§ 1395w-24. Premiums and bid amounts

(a) Submission of proposed premiums, bid amounts, and related information

(1) In general

(A) Initial submission

Not later than the second Monday in September of 2002, 2003, and 2004 (or the first Monday in June of each subsequent year), each MA organization shall submit to the Secretary, in a form and manner specified by the Secretary and for each MA plan for the service area (or segment of such an area if permitted under subsection (h) of this section) in which it intends to be offered in the following year the following:

(i) The information described in paragraph (2), (3), (4), or (6)(A) for the type of plan and year involved.

(ii) The plan type for each plan.

(iii) The enrollment capacity (if any) in relation to the plan and area.

(B) Beneficiary rebate information

In the case of a plan required to provide a monthly rebate under subsection (b)(1)(C) of this section for a year, the MA organization offering the plan shall submit to the Secretary, in such form and manner and at such time as the Secretary specifies, information on—

(i) the manner in which such rebate will be provided under clause (ii) of such subsection; and

(ii) the MA monthly prescription drug beneficiary premium (if any) and the MA monthly supplemental beneficiary premium (if any).

The Secretary shall establish requirements for information submission under this subsection in a manner that promotes the offering of MA regional plans in more than one region (including all regions) through the filing of consolidated information.

(2) Information required for coordinated care plans before 2006

For a Medicare+Choice plan described in section 1395w–21 (a)(2)(A) of this title for a year before 2006, the information described in this paragraph is as follows:

(A) Basic (and additional) benefits

For benefits described in section 1395w–22 (a)(1)(A) of this title—

(i) the adjusted community rate (as defined in subsection (f)(3) of this section);

(ii) the Medicare+Choice monthly basic beneficiary premium (as defined in subsection (b)(2)(A) of this section);

(iii) a description of deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments applicable under the plan and the actuarial value of such deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, described in subsection (e)(1)(A) of this section; and

(iv) if required under subsection (f)(1) of this section, a description of the additional benefits to be provided pursuant to such subsection and the value determined for such proposed benefits under such subsection.

(B) Supplemental benefits

For benefits described in section 1395w–22 (a)(3) of this title—

(i) the adjusted community rate (as defined in subsection (f)(3) of this section);

(ii) the Medicare+Choice monthly supplemental beneficiary premium (as defined in subsection (b)(2)(B) of this section); and

(3) Requirements for MSA plans

For an MSA plan for any year, the information described in this paragraph is as follows:

(A) Basic (and additional) benefits

For benefits described in section 1395w–22 (a)(1)(A) of this title, the amount of the Medicare+Choice monthly MSA premium.

(B) Supplemental benefits

For benefits described in section 1395w–22 (a)(3) of this title, the amount of the Medicare+Choice monthly supplementary beneficiary premium.

(4) Requirements for private fee-for-service plans before 2006

For a Medicare+Choice plan described in section 1395w–21 (a)(2)(C) of this title for benefits described in section 1395w–22 (a)(1)(A) of this title for a year before 2006, the information described in this paragraph is as follows:

(A) Basic (and additional) benefits

For benefits described in section 1395w–22 (a)(1)(A) of this title—

(i) the adjusted community rate (as defined in subsection (f)(3) of this section);

(ii) the amount of the Medicare+Choice monthly basic beneficiary premium;

(iii) a description of the deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments applicable under the plan, and the actuarial value of such deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, as described in subsection (e)(4)(A) of this section; and

(B) Supplemental benefits

For benefits described in section 1395w–22 (a)(3) of this title, the amount of the Medicare+Choice monthly supplemental beneficiary premium (as defined in subsection (b)(2)(B) of this section).

(5) Review

(A) In general

Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall review the adjusted community rates, the amounts of the basic and supplemental premiums, and values filed under paragraphs (2) and (4) of this subsection and shall approve or disapprove such rates, amounts, and values so submitted. The Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shall review the actuarial assumptions and data used by the Medicare+Choice organization with respect to such rates, amounts, and values so submitted to determine the appropriateness of such assumptions and data.

(B) Exception

The Secretary shall not review, approve, or disapprove the amounts submitted under paragraph (3) or, in the case of an MA private fee-for-service plan, subparagraphs (A)(ii) and (B) of paragraph (4).

(6) Submission of bid amounts by MA organizations beginning in 2006

(A) Information to be submitted

For an MA plan (other than an MSA plan) for a plan year beginning on or after January 1, 2006, the information described in this subparagraph is as follows:

(i) The monthly aggregate bid amount for the provision of all items and services under the plan, which amount shall be based on average revenue requirements (as used for purposes of section 300e–1 (8) of this title) in the payment area for an enrollee with a national average risk profile for the factors described in section 1395w–23 (a)(1)(C) of this title (as specified by the Secretary).

(ii) The proportions of such bid amount that are attributable to—

(I) the provision of benefits under the original medicare fee-for-service program option (as defined in section 1395w–22 (a)(1)(B) of this title);

(II) the provision of basic prescription drug coverage; and

(III) the provision of supplemental health care benefits.

(iii) The actuarial basis for determining the amount under clause (i) and the proportions described in clause (ii) and such additional information as the Secretary may require to verify such actuarial bases and the projected number of enrollees in each MA local area.

(iv) A description of deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments applicable under the plan and the actuarial value of such deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, described in subsection (e)(4)(A) of this section.

(v) With respect to qualified prescription drug coverage, the information required under section 1395w–104 of this title, as incorporated under section 1395w–111 (b)(2) of this title, with respect to such coverage.

In the case of a specialized MA plan for special needs individuals, the information described in this subparagraph is such information as the Secretary shall specify.

(B) Acceptance and negotiation of bid amounts

(i) Authority Subject to clauses (iii) and (iv), the Secretary has the authority to negotiate regarding monthly bid amounts submitted under subparagraph (A) (and the proportions described in subparagraph (A)(ii)), including supplemental benefits provided under subsection (b)(1)(C)(ii)(I) of this section and in exercising such authority the Secretary shall have authority similar to the authority of the Director of the Office of Personnel Management with respect to health benefits plans under chapter 89 of title 5.

(ii) Application of FEHBP standard Subject to clause (iv), the Secretary may only accept such a bid amount or proportion if the Secretary determines that such amount and proportions are supported by the actuarial bases provided under subparagraph (A) and reasonably and equitably reflects the revenue requirements (as used for purposes of section 300e–1 (8) of this title) of benefits provided under that plan.

(iii) Noninterference In order to promote competition under this part and part D of this subchapter and in carrying out such parts, the Secretary may not require any MA organization to contract with a particular hospital, physician, or other entity or individual to furnish items and services under this subchapter or require a particular price structure for payment under such a contract to the extent consistent with the Secretary’s authority under this part.

(iv) Exception In the case of a plan described in section 1395w–21 (a)(2)(C) of this title, the provisions of clauses (i) and (ii) shall not apply and the provisions of paragraph (5)(B), prohibiting the review, approval, or disapproval of amounts described in such paragraph, shall apply to the negotiation and rejection of the monthly bid amounts and the proportions referred to in subparagraph (A).

(b) Monthly premium charged

(1) In general

(A) Rule for other than MSA plans

Subject to the rebate under subparagraph (C), the monthly amount (if any) of the premium charged to an individual enrolled in a Medicare+Choice plan (other than an MSA plan) offered by a Medicare+Choice organization shall be equal to the sum of the Medicare+Choice monthly basic beneficiary premium, the Medicare+Choice monthly supplementary beneficiary premium (if any), and, if the plan provides qualified prescription drug coverage, the MA monthly prescription drug beneficiary premium.

(B) MSA plans

The monthly amount of the premium charged to an individual enrolled in an MSA plan offered by a Medicare+Choice organization shall be equal to the Medicare+Choice monthly supplemental beneficiary premium (if any).

(i) Requirement The MA plan shall provide to the enrollee a monthly rebate equal to 75 percent of the average per capita savings (if any) described in paragraph (3)(C) or (4)(C), as applicable to the plan and year involved.

(ii) Form of rebate A rebate required under this subparagraph shall be provided through the application of the amount of the rebate toward one or more of the following:

(I) Provision of supplemental health care benefits and payment for premium for supplemental benefits The provision of supplemental health care benefits described in section 1395w–22 (a)(3) of this title in a manner specified under the plan, which may include the reduction of cost-sharing otherwise applicable as well as additional health care benefits which are not benefits under the original medicare fee-for-service program option, or crediting toward an MA monthly supplemental beneficiary premium (if any).

(II) Payment for premium for prescription drug coverage Crediting toward the MA monthly prescription drug beneficiary premium.

(III) Payment toward part B premium Crediting toward the premium imposed under part B of this subchapter (determined without regard to the application of subsections (b), (h), and (i) of section 1395r of this title).

(iii) Disclosure relating to rebates The plan shall disclose to the Secretary information on the form and amount of the rebate provided under this subparagraph or the actuarial value in the case of supplemental health care benefits.

(iv) Application of part B premium reduction Insofar as an MA organization elects to provide a rebate under this subparagraph under a plan as a credit toward the part B premium under clause (ii)(III), the Secretary shall apply such credit to reduce the premium under section 1395r of this title of each enrollee in such plan as provided in section 1395s (i) of this title.

(2) Premium and bid terminology defined

For purposes of this part:

(A) MA monthly basic beneficiary premium

The term “MA monthly basic beneficiary premium” means, with respect to an MA plan—

(i) described in section 1395w–23 (a)(1)(B)(i) of this title (relating to plans providing rebates), zero; or

(ii) described in section 1395w–23 (a)(1)(B)(ii) of this title, the amount (if any) by which the unadjusted MA statutory non-drug monthly bid amount (as defined in subparagraph (E)) exceeds the applicable unadjusted MA area-specific non-drug monthly benchmark amount (as defined in section 1395w–23 (j) of this title).

(B) MA monthly prescription drug beneficiary premium

The term “MA monthly prescription drug beneficiary premium” means, with respect to an MA plan, the base beneficiary premium (as determined under section 1395w–113 (a)(2) of this title and as adjusted under section 1395w–113 (a)(1)(B) of this title), less the amount of rebate credited toward such amount under subsection (b)(1)(C)(ii)(II) of this section.

The term “MA monthly supplemental beneficiary premium” means, with respect to an MA plan, the portion of the aggregate monthly bid amount submitted under clause (i) of subsection (a)(6)(A) of this section for the year that is attributable under clause (ii)(III) of such subsection to the provision of supplemental health care benefits, less the amount of rebate credited toward such portion under subsection (b)(1)(C)(ii)(I) of this section.

(D) Medicare+Choice monthly MSA premium

The term “Medicare+Choice monthly MSA premium” means, with respect to a Medicare+Choice plan, the amount of such premium filed under subsection (a)(3)(A) of this section for the plan.

(E) Unadjusted MA statutory non-drug monthly bid amount

The term “unadjusted MA statutory non-drug monthly bid amount” means the portion of the bid amount submitted under clause (i) of subsection (a)(6)(A) of this section for the year that is attributable under clause (ii)(I) of such subsection to the provision of benefits under the original medicare fee-for-service program option (as defined in section 1395w–22 (a)(1)(B) of this title).

(3) Computation of average per capita monthly savings for local plans

For purposes of paragraph (1)(C)(i), the average per capita monthly savings referred to in such paragraph for an MA local plan and year is computed as follows:

(A) Determination of statewide average risk adjustment for local plans

(i) In general Subject to clause (iii), the Secretary shall determine, at the same time rates are promulgated under section 1395w–23 (b)(1) of this title (beginning with 2006) for each State, the average of the risk adjustment factors to be applied under section 1395w–23 (a)(1)(C) of this title to payment for enrollees in that State for MA local plans.

(ii) Treatment of States for first year in which local plan offered In the case of a State in which no MA local plan was offered in the previous year, the Secretary shall estimate such average. In making such estimate, the Secretary may use average risk adjustment factors applied to comparable States or applied on a national basis.

(iii) Authority to determine risk adjustment for areas other than States The Secretary may provide for the determination and application of risk adjustment factors under this subparagraph on the basis of areas other than States or on a plan-specific basis.

(B) Determination of risk adjusted benchmark and risk-adjusted bid for local plans

For each MA plan offered in a local area in a State, the Secretary shall—

(i) adjust the applicable MA area-specific non-drug monthly benchmark amount (as defined in section 1395w–23 (j)(1) of this title) for the area by the average risk adjustment factor computed under subparagraph (A); and

(ii) adjust the unadjusted MA statutory non-drug monthly bid amount by such applicable average risk adjustment factor.

The average per capita monthly savings described in this subparagraph for an MA local plan is equal to the amount (if any) by which—

(i) the risk-adjusted benchmark amount computed under subparagraph (B)(i); exceeds

(ii) the risk-adjusted bid computed under subparagraph (B)(ii).

(4) Computation of average per capita monthly savings for regional plans

For purposes of paragraph (1)(C)(i), the average per capita monthly savings referred to in such paragraph for an MA regional plan and year is computed as follows:

(A) Determination of regionwide average risk adjustment for regional plans

(i) In general The Secretary shall determine, at the same time rates are promulgated under section 1395w–23 (b)(1) of this title (beginning with 2006) for each MA region the average of the risk adjustment factors to be applied under section 1395w–23 (a)(1)(C) of this title to payment for enrollees in that region for MA regional plans.

(ii) Treatment of regions for first year in which regional plan offered In the case of an MA region in which no MA regional plan was offered in the previous year, the Secretary shall estimate such average. In making such estimate, the Secretary may use average risk adjustment factors applied to comparable regions or applied on a national basis.

(iii) Authority to determine risk adjustment for areas other than regions The Secretary may provide for the determination and application of risk adjustment factors under this subparagraph on the basis of areas other than MA regions or on a plan-specific basis.

(B) Determination of risk-adjusted benchmark and risk-adjusted bid for regional plans

For each MA regional plan offered in a region, the Secretary shall—

(i) adjust the applicable MA area-specific non-drug monthly benchmark amount (as defined in section 1395w–23 (j)(2) of this title) for the region by the average risk adjustment factor computed under subparagraph (A); and

(ii) adjust the unadjusted MA statutory non-drug monthly bid amount by such applicable average risk adjustment factor.

The average per capita monthly savings described in this subparagraph for an MA regional plan is equal to the amount (if any) by which—

(i) the risk-adjusted benchmark amount computed under subparagraph (B)(i); exceeds

(ii) the risk-adjusted bid computed under subparagraph (B)(ii).

Except as permitted under section 1395w–27 (i) of this title, the MA monthly bid amount submitted under subsection (a)(6) of this section, the amounts of the MA monthly basic, prescription drug, and supplemental beneficiary premiums, and the MA monthly MSA premium charged under subsection (b) of this section of an MA organization under this part may not vary among individuals enrolled in the plan.

(d) Terms and conditions of imposing premiums

(1) In general

Each Medicare+Choice organization shall permit the payment of Medicare+Choice monthly basic, prescription drug, and supplemental beneficiary premiums on a monthly basis, may terminate election of individuals for a Medicare+Choice plan for failure to make premium payments only in accordance with section 1395w–21 (g)(3)(B)(i) of this title, and may not provide for cash or other monetary rebates as an inducement for enrollment or otherwise.

(2) Beneficiary’s option of payment through withholding from social security payment or use of electronic funds transfer mechanism

In accordance with regulations, an MA organization shall permit each enrollee, at the enrollee’s option, to make payment of premiums (if any) under this part to the organization through—

(A) withholding from benefit payments in the manner provided under section 1395s of this title with respect to monthly premiums under section 1395r of this title;

(B) an electronic funds transfer mechanism (such as automatic charges of an account at a financial institution or a credit or debit card account); or

(C) such other means as the Secretary may specify, including payment by an employer or under employment-based retiree health coverage (as defined in section 1395w–132 (c)(1) of this title) on behalf of an employee or former employee (or dependent).

All premium payments that are withheld under subparagraph (A) shall be credited to the appropriate Trust Fund (or Account thereof), as specified by the Secretary, under this subchapter and shall be paid to the MA organization involved. No charge may be imposed under an MA plan with respect to the election of the payment option described in subparagraph (A). The Secretary shall consult with the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of the Treasury regarding methods for allocating premiums withheld under subparagraph (A) among the appropriate Trust Funds and Account.

(3) Information necessary for collection

In order to carry out paragraph (2)(A) with respect to an enrollee who has elected such paragraph to apply, the Secretary shall transmit to the Commissioner of Social Security—

(A) by the beginning of each year, the name, social security account number, consolidated monthly beneficiary premium described in paragraph (4) owed by such enrollee for each month during the year, and other information determined appropriate by the Secretary, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security; and

(B) periodically throughout the year, information to update the information previously transmitted under this paragraph for the year.

(4) Consolidated monthly beneficiary premium

In the case of an enrollee in an MA plan, the Secretary shall provide a mechanism for the consolidation of—

(A) the MA monthly basic beneficiary premium (if any);

(B) the MA monthly supplemental beneficiary premium (if any); and

(e) Limitation on enrollee liability

(1) For basic and additional benefits before 2006

For periods before 2006, in no event may—

(A) the Medicare+Choice monthly basic beneficiary premium (multiplied by 12) and the actuarial value of the deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments applicable on average to individuals enrolled under this part with a Medicare+Choice plan described in section 1395w–21 (a)(2)(A) of this title of an organization with respect to required benefits described in section 1395w–22 (a)(1)(A) of this title and additional benefits (if any) required under subsection (f)(1)(A) of this section for a year, exceed

(B) the actuarial value of the deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments that would be applicable on average to individuals entitled to benefits under part A of this subchapter and enrolled under part B of this subchapter if they were not members of a Medicare+Choice organization for the year.

(2) For supplemental benefits before 2006

For periods before 2006, if the Medicare+Choice organization provides to its members enrolled under this part in a Medicare+Choice plan described in section 1395w–21 (a)(2)(A) of this title with respect to supplemental benefits described in section 1395w–22 (a)(3) of this title, the sum of the Medicare+Choice monthly supplemental beneficiary premium (multiplied by 12) charged and the actuarial value of its deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments charged with respect to such benefits may not exceed the adjusted community rate for such benefits (as defined in subsection (f)(3) of this section).

(3) Determination on other basis

If the Secretary determines that adequate data are not available to determine the actuarial value under paragraph (1)(A), (2), or (4), the Secretary may determine such amount with respect to all individuals in same geographic area, the State, or in the United States, eligible to enroll in the Medicare+Choice plan involved under this part or on the basis of other appropriate data.

(4) Special rule for private fee-for-service plans and for basic benefits beginning in 2006

With respect to a Medicare+Choice private fee-for-service plan (other than a plan that is an MSA plan) and for periods beginning with 2006, with respect to an MA plan described in section 1395w–21 (a)(2)(A) of this title, in no event may—

(A) the actuarial value of the deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments applicable on average to individuals enrolled under this part with such a plan of an organization with respect to benefits under the original medicare fee-for-service program option, exceed

(B) the actuarial value of the deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments that would be applicable with respect to such benefits on average to individuals entitled to benefits under part A of this subchapter and enrolled under part B of this subchapter if they were not members of a Medicare+Choice organization for the year.

(f) Requirement for additional benefits before 2006

(1) Requirement

(A) In general

For years before 2006, each Medicare+Choice organization (in relation to a Medicare+Choice plan, other than an MSA plan, it offers) shall provide that if there is an excess amount (as defined in subparagraph (B)) for the plan for a contract year, subject to the succeeding provisions of this subsection, the organization shall provide to individuals such additional benefits (as the organization may specify) in a value which the Secretary determines is at least equal to the adjusted excess amount (as defined in subparagraph (C)).

(B) Excess amount

For purposes of this paragraph, the “excess amount”, for an organization for a plan, is the amount (if any) by which—

(i) the average of the capitation payments made to the organization under section 1395w–23 of this title for the plan at the beginning of contract year, exceeds

(ii) the actuarial value of the required benefits described in section 1395w–22 (a)(1)(A) of this title under the plan for individuals under this part, as determined based upon an adjusted community rate described in paragraph (3) (as reduced for the actuarial value of the coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles under parts A and B of this subchapter).

For purposes of this paragraph, the “adjusted excess amount”, for an organization for a plan, is the excess amount reduced to reflect any amount withheld and reserved for the organization for the year under paragraph (2).

(D) Uniform application

This paragraph shall be applied uniformly for all enrollees for a plan.

(E) Premium reductions

(i) In general Subject to clause (ii), as part of providing any additional benefits required under subparagraph (A), a Medicare+Choice organization may elect a reduction in its payments under section 1395w–23 (a)(1)(A) of this title with respect to a Medicare+Choice plan and the Secretary shall apply such reduction to reduce the premium under section 1395r of this title of each enrollee in such plan as provided in section 1395s (i) of this title.

(ii) Amount of reduction The amount of the reduction under clause (i) with respect to any enrollee in a Medicare+Choice plan—

(I) may not exceed 125 percent of the premium described under section 1395r (a)(3) of this title; and

(II) shall apply uniformly to each enrollee of the Medicare+Choice plan to which such reduction applies.

(F) Construction

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as preventing a Medicare+Choice organization from providing supplemental benefits (described in section 1395w–22 (a)(3) of this title) that are in addition to the health care benefits otherwise required to be provided under this paragraph and from imposing a premium for such supplemental benefits.

(2) Stabilization fund

A Medicare+Choice organization may provide that a part of the value of an excess amount described in paragraph (1) be withheld and reserved in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and in the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund (in such proportions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate) by the Secretary for subsequent annual contract periods, to the extent required to stabilize and prevent undue fluctuations in the additional benefits offered in those subsequent periods by the organization in accordance with such paragraph. Any of such value of the amount reserved which is not provided as additional benefits described in paragraph (1)(A) to individuals electing the Medicare+Choice plan of the organization in accordance with such paragraph prior to the end of such periods, shall revert for the use of such trust funds.

(3) Adjusted community rate

For purposes of this subsection, subject to paragraph (4), the term “adjusted community rate” for a service or services means, at the election of a Medicare+Choice organization, either—

(A) the rate of payment for that service or services which the Secretary annually determines would apply to an individual electing a Medicare+Choice plan under this part if the rate of payment were determined under a “community rating system” (as defined in section 300e–1 (8) of this title, other than subparagraph (C)), or

(B) such portion of the weighted aggregate premium, which the Secretary annually estimates would apply to such an individual, as the Secretary annually estimates is attributable to that service or services,

but adjusted for differences between the utilization characteristics of the individuals electing coverage under this part and the utilization characteristics of the other enrollees with the plan (or, if the Secretary finds that adequate data are not available to adjust for those differences, the differences between the utilization characteristics of individuals selecting other Medicare+Choice coverage, or Medicare+Choice eligible individuals in the area, in the State, or in the United States, eligible to elect Medicare+Choice coverage under this part and the utilization characteristics of the rest of the population in the area, in the State, or in the United States, respectively).

(4) Determination based on insufficient data

For purposes of this subsection, if the Secretary finds that there is insufficient enrollment experience to determine an average of the capitation payments to be made under this part at the beginning of a contract period or to determine (in the case of a newly operated provider-sponsored organization or other new organization) the adjusted community rate for the organization, the Secretary may determine such an average based on the enrollment experience of other contracts entered into under this part and may determine such a rate using data in the general commercial marketplace.

(g) Prohibition of State imposition of premium taxes

No State may impose a premium tax or similar tax with respect to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations under section 1395w–23 of this title or premiums paid to such organizations under this part.

(h) Permitting use of segments of service areas

The Secretary shall permit a Medicare+Choice organization to elect to apply the provisions of this section uniformly to separate segments of a service area (rather than uniformly to an entire service area) as long as such segments are composed of one or more Medicare+Choice payment areas.

U.S. Code

§ 1395w-24. Premiums and bid amounts