Any downside to disenrolling in FEHB Medicare Part D?

[Loon11]

For 2025, just received notification of my medicare B premiums and we are hit by IRMMA. I knew this was coming but didn't think about having to
pay for Medicare Part D under FEHB. So my spouse and myself will need to pay an extra $13.70 each on top of $259 each for medicare and D.
We are on generic prescriptions and all are Tier 1. I can't predict the future but considering the low copay under FEHB for our prescriptions, I can't justify the extra for Part D so I'm thinking of disenrolling in D. Previously, we had very low copays prior to being enrolled automatically into Medicare D and doesn't look like it will change for the most part.

From what I gather online, there is no penalty if we wish to go back to Medicare Part D next year during open enrollment if things change.

Am I missing anything?

[Loon11]

Failed to mention that we have FEP BCBS Basic.

[tallguy3891]

Failed to mention that we have FEP BCBS Basic.

There are excellent plans which are lower premium than Basic which have additional Skilled Nursing Days, and in and out of network coverage. Those plans could help mitigate the IRMAA cost.

As far as the Part D IRMAA, I personally would consider it a small extra expense to get the $2000 out of pocket max Rx cap. Otherwise, the regular plan max cap applies, which I think for Basic in 2025 is $7500. As an example, my spouse this year suddenly needed a couple of specialty meds which were very expensive, but since the $2000 cap applied (our plan had it in 2024 too), the cap was met by May and all meds were zero cost the rest of 2024, rather than having to meet the regular plan catastrophic max of $6000. Helped!

[jerryk68]

I also have FEHB BCBS Basic for over 15 years and Medicare A & B. I was automatically enrolled in their Medicare Part D plan a few months ago. I basically allowed my enrollment by not requesting not to be enrolled. I usually purchase the drugs thru the mail getting a three month supply. I take three tier one drugs with two costing $5 each and one costing $1 (metformin) plus Eliquis 5mg which for a three months ago cost $95. I just ordered the aforementioned last Monday and received the drugs last Saturday. The cost of the Eliquis now cost $1.74 for a three months supply. I don't know if this is a error or this is the new price of Eliquis under the Medicare Part D plan. I am aware that Eliquis was one of the drugs that was being negotiated by the government with the drug manufactures but so far I can't find anything regarding this price change. The BCBS website says it cost $95. Any help would be appreciated. Maybe it's an upside rather than a downside

[Loon11]

Thanks for your feedback. I finally found a place to check on the BCBS website and checked the prices of each of the Tier 1 drugs I take and my spouse takes - all Tier 1. Basically, the cost for them under the FEHB basic plan is the same as under the basic plus Medicare D. That would not be the case if we needed a higher Tier drug or some specialty drug. So for us, it makes sense to drop Medicare D since it now will cost us an additional
$27.40 a month extra with the IRMMA charge.
Fortunately, there is no penalty for re-enrolling in D next year if we find that we need additional or more expensive drugs.

if you go to BCBS website and look under pharmacy, then pharmacy drug costs - you put in the drug and where to buy. Then it shows a comparison of the drug with and without D. As long as our prescriptions are the same, we don't need it. I know there is a new cap of $2K for D drugs in 2025 which will be a great benefit for those needing those expensive drugs.

[Mapache]

Topic Author,

If you disenrolled, I would like to know how you did it. I called the Medicare telephone number and they said they could not disenroll me because my BCBS Basic is a federal program. I call BCBS and they tell me to call Medicare.

Thanks

[pahkcah]

Topic Author,

If you disenrolled, I would like to know how you did it. I called the Medicare telephone number and they said they could not disenroll me because my BCBS Basic is a federal program. I call BCBS and they tell me to call Medicare.

Thanks

Go to this web address and you can find information on the BCBS MPDP Program: https://www.fepblue.org/medicarerx

If you scroll down the page you can find a section that says, "Want to disenroll from MPDP?" It says to, "Mail the completed disenrollment form to FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program, PO Box 3539, Scranton, PA 18505 or fax to 855-865-1817."

Here's a copy of the form for BCBS:
https://www.fepblue.org/-/media/PDFs/Fo ... t-Form.pdf

I also found the following from BCBS: "You can re-enroll in the traditional FEP prescription drug benefit at any time after the MPDP effective date of January 1, 2024. To disenroll from MPDP, download and complete the MPDP disenrollment form and mail it to: FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program, PO Box 3539, Scranton, PA 18505. Once Medicare processes your disenrollment request, we will re-enroll you in the traditional FEP prescription drug benefit."

[Mapache]

Thanks so much for the information. I appreciate it!

[tadamsmar]

Failed to mention that we have FEP BCBS Basic.

There are excellent plans which are lower premium than Basic which have additional Skilled Nursing Days, and in and out of network coverage. Those plans could help mitigate the IRMAA cost.

As far as the Part D IRMAA, I personally would consider it a small extra expense to get the $2000 out of pocket max Rx cap. Otherwise, the regular plan max cap applies, which I think for Basic in 2025 is $7500. As an example, my spouse this year suddenly needed a couple of specialty meds which were very expensive, but since the $2000 cap applied (our plan had it in 2024 too), the cap was met by May and all meds were zero cost the rest of 2024, rather than having to meet the regular plan catastrophic max of $6000. Helped!

If you referring to the $13.70 expense, I think there is an additional premium for Medicare Part D that would be avoided.

But, not sure, trying to figure it out myself. I have GEHA Basic and they just sent a letter saying that I will be put in Silverscript Part D unless I opt out by Dec 5.

This article says to opt out if your prescription bills are less than $590 per year:

https://stwserve.com/opm-encourages-feh ... nnuitants/

But I am not sure where the $590 figure came from.

Also not sure how to evaluate the catastrophic max. Can you opt-in to Part D if your bills go up to avoid chronic high bills?

[Loon11]

I know you can re-enroll in Part D after disenrolling but it must be in enrollment period and there is no penalty for doing so.
I know we will be losing the lower D cap by dropping D but cant see where we need it for our generic prescriptions. Always a small chance things could change. There is a comparison chart in the website for MyBlue showing the drug price for regular basic plan compared to plan with Medicare D.

For the several prescriptions we take, the price was the same so I can't see where medicare D is warranted.
Will plan to fax that form in and thanks for the link.

[tadamsmar]

I know you can re-enroll in Part D after disenrolling but it must be in enrollment period and there is no penalty for doing so.
I know we will be losing the lower D cap by dropping D but cant see where we need it for our generic prescriptions. Always a small chance things could change. There is a comparison chart in the website for MyBlue showing the drug price for regular basic plan compared to plan with Medicare D.

For the several prescriptions we take, the price was the same so I can't see where medicare D is warranted.
Will plan to fax that form in and thanks for the link.

Looks like there is a penalty for re-enrolling (or maybe just delayed enrollment):

Keep in mind that if you leave our plan and do not have or get other Medicare prescription drug
coverage, or creditable coverage (coverage as good as Medicare’s standard prescription drug
coverage), you may have to pay a Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP) in addition to your premium for
Medicare prescription drug coverage in the future.

https://ers.silverscript.com/ClientDocS ... _12_15.pdf

The linked document is not the exact one that I received in the mail, but mine also says that there is a late enrollment penalty.

Also, my FEHB are from GEHA Standard.

edit: I just called the helpline they provided. There is a late enrollment penalty if I opt out now and decide to enroll later. But they did not know what the amount of the penalty would be.

[Blues]

I have GEHA Standard and opted out of the coverage on Sunday evening. I had to speak to two different representatives and the whole process took about a half hour total for both my wife and myself. (The number is listed on the site and in the paperwork sent by mail.)

For me it was more a matter of principle than anything else. I didn't care for being signed up for something without prior information or consultation, leaving IRMAA out of it. (Also, neither of us are on prescription drugs, and only have Medicare Part A.)

Obviously, mileage will vary, but that is what I did. Maybe we'll end up paying a bit more for prescriptions in the future, and will cross that bridge when we get to it.

By the way, SilverScript, the insurance provider working with GEHA for this Part D coverage, is rated two stars by Medicare, which is "Below Average".

No thanks.

[tallguy3891]

I know you can re-enroll in Part D after disenrolling but it must be in enrollment period and there is no penalty for doing so.
I know we will be losing the lower D cap by dropping D but cant see where we need it for our generic prescriptions. Always a small chance things could change. There is a comparison chart in the website for MyBlue showing the drug price for regular basic plan compared to plan with Medicare D.

For the several prescriptions we take, the price was the same so I can't see where medicare D is warranted.
Will plan to fax that form in and thanks for the link.

Looks like there is a penalty for re-enrolling (or maybe just delayed enrollment):

Keep in mind that if you leave our plan and do not have or get other Medicare prescription drug
coverage, or creditable coverage (coverage as good as Medicare’s standard prescription drug
coverage), you may have to pay a Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP) in addition to your premium for
Medicare prescription drug coverage in the future.

https://ers.silverscript.com/ClientDocS ... _12_15.pdf

The linked document is not the exact one that I received in the mail, but mine also says that there is a late enrollment penalty.

Also, my FEHB are from GEHA Standard.

edit: I just called the helpline they provided. There is a late enrollment penalty if I opt out now and decide to enroll later. But they did not know what the amount of the penalty would be.

It looks like that document was referring to publicly offered Part D plans as there was no FEHB Part D plans back in 2015 to my knowledge. I believe it is important to use official sources for FEHB scenarios. Also, as far as I have seen, if a person switches out of the FEHB Part D option, and goes back to the regular Rx plan, that is apparently considered "creditable coverage" so if later on one goes back to the Part D option, there should be NO late enrollment penalty. In my opinion it is best to verify with the plan itself, and be careful, this is new to the employees too so verify and verify again with a supervisor if necessary. My opinion.

Also, there seems to be some posts about FEHB Part D options requiring a deductible of $590. I have seen nothing on this and had the option this past year and there was no deductible. Verify with the plan Part D carrier, not just the FEHB plan (in other words, whichever plan is administering the actual Part D option, which is likely not the FEHB plan itself).

If anyone has official sources to show otherwise, please post.

[tallguy3891]

I have GEHA Standard and opted out of the coverage on Sunday evening. I had to speak to two different representatives and the whole process took about a half hour total for both my wife and myself. (The number is listed on the site and in the paperwork sent by mail.)

For me it was more a matter of principle than anything else. I didn't care for being signed up for something without prior information or consultation, leaving IRMAA out of it. (Also, neither of us are on prescription drugs, and only have Medicare Part A.)

Obviously, mileage will vary, but that is what I did. Maybe we'll end up paying a bit more for prescriptions in the future, and will cross that bridge when we get to it.

By the way, SilverScript, the insurance provider working with GEHA for this Part D coverage, is rated two stars by Medicare, which is "Below Average".

No thanks.

We had the Silverscript FEHB Part D option in 2024 for our plan, and it was flawless and outstanding, including some very expensive specialty meds for my spouse, and the $2000 cap applied perfectly as of about April, so we paid zero the rest of 2024 for any meds. Had we not had the Part D option, our regular plan cap would have applied---$6000. So, our Part D option cost us zero extra, had no deductible, and saved us $4000 in 2024.

[Blues]

Wonder why they have a 2 star rating then? Below average doesn't sound what FEHB should be offering.

Glad it worked out for you...and hope your spouse is 100% now.

[tallguy3891]

Wonder why they have a 2 star rating then? Below average doesn't sound what FEHB should be offering.

Are they perhaps referring to public Part D plans which maybe some people didn't like, not FEHB PDP Part D EGWP options?

[Blues]

Wonder why they have a 2 star rating then? Below average doesn't sound what FEHB should be offering.

Are they perhaps referring to public Part D plans which maybe some people didn't like, not FEHB PDP Part D EGWP options?

It was in the paperwork sent from SilverScript via GEHA Standard. On the last page of the packet it had an "Important Information from Medicare" section...and at the bottom of the page it showed Medicare's rating for SilverScript. More than that I can't say...and I no longer have the paperwork.

Maybe one of the other GEHA participants can provide the info from their SilverScript packet.

[Blues]

This is a quote from Google AI based upon info from "Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services" (CMS.gov)

According to recent information, SilverScript Part D plans under the FEHB program currently have a 2.5 star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which is slightly below the average rating for all Part D plans. This means that while not considered a "bad" rating, it is on the lower end compared to other Part D options.
Key points about the SilverScript Part D rating:
Average rating: 2.5 stars
Source: CMS
Interpretation: A 2.5 star rating indicates a plan that is performing slightly below average compared to other Part D options.

The paperwork received showed a 2 star rating...but there were no half stars as I recall.

[tallguy3891]

Wonder why they have a 2 star rating then? Below average doesn't sound what FEHB should be offering.

Glad it worked out for you...and hope your spouse is 100% now.

Thank you for the kind words.

[Loon11]

my research definitely says you can re-enroll again (but not until open enrollment) without penalty since we have creditable coverage with the FEHB plan. Also, the figure of $590 was mentioned in an article (believe in GEHA's information) that said if your prescription drugs are less than $590 annually, you are better off dropping medicare part D, assuming you have drug coverage with your FEHB plan.

From FedWeek article previous poster shared:
if the FEHB program plan prescription offers a sufficient amount of prescription drug coverage to the extent that out-of-pocket annual prescription expenses total less than $590, then the annuitant should be advised by the FEHB program health plan to not enroll in the health plan’s Part D prescription drug plan.
from Google:
Creditable coverage:
FEHB is considered creditable coverage for Medicare purposes, so you can delay enrolling in Part D without penalty if your FEHB plan provides adequate drug coverage.
What I am confused about is if I need to fax the disenrollment form for both myself and spouse or just myself as primary policyholder.

[Blues]

Thanks for that info, Loon11. I hadn't seen that data about the $590. We have been way under. (Knocking on wood now.)

When I dropped the coverage the other day, I spoke to the rep first, gave him all the applicable info, and then afterward had him speak with my wife to verify the election on our Self Plus One. So, they will require info from both of you in order to remove yourselves from Part D.

As I think I mentioned above...after the first rep, I had to be transferred to another person to complete the process. They were both very nice, but it took about a half hour or so due to holding for the second rep to get on the line.

[Loon11]

Thanks Blues. I plan to skip the phone call and just fax 2 forms - myself and spouse (used same ID for spouse). May follow up with call but maybe this is enough.
We are way under also and can't justify the add'l amount under IRMMA. We hope we don't regret it but knowing we can get it again next year is
comforting.
Happy Thanksgiving.

[Blues]

Sounds like a plan.

Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.

[tallguy3891]

my research definitely says you can re-enroll again (but not until open enrollment) without penalty since we have creditable coverage with the FEHB plan. Also, the figure of $590 was mentioned in an article (believe in GEHA's information) that said if your prescription drugs are less than $590 annually, you are better off dropping medicare part D, assuming you have drug coverage with your FEHB plan.

From FedWeek article previous poster shared:
if the FEHB program plan prescription offers a sufficient amount of prescription drug coverage to the extent that out-of-pocket annual prescription expenses total less than $590, then the annuitant should be advised by the FEHB program health plan to not enroll in the health plan’s Part D prescription drug plan.
from Google:
Creditable coverage:
FEHB is considered creditable coverage for Medicare purposes, so you can delay enrolling in Part D without penalty if your FEHB plan provides adequate drug coverage.
What I am confused about is if I need to fax the disenrollment form for both myself and spouse or just myself as primary policyholder.

I saw that article too. It makes sense if someone definitely knows their meds will be less than $590 for the year and there is a $590 deductible, which I have not seen for FEHB plans. Even if it were true, how can anyone know that for sure? One is under that amount until suddenly they are not, needing a specialty med or meds. As mentioned elsewhere, my spouse suddenly needed specialty meds at $20,000.00 per injection. Repeatedly. Seems like a gamble to me to refuse a $2000 cap but each person has their own reasons. At least the regular Rx part of the FEHB plans have the catastrophic yearly max limit, which usually run $5000-$9000 per year. I'd rather cap at $2000 with the Part D option.

[mbres60]

Does anyone take a drug that says it needs prior authorization. I have been on a drug for close to 30 years that under Aetna Direct I pay practically nothing as it is a generic. However, it is a controlled substance and the part D plan says I would need to have prior authorization. That scares me because what if they don't approve it?

[tallguy3891]

Does anyone take a drug that says it needs prior authorization. I have been on a drug for close to 30 years that under Aetna Direct I pay practically nothing as it is a generic. However, it is a controlled substance and the part D plan says I would need to have prior authorization. That scares me because what if they don't approve it?

My spouse has been prescribed several over this past year on the Aetna Direct Part D option which required prior authorization. I believe all were quickly resolved or approved to begin with. Some were actually limited as far as how much could be dispensed at one time.

I think the regular plan sometimes requires PA too?

Perhaps sometimes they think there is an alternative?

What I did just in case was found out how much the cash price was or a GoodRx discount price was. If the med has been around that long it may be very cheap as a generic, maybe cheaper for cash than the regular plan Rx coinsurance? But you bring up a good point: it is wise to check the formularies of the regular plan and the Part D option to see which is best for one's own situation. Aetna Direct has nice resources to do this.

[tadamsmar]

Looks like there is a penalty for re-enrolling (or maybe just delayed enrollment):



https://ers.silverscript.com/ClientDocS ... _12_15.pdf

The linked document is not the exact one that I received in the mail, but mine also says that there is a late enrollment penalty.

Also, my FEHB are from GEHA Standard.

edit: I just called the helpline they provided. There is a late enrollment penalty if I opt out now and decide to enroll later. But they did not know what the amount of the penalty would be.

It looks like that document was referring to publicly offered Part D plans as there was no FEHB Part D plans back in 2015 to my knowledge. I believe it is important to use official sources for FEHB scenarios. Also, as far as I have seen, if a person switches out of the FEHB Part D option, and goes back to the regular Rx plan, that is apparently considered "creditable coverage" so if later on one goes back to the Part D option, there should be NO late enrollment penalty. In my opinion it is best to verify with the plan itself, and be careful, this is new to the employees too so verify and verify again with a supervisor if necessary. My opinion.

Also, there seems to be some posts about FEHB Part D options requiring a deductible of $590. I have seen nothing on this and had the option this past year and there was no deductible. Verify with the plan Part D carrier, not just the FEHB plan (in other words, whichever plan is administering the actual Part D option, which is likely not the FEHB plan itself).

If anyone has official sources to show otherwise, please post.

But I confirmed the late enrollment penalty using the GEHA number provided questions, so I guess the regular Rx plan is not considered credible coverage. Of course, this may not cover all plans.

This mentions that a $590 deductible is allowed but not required:

https://stwserve.com/opm-encourages-feh ... nnuitants/

The plan that GEHA will put me into (if I don't opt out) has no deductible.

[mbres60]

Does anyone take a drug that says it needs prior authorization. I have been on a drug for close to 30 years that under Aetna Direct I pay practically nothing as it is a generic. However, it is a controlled substance and the part D plan says I would need to have prior authorization. That scares me because what if they don't approve it?

My spouse has been prescribed several over this past year on the Aetna Direct Part D option which required prior authorization. I believe all were quickly resolved or approved to begin with. Some were actually limited as far as how much could be dispensed at one time.

I think the regular plan sometimes requires PA too?

Perhaps sometimes they think there is an alternative?

What I did just in case was found out how much the cash price was or a GoodRx discount price was. If the med has been around that long it may be very cheap as a generic, maybe cheaper for cash than the regular plan Rx coinsurance? But you bring up a good point: it is wise to check the formularies of the regular plan and the Part D option to see which is best for one's own situation. Aetna Direct has nice resources to do this.

Thanks. I didn't think of GoodRx. Although I have heard of it, I have never used it. Aetna Direct does not need prior authorization but Part D with them does. I get a 90 day supply if I go to CVS (or I could use mail order). I checked Good Rx and it does cost more. I am unclear if they will allow a 90 day supply. The medication is generic and has been around a long time so it is inexpensive with Aetna Direct (I think it is about $2-4 for a 3 month supply). I am unsure of exact cost because they deduct it from the HRA so my pharmacy receipt shows it cost $0. We have already opted out of D for 2025 although I suppose we could always opt in.

[chalet]

The plan that GEHA will put me into (if I don't opt out) has no deductible.

Does GEHA specify which plan they are using for opt-ins? Does the customer know the details of it?

[tallguy3891]

The plan that GEHA will put me into (if I don't opt out) has no deductible.

Does GEHA specify which plan they are using for opt-ins? Does the customer know the details of it?

The 2025 GEHA OPM brochure for High and Standard on page 128 shows it is a Silverscript PDP for the Part D option. These FEHB PDP (Prescription Drug Plans) are EGWP so are specially designed for each plan, so apparently a Silverscript PDP for one plan could be different in some details from another plan PDP by the same company? When I compare the GEHA PDP to my plan PDP, both by Silverscript, the costs are different in some respects. It also states one can opt out at any time and one reverts back to the regular plan the first of the next month, and has no deductible. As is always my opinion, it can be wise to verify with the official source, the company.

[1grl1by]

Does anyone take a drug that says it needs prior authorization. I have been on a drug for close to 30 years that under Aetna Direct I pay practically nothing as it is a generic. However, it is a controlled substance and the part D plan says I would need to have prior authorization. That scares me because what if they don't approve it?

I take several drugs that require prior authorization, and 2025 will be my first year switching to the new Plan D type program. I started medicare October 1st, but my insurance (NALC High) is not putting me into the Plan D until January 1st. Both my old FEHB plan and the new are administered through CVS Caremark so I'm hopeful that there is no issue with getting the prior authorization issued by the new plan. I'm notifying my doctor's office when I go in on the 10th that I will need the PAs redone, and they have already told me to make sure that I have a least a week to 10 days of the medication on hand starting January 1st so that they can get the PAs in place. Fingers crossed.

I would speak to your doctor about your medication. I find that doctors' offices have staff members who do nothing but PAs, and they are usually well versed in what it takes to get it through.

[mbres60]

Does anyone take a drug that says it needs prior authorization. I have been on a drug for close to 30 years that under Aetna Direct I pay practically nothing as it is a generic. However, it is a controlled substance and the part D plan says I would need to have prior authorization. That scares me because what if they don't approve it?

I take several drugs that require prior authorization, and 2025 will be my first year switching to the new Plan D type program. I started medicare October 1st, but my insurance (NALC High) is not putting me into the Plan D until January 1st. Both my old FEHB plan and the new are administered through CVS Caremark so I'm hopeful that there is no issue with getting the prior authorization issued by the new plan. I'm notifying my doctor's office when I go in on the 10th that I will need the PAs redone, and they have already told me to make sure that I have a least a week to 10 days of the medication on hand starting January 1st so that they can get the PAs in place. Fingers crossed.

I would speak to your doctor about your medication. I find that doctors' offices have staff members who do nothing but PAs, and they are usually well versed in what it takes to get it through.

Thanks. I think I will ask my doctor through the online portal.

[Tadpole]

UPDATE: I called GEHA again and asked the representative to pull up the brochure I mentioned below and read the last paragraph on page 128 I quoted below and bolded. She asked her lead about the liberal opt in because she thought you could not opt in after open season. Her lead said the sentence is correct both opt out and opt in are at any time, not just open season. That is twice that I have asked about this and twice a lead was called in and twice the lead said the bolded sentence is literally correct for all clients even current enrollees on Medicare A&B+GEHA. The representative was even surprised at this answer. It is ultimately, an individual decision. Only special cases like high IRMAA or some discounts only available under FEHB plans probably would opt-out in the first place because the $2,000 catastrophic is such a good deal.

It looks like that document was referring to publicly offered Part D plans as there was no FEHB Part D plans back in 2015 to my knowledge. I believe it is important to use official sources for FEHB scenarios. Also, as far as I have seen, if a person switches out of the FEHB Part D option, and goes back to the regular Rx plan, that is apparently considered "creditable coverage" so if later on one goes back to the Part D option, there should be NO late enrollment penalty. In my opinion it is best to verify with the plan itself, and be careful, this is new to the employees too so verify and verify again with a supervisor if necessary. My opinion.

Also, there seems to be some posts about FEHB Part D options requiring a deductible of $590. I have seen nothing on this and had the option this past year and there was no deductible. Verify with the plan Part D carrier, not just the FEHB plan (in other words, whichever plan is administering the actual Part D option, which is likely not the FEHB plan itself).

If anyone has official sources to show otherwise, please post.

But I confirmed the late enrollment penalty using the GEHA number provided questions, so I guess the regular Rx plan is not considered credible coverage. Of course, this may not cover all plans.

This mentions that a $590 deductible is allowed but not required:

https://stwserve.com/opm-encourages-feh ... nnuitants/

The plan that GEHA will put me into (if I don't opt out) has no deductible.

Great! I also called the GEHA number but was told the opposite. I was told if I opted-out there would be no penalty if I decided to opt-in later - because of the GEHA high credible coverage. So, being in a higher IRMAA bracket, I called the SiverScript number and opted-out. Duh???? I have quoted from page 128 of the High and Standard brochure below. Note the bolded text says GEHA is not limiting WHEN you can opt out OR opt in. Everything else, including the snail mail letter and bits and pieces in this brochure and the GEHA website only talk about opt-out. That was why I called them. The call center woman went away to check and came back saying the bold text was the case.

This is what the 2025 High and Standard brochure says(bolding mine):

If you do not wish to enroll in the GEHA SilverScript PDP, you may “opt-out” of the
enrollment by following the instructions mailed to you. To avoid automatic enrollment, you
will have 21 days from receiving the letter to contact SilverScript at the toll-free number
(833-250-3241) to decline Part D coverage. Declining coverage or “opting out” will place
you back into your FEHB prescription drug coverage. GEHA is not limiting when you can
opt out or opt in to our PDP EGWP plan. After the initial enrollment period, you may opt out
after the first of any month and the changes will not be effective until the first of the
following month.