Thursday, May 19, 2016

Good Advice


My latest project is figuring out how to appeal Medicare's decision to make us pay an "income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA)" on top of our Medicare premiums. For some reason known only to the twisted individuals who design programs to inflict the maximum pain on Real People, they have based this adjustment on my "modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)" from two years ago, instead of my greatly reduced income today, when I'm no longer working. I think they use MAGI as a basis for their twisted calculations because it's short for "MAGICIAN," which is the sort of specialist you need to figure it all out.

I'm falling back on this good advice ...


For those of you who don't speak German, it means "Always smile and think positive!" And that picture is just about how positive I look right now.

Have a good day. Winter may not be coming like it is in Westeros, but Medicare is ... and it's equally chilling.

More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

7 comments:

eViL pOp TaRt said...

What were they thinking of? Where is this 'government is supposed to help you' notion gone? Dealing with government is so complicated. I hop you have success in your appeal, Bilbo!

John A Hill said...

Fortunately (I think), by the time I'm eligible to go on Medicare my income will have been reduced for many years!

Mariette said...

He looks seriously angry.

Mike said...

You can appeal this because of 'reduction in income'. Call medicare.

Pep said...

Going through the same thing right now...got the statement yesterday based on when Sam and I were collecting salaries + our retirement checks, which gives a really skewed picture of how the formula works. Planning on calling or (shudder) going to the SS office next week. Good luck to us!

Elvis Wearing a Bra on His Head said...

Something for us to look forward to from Uncle Sam. Ugh!

allenwoodhaven said...

Great label for this post! You must be part pirate.
Good luck in dealing with it. Medical care rules, regulations, and paperwork are a nightmare.