Why Did I Get This Medicare Bill?
A first Medicare premium bill may be higher than expected because it can cover more than one month. Check the billing period and amount on your notice; Part B-only bills are generally sent every three months, and income-related adjustments or other circumstances can change the total. Do not ignore the due date while you verify a possible plan credit.
Key Points From This Video:
- Your Medicare Premium Bill may include several months of Part B premiums. The standard Part B premium changes by year, and your amount may be higher because of income-related adjustments or other circumstances. Check the bill for the amount and billing period, and use Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for billing questions. If your plan provides a Part B premium reduction, confirm when and how that reduction is applied.
- If your plan includes a Part B premium reduction, the credit or reimbursement may not appear immediately. Timing and method vary by plan and by how you pay your Part B premium. Review your plan's notice and contact the plan or Medicare to confirm whether you should pay the bill and how any credit will be handled.
- Follow the payment instructions and due date on your Medicare bill. Medicare currently describes four payment methods: your Medicare account, Medicare Easy Pay, your bank's bill-pay service, or mail. Late payment can put coverage at risk; a Part B late-enrollment penalty is a separate issue that depends on when you enrolled and whether you had qualifying coverage. For billing help, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.
- This is exactly what we told you would happen when you enrolled
Remember: This video is for clients who have already enrolled in their Medicare plan.
If you haven't enrolled yet and have questions about Medicare for veterans, please call us at 888-960-VETS.