years. About half of that could be reimbursed by the federal government.
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