Life-Changing Events Affecting Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts to Medicare Part B Premiums

Amendments to Regulations Regarding Major Life-Changing Events Affecting Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts to Medicare Part B Premiums

AGENCY: Social Security Administration.

ACTION: Interim rule with request for comments.

SUMMARY: SSA is modifying its regulations to clarify and revise what it considers major life-changing events for the Medicare Part B income- related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) and what evidence is required to support a claim of a major life-changing event. Recent changes in the economy and other unforeseen events have had a significant effect on many Medicare Part B beneficiaries. The changes we are making in this interim final rule will allow SSA to respond appropriately to circumstances brought about by the current economic climate and other unforeseen events, as described below.

DATES:
Effective Date: This interim rule will be effective July 15, 2010.
Comment Date: To ensure that your comments are considered, we must receive them no later than September 13, 2010.

ADDRESSES:
You may submit comments by any one of three methods-- Internet, fax, or mail. Do not submit the same comments multiple times or by more than one method. Regardless of which method you choose, please state that your comments refer to Docket No. SSA-2009-0078 so that we may associate your comments with the correct regulation. Caution: You should be careful to include in your comments only information that you wish to make publicly available. We strongly urge you not to include in your comments any personal information such as Social Security numbers or medical information.

1. Internet: We strongly recommend that you submit your comments via the Internet. Please visit the Federal eRulemaking portal at http:/ /www.regulations.gov. Use the Search function to find docket number SSA-2009-0078. The system will issue a tracking number to confirm your submission. You will not be able to view your comment immediately because we must post each comment manually. It may take up to a week for your comment to be viewable.

2. Fax: Fax comments to (410) 966-2830.

3. Mail: Mail your comments to the Office of Regulations, Social Security Administration, 107 Altmeyer Building, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21235-6401.
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