Reply #47: (aside) All employees and employers pay into Medicare today. 1.45% of wages, each.

[pinto]

Usually noted on pay stubs as "EE Medicare Tax", for Part A (inpatient services).
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Recipients additionally pay a monthly premium, currently $88.50/month, for Part B (outpatient services).

MEDICARE PREMIUMS AND DEDUCTIBLES FOR 2006

Summary

The Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $88.50 in 2006, an increase of $10.30 from the current $78.20 premium. The 2006 premium is roughly the same as the CMS actuaries have been projecting since early this year.

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It's a good program, overall.