QUESTION: What is the "Part B" Medicare monthly premium for 2010?ANSWER: The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium is $110.50. However, because there was no cost-of-living adjustment, some beneficiaries are paying less than the standard premium. The Department of Health and Human Services determines the premium, which covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and other items. For most beneficiaries, the government pays about 75 percent of the Part B premium. Since 2007, higher income beneficiaries have been paying a larger percentage of their Part B premium based on their income. In 2010, a small number of beneficiaries with higher incomes (individuals with income exceeding $85,000 and married couples with income exceeding $170,000) will pay a monthly premium equal to 35, 50, 65, or 80 percent of the cost, depending on what they reported to the IRS. However, the higher premium affects less than 5 percent of Medicare beneficiaries, so most people newly enrolled for Medicare will pay the standard premium.For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and select the "Medicare" tab.