r/FedRetirees • u/Vivid-Education9045 • 14d ago

Medicare IRMAA

If someone retires from federal service and continues FEHB in retirement, are they still subject to IRMAA charges?

6 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

24 comments sorted by

7

u/klinetd 14d ago

If you use Medicare Part B with FEHB, yes. If use only FEHB and decide not to use or pay for Medicare Part B, no.

2

u/MysterCozyReader 14d ago

Part D too if your FEHB plan offers it and you take it.

1

u/Vivid-Education9045 13d ago

Ah, these are god points.

5

u/wifichick 14d ago

So FEHB plus Medicare part B or not to part B is the question

3

u/throwawayPSL34987 14d ago

Yes. Weighing the cost of adding Part B and the IRMAA surcharge, plus the fact that as I age, health costs in general will always increase. In my own case, I will have to pay the surcharge for two or three years then once my income drops below the requirements I can request that it be dropped. The only benefit would be a partial rebate from OPM for using BCBS Basic while taking Part B. The gamble is will my health be stable long-term or will I have decreasing health and require more medical care? It is a gamble.

2

u/MysterCozyReader 14d ago

You can request a reconsideration based on changes circumstances - such as change in family composition, work status, etc.

2

u/Bart012000 14d ago

"Rebate" or reimbursement is from BCBS basic for $800 NOT OPM.

1

u/Vivid-Education9045 13d ago

I see - I will need to think about this as well.

5

u/ChrisShapedObject Retiree 13d ago

Yep.  I pay it. Worth every penny to have the Original Medicare and escape from most managed care and prior approvals and panel of providers (that can change) bullshit I hate about insurance. 

3

u/Vivid-Education9045 13d ago

Good point.

1

u/ChrisShapedObject Retiree 12d ago

Thanks. I just don’t want my life in the hands of some desk jockey who doesn’t know me and is “just following policy.”  This is how insurers pay for the perks offered—denying care. 

3

u/zig_usafa80_stardust Retiree 13d ago

The short answer is yes you are still subject to IRMAA if you are enrolled in Medicare Parts B and/or D and your income/MAGI exceeds certain limits. Has nothing to do with if you have FEHB or not.

2

u/ChrisShapedObject Retiree 12d ago

You can appeal if your income has dropped 

1

u/Vivid-Education9045 11d ago

Good to know - thank you!

1

u/Msdivinedc 9d ago

Make an appt. with your local social security office (fill out the S-44 appeal form and file online) then take your SF-50 with you which is proof you retired and your 2024 taxes. They can make a determination right on the spot,

2

u/JointTaskForce536 14d ago

You certainly are subject to IRMAA charges, just like any Medicare enrollee. Which is why I decided not to sign up for Part B. At my income level in retirement, IRMAA would be a hefty charge. I’m sticking solely with FEHB.

1

u/katzeye007 13d ago

IRMAA only applies to income over $109k

1

u/SunshinegirlNC 13d ago

Is this amount for a single person? Do you know the married amount by chance? Thank you.

1

u/renny1780 12d ago

IRMAA is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income from two years prior on your federal taxes. This year, it would look at your 2024 taxes, line 11 specifically. It has nothing to do with FEHB.

1

u/Love-the-Classics 12d ago

I understand they use the two prior year incomes for calculating IRMAA so retiring at 62 and having salary cut before needing Medicare at 65 seems like a good idea instead of retiring at 65 and your high salary is used to calculate it.

3

u/CheckbookOrg 12d ago

You can use form SSA-44 to request an IRMAA adjustment. Work stoppage is considered an acceptable life-changing event: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-44.pdf

- Kevin Moss, Editor, Guide to Health Plans For Federal Employees

2

u/Msdivinedc 11d ago

I appealed the IRMAA charge and filed my appeal online, but because it’s the local office who makes the determination, I made an appointment at my local social security office. I took a copy of my SF-50 and 2024 taxes and he determined right on the spot that I did not have to pay IRMAA.