Once an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) determination is made for Medicare Part B or D or both , SSA mails a notice to the beneficiary. The notice informs the beneficiary of the determination and appeal rights. The notice also provides information about what a beneficiary should do if they have other information about their income or if their circumstances have changed. The IRMAA determination will apply to both Medicare Part B and D where applicable. If an appeal is filed, the appeal determination will also apply to both Part B and D if applicable.
A beneficiary or his authorized representative can request an appeal within 60 days of receipt of an IRMAA determination notice.
There are four levels of appeal that apply to IRMAA determinations:
A reconsideration processed by the Field Office or Processing Center
A hearing before an Administrative Law Judge of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals
A review by the HHS Medicare Appeals Council, and
Federal Court action.
Last Revised: Aug. 10, 2011