•Part D plans generally charge a premium.
o Typically, a higher premium means lower out-of-pocket costs for the plan.
•Part D enrollees have three options for paying their Part D premium.
o An automatic electronic monthly mechanism, such as withdrawal from their checking or savings bank account or automatic charge against their credit or debit card.
o Direct monthly billing from the plan.
o Automatic deduction from their monthly Social Security Administration (SSA) benefit check.
▪ Typically, it takes 2-3 months for SSA withholding to begin or end.
▪ When withholding begins, it will be for the 2-3 months of premiums owed.
•Generally, the beneficiary must stay with the premium payment option he or she chooses for the entire year.
•If an enrollee does not choose an option, the beneficiary will be billed by the Part D plan monthly.
