Historical June 1984 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT People who failed to sign up for the medical insurance part of Medicare (Part B) or who once had this protection but dropped it may enroll during the 1984 General Enrollment Period — January through March.
The medical insurance part of Medicare helps pay for doctor bills, outpatient hospital services, and many other medical items and services not covered under hospital insurance. Medical protection will start July 1, 1984, for those who enroll during the General Enrollment Period.
The premium for this protection is deducted from a person’s Social Security check before they receive it.
The basic premium is $414.60 effective Jan. 1, 1984.
The basic premium amount is increased by 10 percent for each full year a person could have had this protection, but did not.
To enroll a person need only contact the nearest Social Security office.
A short form (SSA-40B) will be completed and sent to them for their signature.
By signing and returning the form, enrollment will be completed for them. 1984 MEDICARE DEDUCTIBLES Effective Jan. 1, 1984, Medicare deductibles for hospital inpatient care will increase.
This will result in higher out-ofpocket costs to Medicare patients.
The cost to the patient depends upon the number of days a person is an inpatient in the hospital. Cost to the patient, according to the number of days in the hospital, is shown below. Hospital: 0-60 days $356.00 total 61-90 days $ 89.00/day Hospital: 60 Life Time Reserve Days $178.00/day Skilled Nursing Facility: 0-20 days No charge 21-100 days $44.50/day PLEASE NOTE: Medicare pays nothing after 100 days in a skilled nursing facility! BENEFITS INCREASE BY 3½ PERCENT The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks delivered in January included a 3½ percent automatic cost-of-living benefit increase.
The automatic increase was delayed for 6 months by 1983 legislation designed to strengthen the Social Security system.
All future increases will now be made in the January checks. People who now receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income checks should be aware that in some cases the Supplemental Security Income checks will be reduced or even stopped.
However, the total overall income of an individual will be higher than before the cost-of-living increase. TELESERVICE Always remember that all information about any Social Security program is only a telephone call away.
The number to call in the St. Louis metropolitan area is 679-7800. 1984 WAGE INFORMATION The maximum amount subject to Social Security tax will increase from $35,700 to $37,800 on Jan. 1, 1984.
As a result of the increase in the wage base, the maximum yearly Social Security tax paid by employees will rise by $140.70 from $2,391.90 to $2,532.60.
Although the Social Security Amendments of 1983 raised the tax rate in 1984 from 6.7 percent to 7.0 percent, a onetime tax credit of 0.3 percent of covered wages will be allowed against the 1984 employee taxes.
Thus, the effective tax rate for employees will remain at 6.7 percent in 1984.
The maximum Social Security tax paid by self-employed individuals will rise by $933.45 from $3,337.95 to $4,271.40, reflecting the increase in the wage base and an increase in the effective tax rate from 9.35 percent to 11.3 percent. Jan. 1, 1984 a number of other changes also became effective.
They include: 1) The maximum amount of earnings that a beneficiary under age 65 may earn without losing any Social Security benefits will increase $240 from $4,920 in 1983 to $5,160 in 1984. 2) The exempt amount for beneficiaries aged 65 to 69 will increase $360 from $6,600 to $6,960 in 1984. 3) The amount of earnings required for a quarter of coverage will increase $20 to $390, up from $370 in 1983. REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES People who receive any type of check from the Social Security Administration should remember that they have “Reporting Responsibilities.” They should report any of the following things that may happen: 1) If they change their address, even though they have Direct Deposit. 2) If they start or stop work, especially if they are receiving Disability benefits. 3) If they marry or divorce. 4) Someone else should report if the person passes away.
To report, an individual must simply call 679-7800.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, June 1984.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Printed Medicare premium is $414.60; preserved as printed pending editorial verification. All benefit, tax and enrollment figures describe 1984, not current eligibility.
Original source: SD_Times1984_06.pdf, printed page(s) 9; PDF page(s) 9.
