If you are a state or California State University (CSU) retiree enrolled in a CalPERS Medicare health plan, you or your dependents may be entitled to a Medicare Part B premium reimbursement.
What You Need to Know
Each year the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announces the Medicare Part B premium. The 2026 Standard Medicare Part B premium amount is $202.90 (the 2025 premium is $185).
According to CMS, most Medicare beneficiaries will pay the standard Medicare Part B premium amount.
If your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), as reported on your IRS tax return, is above the set threshold established by CMS, you’ll pay the standard Medicare Part B premium amount plus an additional Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). If you are required to pay an IRMAA, you will receive a notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA) advising you of your Medicare Part B premium cost for 2026, and how the cost was calculated.
Reimbursement of Premiums
If you or your dependents are eligible for Medicare Part B reimbursement, and are paying the standard Medicare Part B premium, CalPERS will automatically reimburse the eligible amount on your retiree warrant.
If you or your dependents are paying an increased Medicare Part B premium (IRMAA), you may be eligible for reimbursement of all or part of your Medicare Part B premium (some exceptions apply). The reimbursement amount is limited to the difference between your employer contribution and the cost of your plan’s premium, up to the amount of your Part B premium. Information about Reimbursement of Premiums (PDF) is available on the CalPERS website.
In December, CalPERS sends letters and emails to members currently receiving an IRMAA adjustment to their Part B premium reimbursement. The letters detail the standard Medicare Part B premium for 2026 and provide instructions for requesting additional reimbursement.
IRMAA Reimbursement Process
If you or your dependents are paying an increased Part B premium (IRMAA), follow this process to request additional reimbursement:
- You’ve received the SSA’s annual letter providing your 2026 Part B premium for the upcoming year showing the IRMAA determination, MAGI, and increased Part B premium.
- Next, submit a copy of this entire SSA notice to CalPERS through your myCalPERS account or by mail.
- CalPERS will then review the request to determine eligibility for additional reimbursement.
- Finally, you will receive written correspondence from CalPERS advising you of the determination.
Processing time for IRMAA documents is up to 60 calendar days.
Securely Upload Your Documents
To ensure secure and timely processing, upload your or your dependent’s SSA notice online by logging in to your personal myCalPERS account by selecting the Health tab, then the Health Summary option. Scroll down to the Health Deductions section and select the Submit Documents link.