Monthly Archives: January 2023

Finally, CMS Fixes Late IEP Part B Request Effective Date Determinant

One thing I have complained about and blogged for a long time was CMS’ arcane formula for determining the Part B effective date for people who requested it during their IEP (Initial Enrollment Period) when first eligible for Medicare.  The old system had multi month delays in Part B effective date if requested during the last 3 months of their initial 7-month IEP window (after their birthday month).  It had a weird schedule of delayed effective dates and even eliminated one month from contention.  Finally, they have fixed it with a common-sense approach.  For someone making their request in the first 3 months of their IEP, it is still the first of their birthday month.  But now, if they make their request in the last 3 months of their IEP (after their birthday month), the effective date will be the first of the following month.  Very simple, easy to understand and common sense. 

That is one less thing I now have to complain about and explain to clients.  Am looking for a new demon, perhaps the Irmaa income surcharges.  Nobody likes that. Oh well.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need assistance with selecting a Medicare Plan.  I don’t charge any fees nor increase your cost.

Based in the Richmond, Va area, David Higgs of Choices In Medicare specializes in helping seniors transition to Medicare.  He can be reached at email:  dwhiggs@gmail.com or go to website:  www.ChoicesInMedicare.com

New 2023 Medicare Costs at a Glance

Happy New Year!  As I do every new year, I wanted to post the key, new Medicare numbers that will be in effect for 2023.   These are the key changes to Medicare’s premiums and coverages. 

  • Part A deductible – Will be $1600 up from $1556 (per 60 day Benefit Stay)
  • Part B Deductible – Will be $226, down from $233 (Annual deductible)
  • Part B Premium – Will be $164.90, down from $170.10
  • Part D Maximum Deductible – Will be $505, up from $480 (Some plans don’t have a deductible and most have a “hybrid” deductible.)
  • Part D Premium National Average – Will be $31.50, down from $33.37 (Is used to determine Part D Penalty)

As previously blogged, the Part B premium and deductible decreased this year

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need assistance with selecting a Medicare Plan.  I don’t charge any fees nor increase your cost.

Based in the Richmond, Va area, David Higgs of Choices In Medicare specializes in helping seniors transition to Medicare.  He can be reached at email:  dwhiggs@gmail.com or go to website:  www.ChoicesInMedicare.com