Reduction in Medicare Part B premium as an additional benefit under Medicare + Choice plans

(a) Basis for reduction in Part B premium. Beginning January 1, 2003 an M + C organization may elect to receive a reduction in its payments under § 422.250(a)(1) of this chapter if—

(1) 80 percent of the payment reduction is applied to reduce the standard Medicare Part B premiums of its Medicare enrollees.

(2) The Medicare Part B premium is reduced monthly and is offered to all Medicare enrollees in a specific plan benefit package.

(b) Administrative requirements for the Part B premium reduction. (1) The Medicare Part B premium reduction cannot be greater than the standard premium amount determined for the year, under section 1839(a)(3) of the Act. However, it may be less.

(2) The Medicare Part B premium reduction must be a multiple of 10 cents.

(3) The Medicare Part B premium reduction is applied regardless of who pays or collects the Part B premium on behalf of the beneficiary.

(4) The Medicare Part B premium can never be less than zero and will never result in a payment to a beneficiary for a specific month.

(c) Beneficiary eligibility. In order for a beneficiary to be eligible for the Medicare Part B premium reduction, the beneficiary must be enrolled in an M + C plan that offers the Medicare Part B premium reduction as an additional benefit.