2018 IRMAA Appeal...

[beachbum2012]

What grounds to Medicare beneficiaries have to appeal? For example, if a client retires at the end of 2017 and makes $100k this year but starts Part B in January, are they able to appeal an IRMAA decision to get their Part B premium knocked down to the standard amount for 2018?

According to the rule, their Part B premium for 2018 is based on their 2016 income and if they retire they'll be well under the $85k threshold. Without an appeal, they're stuck paying the IRMAA for all of this year and next.

Anyone have much experience in this particular area helping clients?

 

[somarco]

This form, page 2, gives a clue as to qualifying for an IRMAA reduction.

You can pick one.

If your spouse divorced you, then you remarried and new spouse dies pick the one that was the biggest life change.

 

[kgmom219]

What grounds to Medicare beneficiaries have to appeal? For example, if a client retires at the end of 2017 and makes $100k this year but starts Part B in January, are they able to appeal an IRMAA decision to get their Part B premium knocked down to the standard amount for 2018?

According to the rule, their Part B premium for 2018 is based on their 2016 income and if they retire they'll be well under the $85k threshold. Without an appeal, they're stuck paying the IRMAA for all of this year and next.

Anyone have much experience in this particular area helping clients?

Yep. A bunch.

Assuming a 1/1 Part B Date

1. You enroll on October 1.
2. "Welcome to Medicare" letter arrives 10/10-ish. Says you will pay $134 (since we still don't have 2018 Part B)
3. Medicare Cards arrive 10/20-ish
4. IRMAA letter arrives 11/1-ish. They are still on 2015 tax return.
5. Start the appeal process. Do not appeal prior to the letter arriving.

You appeal based on "work stoppage". Estimate the 2018 income. Include a letter from the employer, on letterhead, with the last date worked. You can use a letter in October, that shows a termination date of 12/31/2017. Have the client drop it off at the SSA office.

I have never had an appeal denied, if the proper documentation is included.