Medicare's basic monthly premium unchanged in 2015

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Medicare "Part B" premium that most older people pay for outpatient care will stay the same in 2015 - $104.90 a month.<br /> <br /> The government says it's the third consecutive year that the basic monthly premium has held steady.<br /> <br /> Higher premiums paid by upper-income beneficiaries also are unchanged. These are for people with an income greater than $85,000 a year, or $170,000 for married couples.<br /> <br /> Medicare enrollment is growing as baby boomers enter retirement. But costs-per-beneficiary have barely risen the past four years. That's due to spending cuts by President Barack Obama and Congress, as well as low inflation in health care.<br /> <br /> Medicare's hospital deductible will rise by $44 next year, to $1,260. But many people carry additional insurance to cover such costs.