July 23, 2020
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is unable to waive the collection of Medicare premiums, and will continue to send all Medicare Premium Bills (form CMS-500) to beneficiaries. In addition, they are encouraging beneficiaries to pay their premiums on time, however, CMS provided relief if the beneficiaries are unable to pay because of the pandemic. CMS originally gave beneficiaries until June 17, 2020 to pay their premiums without cancelling their coverage. CMS recently reached out to SSA to inform them of the following updates on the Medicare Premiums payments:
CMS received approval to extend the relief period, due to COVID-19 until September 30, 2020.
The following processes will occur:
- CMS will continue to mail the Direct Bill Beneficiaries their Medicare premiums bills.
- The Direct Bill System will prevent terminations of Medicare coverage through September 30, 2020.
- New Scripts for 1-800 Medicare will include the new relief period end date to address non-payment inquiries from beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries with past due balances will receive a letter informing them of the September 30, 2020 relief period end date.
Source: Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information (OSHIIP)