Hello Toni:
I have a very different Medicare problem than what you usually write about and I hope you can give me some well needed guidance.
On May 15th, I received a delinquent notice from Medicare which was dated April 27th, about my Medicare premium that I pay quarterly since I have not yet begun to receive my Social Security check. I thought I was paying for Part B and I have learned from Medicare that I also must pay an additional premium to Medicare for IRMAA Part D.
In the April 27th notice, I learned that I am being disenrolled from Medicare Part D for being delinquent in paying the IRMAA Part D premiums which I knew nothing about. Because I lost Part D, I was also disenrolled from Kelsey Care which is a Medicare Advantage plan that offered me medical and prescriptions. Now all I have is Medicare Parts A and B and NO Part D.
I am emailing you the reply I received from Medicare in response to this problem and my reply in writing back to Medicare. Toni, can you please explain what IRMAA is and how can I correct this? I am looking forward to your help…Joe from Memorial Examiner area.
Good Day, Joe:
To correct your problem…I would go to my Congressman or Senator. Medicare is a Federal program and to get answers or to appeal Medicare’s decision, you should seek help from your area’s Congressman. I have been told that their office can work on your behalf with Medicare and find out if there is a way to correct the Part D problem. Don’t wait call them NOW!! The longer you wait the harder the problem is to correct!!
What is IRMAA?
There was a new Medicare Rule that went into effect January 1, 2011, regarding Medicare Part D. Social Security is now deducting more from your Social Security check for those enrolled in a Part D plan, if your income reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago (the most recent tax return information provided to Social Security by the IRS) is above a certain amount.
On page 75 and 134 of last year’s 2011 Medicare & You handbook, the new Medicare rule was first explained and Social Security sent out letters informing Medicare beneficiaries that they would have additional premium including the Part D prescription drug premium. The new IRMAA (Income Related Medicare Adjusted Amount) rule has never really been publicized and only if your income is higher can you be affected. IRMAA states that if your income is above $85,000 for an individual or $170,000 for a couple, then, you may pay an income related adjustment amount (additional monthly premium), in addition to your Medicare prescription drug premium. The IRMAA Part D premium can range from $11.40 to $66.40 which is based on your reported income.
This year all that is mentioned about paying more for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan is on page 87 of the 2012 Medicare & You handbook. Because the 2012 Medicare & You handbooks were mailed out October 1, 2011 and the Part A and Part B premiums and co pays were not released until after October 27, 2011, the current premiums and co pays were not printed in the handbook. To find out, what the current numbers are visit http://www.medicare.gov/cost/#. There are charts that show the different income brackets with Part B premiums and additional premiums (IRMAA) for Part D.
If you have to pay an extra amount and you disagree (for example, a life changing event such as death of a spouse or lose of a job that lowers your income), call Social Security at 1/800-772-1213 or go visit your local Social Security office….Remember always get copies of the paperwork Social Security is going to process. You will always want back up, in case you have to go back and argue your case.
Toni King is an advocate/consultant for those on Medicare. For those confused about Medicare email her at asktoni@medicaretruths.com or contact her at 281/830-3896. Visit her website www.medicaretruths.com.
