The short answer
The hold-harmless provision is a rule that prevents most people who have their Part B premium deducted from their Social Security check from having that premium rise more than their Social Security cost-of-living increase in a given year. In plain terms, it stops your Part B premium increase from eating into or shrinking your net Social Security payment.
It's a helpful protection, but it doesn't apply to everyone, and the exceptions surprise people.
How it works
When Part B premiums rise faster than the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), hold-harmless caps your premium increase so your net Social Security check doesn't go down. The protection is tied to having your premium deducted from your Social Security benefit. In years with a small COLA and a larger premium increase, this shields many beneficiaries.
It's why some people see their premium rise less than the headline increase suggests. Our Medicare basics overview explains how premiums and Social Security interact.
Who it doesn't protect
Hold-harmless generally doesn't apply to people who are new to Medicare that year, those who don't have their premium deducted from Social Security (for example, if they've delayed claiming), higher-income beneficiaries who pay IRMAA, and people with Medicaid paying their premium. Those groups can face the full premium increase.
So if you're delaying Social Security or new to Medicare, don't count on this protection. Our guide to how much Medicare costs per month helps you budget for the full premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medicare hold-harmless provision?
A rule that prevents most people who have Part B deducted from their Social Security check from having that premium rise more than their Social Security COLA, protecting their net payment.
Who is not protected by hold-harmless?
People new to Medicare that year, those who don't have their premium deducted from Social Security, higher-income beneficiaries paying IRMAA, and those with Medicaid paying their premium.
Why did my premium rise less than expected?
Hold-harmless may have capped your Part B increase to your Social Security COLA so your net check didn't shrink. It applies when premiums rise faster than the COLA.
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