The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the maximum standard Medicare Part B (Part B) premium for the 2018 calendar year.  The standard Part B premium will remain at $134.00 and will be effective January 1, 2018.  Action may be required of members whose current Part B reimbursement is less than $134.00.

By the end of 2017, Social Security Administration (SSA) will send you a benefits verification statement for 2018.  That SSA statement will list your initial benefit amount and detail your Medicare enrollment.  For each part of Medicare in which you are enrolled, there is a corresponding amount that is deducted on a monthly basis, including your basic 2018 Part B premium. If you are not eligible to receive SSA benefits, CMS will send you a billing statement with your new Part B premium.  Part B premiums may range from $105.00 to $134.00.  Pensioners who have recently enrolled in Medicare Part B will be charged the standard 2018 monthly premium and will be reimbursed at the maximum amount of $134.00.  As a reminder, retired members and qualified survivors can receive reimbursement for their Part B premiums if they are eligible for a health subsidy and are enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B. 

Reimbursements for your Part B premiums can be found on your pension check stub. If your current Part B reimbursement amount is different from your 2018 Part B premium, please submit a copy of your Social Security benefits verification statement, or CMS billing statement, as soon as it is available to LAFPP.  

Once your correct Part B reimbursement amount has been confirmed, changes will be reflected on the next available pension roll. If eligible, you may also be reimbursed retroactively up to 12 pension roll months from the date your documentation is received.  If you have specific questions about your current Part B reimbursement amount, please contact the Medical and Dental Benefits Section at (213) 279-3115 or toll free at (844) 88-LAFPP ext. 93115.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What document do I need to submit to receive my correct Part B reimbursement amount?

You may submit a copy of your SSA benefits verification statement (Form SSA-4926) or a copy of a current CMS billing statement (CMA 500).   

2.  My spouse (non-LAFPP member) is currently enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.  Does he/she need to submit Medicare Part B premium documentation?

No, only the pensioner who is currently receiving a Medicare Part B premium reimbursement needs to submit documentation to LAFPP.

3.  I received a letter stating that I pay a higher Part B premium based on my income level (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, i.e. IRMAA). May I submit this letter as proof of my Part B premium?

Yes, you may submit a copy of the first page of the letter that contains your name, address and 2018 monthly Medicare Part B premium deduction to LAFPP Medical & Dental Benefits, however the maximum Part B reimbursement amount cannot exceed $134.00 per month.

4.   I receive a monthly Social Security payment, but I did not receive / cannot locate my “New Benefit Amount” Statement. What can I do?

You can access proof of your 2018 Medicare Part B basic premium online at the SSA website: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. You may be required to create or register your SSA account.

5.   How do I submit proof of my Part B premium?

Please make a copy of your statement and send it attention to Medical and Dental Benefits Section via (1) Email to: mdbsection@lafpp.com; (2) Fax to (213) 628-7782 or (3) Mail to Department of Fire and Police Pensions, Attn: Medical & Dental Benefits, 701 E. 3rd Street, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

6.   When do I need to provide LAFPP documentation of my Part B Premium?

You may submit your documentation at any time during 2018 and receive a retroactive reimbursement of the balance of your 2018 basic Part B premiums for up to 12 pension roll months from the date your submission is received.

REFERENCED DOCUMENTS: 

Sample Medicare Part B Premium Documentation