Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-110
§1395w–113 Premiums; Late Enrollment Penalty
Title 42 › CHAPTER 7 — SOCIAL SECURITY › SUBCHAPTER XVIII — HEALTH INSURANCE FOR AGED AND DISABLED › Part D — Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program › subpart 2 — prescription drug plans; pdp sponsors; financing › § 1395w–113
Summary
Calculates how monthly premiums for Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) are worked out, what can raise or lower them, how higher-income people pay more, and how a late-enrollment penalty is charged and collected. The basic monthly premium is a percent of the national average bid. That percent is based on 25.5 percent (changing after 2029 to a number the Secretary sets) and a formula that uses estimated reinsurance and plan payments. If a plan’s bid is higher than the adjusted national average, the premium goes up by the difference; if lower, it goes down. The premium also goes up for extra (supplemental) drug benefits and for any late-enrollment penalty, and it goes down for people who get low-income subsidies. Starting after 2010, people with higher modified adjusted gross income pay an extra monthly amount based on formulas tied to tax-year income; the Social Security Commissioner figures out who pays and the Secretary must give income and premium info each year by September 15 and October 15. For 2024–2029, the basic premium is capped so it can rise no more than 6% each year compared with the prior year’s capped amount; normal rules resume in 2030. The percent used after 2029 cannot be less than 20%. A late-enrollment penalty applies when someone waits 63 continuous days or more after their initial enrollment period without “creditable” drug coverage. The penalty is either an actuarially sound amount per uncovered month or 1% of the base premium per uncovered month, whichever is larger. Creditable coverage includes things like employer plans, Medicaid, VA and military plans, Medigap drug coverage, state programs, and other coverage the Secretary accepts. People who qualify for the low-income subsidy are not charged the penalty. Premiums and penalties are collected under Medicare payment rules, part of the penalty may be paid to plans to cover extra costs, and income-related increases are collected by withholding from benefit payments with arrangements to recover shortfalls from other agencies if needed.
Full Legal Text
Title 42, §1395w–113
The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Monthly beneficiary premium
(1)Computation
(A)In general
The monthly beneficiary premium for a prescription drug plan is the base beneficiary premium computed under paragraph (2) or (8) (as applicable) as adjusted under this paragraph.
(B)Adjustment to reflect difference between bid and national average bid
(i)Above average bid
If for a month the amount of the standardized bid amount (as defined in paragraph (5)) exceeds the amount of the adjusted national average monthly bid amount (as defined in clause (iii)), the base beneficiary premium for the month shall be increased by the amount of such excess.
(ii)Below average bid
If for a month the amount of the adjusted national average monthly bid amount for the month exceeds the standardized bid amount, the base beneficiary premium for the month shall be decreased by the amount of such excess.
(iii)Adjusted national average monthly bid amount defined
For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “adjusted national average monthly bid amount” means the national average monthly bid amount computed under paragraph (4), as adjusted under section 1395w–115(c)(2) of this title.
(C)Increase for supplemental prescription drug benefits
The base beneficiary premium shall be increased by the portion of the PDP approved bid that is attributable to supplemental prescription drug benefits.
(D)Increase for late enrollment penalty
The base beneficiary premium shall be increased by the amount of any late enrollment penalty under subsection (b).
(E)Decrease for low-income assistance
The monthly beneficiary premium is subject to decrease in the case of a subsidy eligible individual under section 1395w–114 of this title.
(F)Increase based on income
The monthly beneficiary premium shall be increased pursuant to paragraph (7).
(G)Uniform premium
Except as provided in subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F), the monthly beneficiary premium for a prescription drug plan in a PDP region is the same for all part D eligible individuals enrolled in the plan.
(2)Base beneficiary premium
Subject to paragraph (8), the base beneficiary premium under this paragraph for a prescription drug plan for a month is equal to the product —
(A)the beneficiary premium percentage (as specified in paragraph (3)); and
(B)the national average monthly bid amount (computed under paragraph (4)) for the month.
(3)Beneficiary premium percentage
For purposes of this subsection, the beneficiary premium percentage for any year is the percentage equal to a fraction—
(A)the numerator of which is 25.5 percent (or, for 2030 and each subsequent year, the percent specified under paragraph (9)); and
(B)the denominator of which is 100 percent minus a percentage equal to—
(i)the total reinsurance payments which the Secretary estimates are payable under section 1395w–115(b) of this title with respect to the coverage year; divided by
(ii)the sum of—
(I)the amount estimated under clause (i) for the year; and
(II)the total payments which the Secretary estimates will be paid to prescription drug plans and MA–PD plans that are attributable to the standardized bid amount during the year, taking into account amounts paid by the Secretary and enrollees.
(4)Computation of national average monthly bid amount
(A)In general
For each year (beginning with 2006) the Secretary shall compute a national average monthly bid amount equal to the average of the standardized bid amounts (as defined in paragraph (5)) for each prescription drug plan and for each MA–PD plan described in section 1395w–21(a)(2)(A)(i) of this title. Such average does not take into account the bids submitted for MSA plans, MA private fee-for-service plan, and specialized MA plans for special needs individuals, PACE programs under section 1395eee of this title (pursuant to section 1395w–131(f) of this title), and under reasonable cost reimbursement contracts under section 1395mm(h) of this title (pursuant to section 1395w–131(e) of this title).
(B)Weighted average
(i)In general
The monthly national average monthly bid amount computed under subparagraph (A) for a year shall be a weighted average, with the weight for each plan being equal to the average number of part D eligible individuals enrolled in such plan in the reference month (as defined in section 1395w–27a(f)(4) of this title).
(ii)Special rule for 2006
For purposes of applying this paragraph for 2006, the Secretary shall establish procedures for determining the weighted average under clause (i) for 2005.
(5)Standardized bid amount defined
For purposes of this subsection, the term “standardized bid amount” means the following:
(A)Prescription drug plans
(i)Basic coverage
In the case of a prescription drug plan that provides basic prescription drug coverage, the PDP approved bid (as defined in paragraph (6)).
(ii)Supplemental coverage
In the case of a prescription drug plan that provides supplemental prescription drug coverage, the portion of the PDP approved bid that is attributable to basic prescription drug coverage.
(B)MA–PD plans
In the case of an MA–PD plan, the portion of the accepted bid amount that is attributable to basic prescription drug coverage.
(6)PDP approved bid defined
For purposes of this part, the term “PDP approved bid” means, with respect to a prescription drug plan, the bid amount approved for the plan under this part.
(7)Increase in base beneficiary premium based on income
(A)In general
In the case of an individual whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds the threshold amount applicable under paragraph (2) of section 1395r(i) of this title (including application of paragraph (5) of such section) for the calendar year, the monthly amount of the beneficiary premium applicable under this section for a month after December 2010 shall be increased by the monthly adjustment amount specified in subparagraph (B).
(B)Monthly adjustment amount
The monthly adjustment amount specified in this subparagraph for an individual for a month in a year is equal to the product of— (i)
(ii)the base beneficiary premium (as computed under paragraph (2) or (8) (as applicable)).
(C)Modified adjusted gross income
For purposes of this paragraph, the term “modified adjusted gross income” has the meaning given such term in subparagraph (A) of section 1395r(i)(4) of this title, determined for the taxable year applicable under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of such section.
(D)Determination by Commissioner of Social Security
The Commissioner of Social Security shall make any determination necessary to carry out the income-related increase in the base beneficiary premium under this paragraph.
(E)Procedures to assure correct income-related increase in base beneficiary premium
(i)Disclosure of base beneficiary premium
Not later than September 15 of each year beginning with 2010, the Secretary shall disclose to the Commissioner of Social Security the amount of the base beneficiary premium (as computed under paragraph (2) or (8) (as applicable)) for the purpose of carrying out the income-related increase in the base beneficiary premium under this paragraph with respect to the following year.
(ii)Additional disclosure
Not later than October 15 of each year beginning with 2010, the Secretary shall disclose to the Commissioner of Social Security the following information for the purpose of carrying out the income-related increase in the base beneficiary premium under this paragraph with respect to the following year:
(I)The modified adjusted gross income threshold applicable under paragraph (2) of section 1395r(i) of this title (including application of paragraph (5) of such section).
(II)The applicable percentage determined under paragraph (3)(C) of section 1395r(i) of this title (including application of paragraph (5) of such section).
(III)The monthly adjustment amount specified in subparagraph (B).
(IV)Any other information the Commissioner of Social Security determines necessary to carry out the income-related increase in the base beneficiary premium under this paragraph.
(F)Rule of construction
The formula used to determine the monthly adjustment amount specified under subparagraph (B) shall only be used for the purpose of determining such monthly adjustment amount under such subparagraph.
(8)Premium stabilization
(A)In general
The base beneficiary premium under this paragraph for a prescription drug plan for a month in 2024 through 2029 shall be computed as follows:
(i)2024
The base beneficiary premium for a month in 2024 shall be equal to the lesser of— (I)
(II)the base beneficiary premium computed under paragraph (2) for a month in 2024 that would have applied if this paragraph had not been enacted.
(ii)2025
The base beneficiary premium for a month in 2025 shall be equal to the lesser of— (I)
(II)the base beneficiary premium computed under paragraph (2) for a month in 2025 that would have applied if this paragraph had not been enacted.
(iii)2026
The base beneficiary premium for a month in 2026 shall be equal to the lesser of— (I)
(II)the base beneficiary premium computed under paragraph (2) for a month in 2026 that would have applied if this paragraph had not been enacted.
(iv)2027
The base beneficiary premium for a month in 2027 shall be equal to the lesser of— (I)
(II)the base beneficiary premium computed under paragraph (2) for a month in 2027 that would have applied if this paragraph had not been enacted.
(v)2028
The base beneficiary premium for a month in 2028 shall be equal to the lesser of— (I)
(II)the base beneficiary premium computed under paragraph (2) for a month in 2028 that would have applied if this paragraph had not been enacted.
(vi)2029
The base beneficiary premium for a month in 2029 shall be equal to the lesser of— (I)
(II)the base beneficiary premium computed under paragraph (2) for a month in 2029 that would have applied if this paragraph had not been enacted.
(B)Clarification regarding 2030 and subsequent years
The base beneficiary premium for a month in 2030 or a subsequent year shall be computed under paragraph (2) without regard to this paragraph.
(9)Percent specified
(A)In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), for purposes of paragraph (3)(A), the percent specified under this paragraph for 2030 and each subsequent year is the percent that the Secretary determines is necessary to ensure that the base beneficiary premium computed under paragraph (2) for a month in 2030 is equal to the lesser of— (i)
(ii)the base beneficiary premium computed under paragraph (2) for a month in 2030 that would have applied if this paragraph had not been enacted.
(B)Floor
The percent specified under subparagraph (A) may not be less than 20 percent.
(b)Late enrollment penalty
(1)In general
Subject to the succeeding provisions of this subsection, in the case of a part D eligible individual described in paragraph (2) with respect to a continuous period of eligibility, there shall be an increase in the monthly beneficiary premium established under subsection (a) in an amount determined under paragraph (3).
(2)Individuals subject to penalty
A part D eligible individual described in this paragraph is, with respect to a continuous period of eligibility, an individual for whom there is a continuous period of 63 days or longer (all of which in such continuous period of eligibility) beginning on the day after the last date of the individual’s initial enrollment period under section 1395w–101(b)(2) of this title and ending on the date of enrollment under a prescription drug plan or MA–PD plan during all of which the individual was not covered under any creditable prescription drug coverage.
(3)Amount of penalty
(A)In general
The amount determined under this paragraph for a part D eligible individual for a continuous period of eligibility is the greater of— (i)
(ii)1 percent of the base beneficiary premium (computed under paragraph (2) or (8) of subsection (a) (as applicable)) for each such uncovered month in such period.
(B)Uncovered month defined
For purposes of this subsection, the term “uncovered month” means, with respect to a part D eligible individual, any month beginning after the end of the initial enrollment period under section 1395w–101(b)(2) of this title unless the individual can demonstrate that the individual had creditable prescription drug coverage (as defined in paragraph (4)) for any portion of such month.
(4)Creditable prescription drug coverage defined
For purposes of this part, the term “creditable prescription drug coverage” means any of the following coverage, but only if the coverage meets the requirement of paragraph (5):
(A)Coverage under prescription drug plan or MA–PD plan
Coverage under a prescription drug plan or under an MA–PD plan.
(B)Medicaid
Coverage under a medicaid plan under subchapter XIX or under a waiver under section 1315 of this title.
(C)Group health plan
Coverage under a group health plan, including a health benefits plan under chapter 89 of title 5 (commonly known as the Federal employees health benefits program), and a qualified retiree prescription drug plan (as defined in section 1395w–132(a)(2) of this title).
(D)State pharmaceutical assistance program
Coverage under a State pharmaceutical assistance program described in section 1395w–133(b)(1) of this title.
(E)Veterans’ coverage of prescription drugs
Coverage for veterans, and survivors and dependents of veterans, under chapter 17 of title 38.
(F)Prescription drug coverage under medigap policies
Coverage under a medicare supplemental policy under section 1395ss of this title that provides benefits for prescription drugs (whether or not such coverage conforms to the standards for packages of benefits under section 1395ss(p)(1) of this title).
(G)Military coverage (including TRICARE)
Coverage under chapter 55 of title 10.
(H)Other coverage
Such other coverage as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(5)Actuarial equivalence requirement
Coverage meets the requirement of this paragraph only if the coverage is determined (in a manner specified by the Secretary) to provide coverage of the cost of prescription drugs the actuarial value of which (as defined by the Secretary) to the individual equals or exceeds the actuarial value of standard prescription drug coverage (as determined under section 1395w–111(c) of this title).
(6)Procedures to document creditable prescription drug coverage
(A)In general
The Secretary shall establish procedures (including the form, manner, and time) for the documentation of creditable prescription drug coverage, including procedures to assist in determining whether coverage meets the requirement of paragraph (5).
(B)Disclosure by entities offering creditable prescription drug coverage
(i)In general
Each entity that offers prescription drug coverage of the type described in subparagraphs (B) through (H) of paragraph (4) shall provide for disclosure, in a form, manner, and time consistent with standards established by the Secretary, to the Secretary and part D eligible individuals of whether the coverage meets the requirement of paragraph (5) or whether such coverage is changed so it no longer meets such requirement.
(ii)Disclosure of non-creditable coverage
In the case of such coverage that does not meet such requirement, the disclosure to part D eligible individuals under this subparagraph shall include information regarding the fact that because such coverage does not meet such requirement there are limitations on the periods in a year in which the individuals may enroll under a prescription drug plan or an MA–PD plan and that any such enrollment is subject to a late enrollment penalty under this subsection.
(C)Waiver of requirement
In the case of a part D eligible individual who was enrolled in prescription drug coverage of the type described in subparagraphs (B) through (H) of paragraph (4) which is not creditable prescription drug coverage because it does not meet the requirement of paragraph (5), the individual may apply to the Secretary to have such coverage treated as creditable prescription drug coverage if the individual establishes that the individual was not adequately informed that such coverage did not meet such requirement.
(7)Continuous period of eligibility
(A)In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), for purposes of this subsection, the term “continuous period of eligibility” means, with respect to a part D eligible individual, the period that begins with the first day on which the individual is eligible to enroll in a prescription drug plan under this part and ends with the individual’s death.
(B)Separate period
Any period during all of which a part D eligible individual is entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A and— (i)
(ii)for which the basis for eligibility for such entitlement changed between section 426(b) of this title and section 426(a) of this title, between 426(b) of this title and section 426–1 of this title, or between section 426–1 of this title and section 426(a) of this title,
shall be a separate continuous period of eligibility with respect to the individual (and each such period which terminates shall be deemed not to have existed for purposes of subsequently applying this paragraph).
(8)Waiver of penalty for subsidy-eligible individuals
In no case shall a part D eligible individual who is determined to be a subsidy eligible individual (as defined in section 1395w–114(a)(3) of this title) be subject to an increase in the monthly beneficiary premium established under subsection (a).
(c)Collection of monthly beneficiary premiums
(1)In general
Subject to paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), the provisions of section 1395w–24(d) of this title shall apply to PDP sponsors and premiums (and any late enrollment penalty) under this part in the same manner as they apply to MA organizations and beneficiary premiums under part C, except that any reference to a Trust Fund is deemed for this purpose a reference to the Medicare Prescription Drug Account.
(2)Crediting of late enrollment penalty
(A)Portion attributable to increased actuarial costs
With respect to late enrollment penalties imposed under subsection (b), the Secretary shall specify the portion of such a penalty that the Secretary estimates is attributable to increased actuarial costs assumed by the PDP sponsor or MA organization (and not taken into account through risk adjustment provided under section 1395w–115(c)(1) of this title or through reinsurance payments under section 1395w–115(b) of this title) as a result of such late enrollment.
(B)Collection through withholding
In the case of a late enrollment penalty that is collected from a part D eligible individual in the manner described in section 1395w–24(d)(2)(A) of this title, the Secretary shall provide that only the portion of such penalty estimated under subparagraph (A) shall be paid to the PDP sponsor or MA organization offering the part D plan in which the individual is enrolled.
(C)Collection by plan
In the case of a late enrollment penalty that is collected from a part D eligible individual in a manner other than the manner described in section 1395w–24(d)(2)(A) of this title, the Secretary shall establish procedures for reducing payments otherwise made to the PDP sponsor or MA organization by an amount equal to the amount of such penalty less the portion of such penalty estimated under subparagraph (A).
(3)Fallback plans
In applying this subsection in the case of a fallback prescription drug plan, paragraph (2) shall not apply and the monthly beneficiary premium shall be collected in the manner specified in section 1395w–24(d)(2)(A) of this title (or such other manner as may be provided under section 1395s of this title in the case of monthly premiums under section 1395r of this title).
(4)Collection of monthly adjustment amount
(A)In general
Notwithstanding any provision of this subsection or section 1395w–24(d)(2) of this title, subject to subparagraph (B), the amount of the income-related increase in the base beneficiary premium for an individual for a month (as determined under subsection (a)(7)) shall be paid through withholding from benefit payments in the manner provided under section 1395s of this title.
(B)Agreements
In the case where the monthly benefit payments of an individual that are withheld under subparagraph (A) are insufficient to pay the amount described in such subparagraph, the Commissioner of Social Security shall enter into agreements with the Secretary, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and the Railroad Retirement Board as necessary in order to allow other agencies to collect the amount described in subparagraph (A) that was not withheld under such subparagraph.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2022—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–169, § 11201(d)(1)(A)(i), inserted “or (8) (as applicable)” after “paragraph (2)”. Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 117–169, § 11201(d)(1)(A)(ii), substituted “Subject to paragraph (8), the base” for “The base” in introductory provisions. Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 117–169, § 11201(d)(2)(A), inserted “(or, for 2030 and each subsequent year, the percent specified under paragraph (9))” after “25.5 percent”. Subsec. (a)(7)(B)(i). Pub. L. 117–169, § 11201(d)(3)(C), inserted “(or, for 2030 and each subsequent year, the percent specified under paragraph (9))” after “25.5 percent” in subcls. (I) and (II). Subsec. (a)(7)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 117–169, § 11201(d)(1)(A)(iii)(I), inserted “or (8) (as applicable)” after “paragraph (2)”. Subsec. (a)(7)(E)(i). Pub. L. 117–169, § 11201(d)(1)(A)(iii)(II), inserted “or (8) (as applicable)” after “paragraph (2)”. Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 117–169, § 11201(d)(1)(A)(iv), added par. (8). Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 117–169, § 11201(d)(2)(B), added par. (9). Subsec. (b)(3)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 117–169, § 11201(d)(1)(B), substituted “paragraph (2) or (8) of subsection (a) (as applicable)” for “subsection (a)(2)”. 2010—Subsec. (a)(1)(F), (G). Pub. L. 111–148, § 3308(b)(1), added subpar. (F), redesignated former subpar. (F) as (G), and substituted “(D), (E), and (F)” for “(D) and (E)” in subpar. (G). Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 111–148, § 3308(a)(1), added par. (7). Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 111–148, § 3308(a)(2)(A), substituted “(2), (3), and (4)” for “(2) and (3)”. Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 111–148, § 3308(a)(2)(B), added par. (4). 2008—Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 110–275 added par. (8).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
of 2008 Amendment Pub. L. 110–275, title I, § 114(b), July 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 2507, provided that: “The
Amendments
made by this section [amending this section and section 1395w–114 of this title] shall apply to subsidies for months beginning with January 2009.”
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
42 U.S.C. § 1395w–113
Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare
Last Updated
Sep 23, 2026
Release point: 119-110