Could Medicare ever adopt a tiered premium system based on lifestyle factors?

Question

Larry Dalton · Accepted Answer

This question is a very vague question and difficult to answer without understanding the individual circumstances.

Medicare has tiers of cost in their Part B and part D premiums and are based on your income. This does not affect the average Medicare beneficiary unless you’re in those high-income brackets.  

Insurance companies operate on different levels, and their cost structure includes high and low deductibles, that can affect your cost.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

That doesn’t appear to be in the horizon.  No one in my circles have mentioned anything to the effect either.

David Bell · Answer

Medicare supplement plans do surchage for tabacco use, build (height/weight) and health factors. Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage do not. It would take a major change to the Medicare system that probably won't happen.

Answered by David Bell on April 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in ID, AZ, CA & 8 other states

Answered by David Bell Medicare Insurance Agent

Walt Smith · Answer

It is not likely because if they had a different tier system, it would require some level of health underwriting. That is not the basic under structure of Medicare.

Robert Baez · Answer

That could potentially happen; however, it would be a challenging and controversial process. Medicare is currently a single tiered system and provides coverage for elderly and low income as well.

Jill Belvin · Answer

That could potentially happen, however it would be a challenging and controversial process. Medicare is currently a single tiered system and provides coverage for elderly and low income as well.

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

They have a tired premium already based on income. (SSA Retirement, Pension, and work income). Nit sure what other factors they would consider.

Veronique Kasbarian · Answer

Medicare is based on ones qualification as what a person  have paid into , like worked for ten years/or 40 quarters based on their Tax bracket..not on ones life style...