What Medicare means for seniors in 2016

Just read this in this morning's news:

http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/insuranc … spartandhp

Regards,
PS

Please check your link to the information on Medicare, there seems to be a problem. Nothing at all about Medicare there that I can see.

Cheers,
James   Expat-blog Experts Team

Sorry, here's the direct link on possible Medicare hikes:

http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/insuranc … spartandhp

If you are living out of the country, is it worth paying for Medicare part B? If I'm in trouble enough to go back to the US for care it would definitely be inpatient level. Those part B dollars could be better put in an emergency fund for doctor visits or other incidentals. The poor people in the US though who have to deal with this system that only seems to get worse... ugh.

Dear Kristc,
If one elects to opt out of Part B of Medicare and later repatriate, there is a penalty for each year that coverage was not paid. I can't recall the % offhand.  I know, it seems unfair and a way for the gov't to recoup $$ but it is what it is.  This and many other topics are addressed here:  ssa.gov/pub.  Yes, health care is big business in the U.S. (said with sarcasm).
Regards,
PS

Yes PS, this is true. I don't remember the exact details either but I do remember it can quickly add up to thousands. Hopefully I will never deal with the US health care system again.