Changes affect Medicare Part B, drug coverage

Changes in the law affect how Social Security calculates monthly Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Medicare prescription drug coverage premiums.

Medicare Part B provides coverage for physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment and other items. Most beneficiaries pay a standard premium for Part B coverage. Some beneficiaries may also pay a late enrollment surcharge. A small number of beneficiaries with higher incomes will pay a higher Part B premium based on their income.

Medicare prescription drug coverage helps pay for prescription drugs. Plan costs vary depending on the plan, and on whether you get Extra Help with your portion of the Medicare prescription drug costs. A small number of beneficiaries with higher incomes will pay a higher prescription drug premium based on their income.

If you’re a Medicare beneficiary who must pay more for your Medicare Part B or Medicare prescription drug coverage premium because of your income, and you disagree with the decision, you may request an appeal. The fastest and easiest way is at socialsecurity.gov/disability/appeal.

If your income has gone down due to certain specific circumstances, or if you filed an amended tax return, you can ask for a new decision without having to file an appeal. See the fact sheet Medicare Premiums: Rules for Higher-Income Beneficiaries (SSA Publication No. 05-10536) at socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-0510536.pdf.