8 Ways To Appeal 2021 Medicare Part B IRMAA Amount

8 Ways To Appeal 2021 Medicare Part B IRMAA Amount

8 Ways To Appeal 2021 Medicare Part B IRMAA Amount

The 2021 monthly premium amounts for Medicare Part B enrollees was recently announced by The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Many federal employees are currently enrolled in Medicare Part B or will become eligible at age 65.

As a reminder, Medicare Part B covers both medically necessary services and preventive services.

This includes doctors’ services and tests, outpatient care, home health services, ambulance services, mental health, among others.

Premiums payable for Medicare Part B coverage in 2021 are based on 2019 MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income).

The standard premium amount for 2021 is $148.50.

However, if an individual or married couple exceeds certain income limits, the payable amount increases for Part B coverage.

Paying above the standard rate of $148.50 for coverage is referred to as an IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount).

The table below shows 2019 income amounts and the respective amounts payable in 2021 (source: Medicare.gov)

As you can see, the higher an individual or married couple’s MAGI, the higher the Medicare Part B premium.

If you find yourself paying above the standard Part B monthly premium of $148.50, you will receive a notice of IRMAA from the Social Security Administration in late November or early December.

In receiving this IRMAA notice, you have the right to file an appeal.

The appeal allows for a reconsideration of IRMAA surcharges due to certain life-changing events.

These life-changing events typically cause a significant decrease in an enrollees’ total income between 2019 and 2021.

Life-Changing Events Include:

1. Marriage
2. Divorce/Annulment
3. Death of Your Spouse
4. Work Stoppage
5. Work Reduction
6. Loss of Income-Producing Property
7. Loss of Pension Income
8. Employer Settlement Payment

If any of these circumstances apply to you, the form for appeal can be found here.

An example would include:

John Smith has been working for the post office his entire life, and recently turned age 65. He retired near the end of 2020 from federal service. John received an IRMAA letter in late November for his 2021 Medicare Part B premiums, due to his full-time federal employee salary in 2019. However, since John retired, his income will decrease significantly in 2021 compared to 2019 when he was working full-time. John should file an appeal and complete Form SSA-44. His appeal will fall under the “work-stoppage” classification for a life-changing event.

If you have any questions around Medicare Part B or your coverages, please contact your friends at GPIS by calling 866-201-7829 or by sending an e-mail to info@gpis4u.org.