2010 MEDICARE PART B Premium REIMBURSEMENTS

2010 MEDICARE PART B REIMBURSEMENTS

The County reimburses members for the full amount of their Medicare Part B premiums (standard rate) on a tax-fee basis, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements.

On December 15, 2009, the Board of Supervisors approved the 2010 Medicare Part B Premium Reimbursement Program for LACERA-administered Medicare Plan enrollees.

For most Medicare enrollees, the $96.40 Part B reimbursement rate (standard rate) in 2010 remains unchanged from 2009.

However, according to Medicare law, new Medicare enrollees in 2010 and those who meet certain higher income levels are subject to an additional income-related premium amount. These individuals are eligible for a $110.50 premium reimbursement.*

The following standard rate reimbursements are effective with the December 31, 2009 pay period for January 2010 coverage:

PART B PREMIUM DETERMINING FACTORS	MONTHLY COUNTY REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT FOR 2010
You had $96.40 deducted from your monthly Social Security check in 2009, AND	$96.40 (standard rate)
You are not required to pay a higher Part B premium, based on your income level (often referred to as “means-testing”)
You reach age 65 and become Medicare-eligible in 2010, OR	$110.50 (standard rate)Attention: You must submit your 2010 Social Security notice to LACERA verifying your $110.50 Part B premium
Part B Medicare premium is not deducted from your monthly Social Security retirement benefit, OR
You are required to pay a $110.50 monthly Part B premium, based on income level (often referred to as “means-testing”)

*Medicare enrollees who file an individual (or married and filing separately) tax return showing a modified adjusted gross income greater than $85,000 (or $170,000 for a joint tax return) are subject to the income-related monthly adjustment amount.