Phase-in of impact of dental and oral health coverage on part B premiums

Section 1839(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395r(a)) is amended— (1) in the second sentence of paragraph (1), by striking and (7) and inserting (7), and (8); (2) in paragraph (3), by striking The Secretary and inserting Subject to paragraph (8)(C), the Secretary; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (8) Special rule for 2026 through 2030 (A) Determination of alternative monthly actuarial rate for each of 2026 through 2030 For each of 2026 through 2030, the Secretary shall, at the same time as and in addition to the determination of the monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over determined in each of 2025 through 2029 for the succeeding calendar year according to paragraph (1), determine an alternative monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over for the year as described in subparagraph (B). (B) Alternative monthly actuarial rate described (i) In general The alternative monthly actuarial rate described in this subparagraph is— (I) for 2026 and 2027, the monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over for the year, determined as if the amendments made by section 2 of the Medicare Dental, Hearing, and Vision Expansion Act of 2025 did not apply; and (II) for 2028, 2029, and 2030, the monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over for the year, determined as if the amendments made by such section 2 did not apply, plus the applicable percent of the amount by which— (aa) the monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over for the year determined according to paragraph (1); exceeds (bb) the monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over for the year, determined as if the amendments made by such section 2 did not apply. (ii) Definition of applicable percent For purposes of this subparagraph, the term applicable percent means— (I) for 2028, 25 percent; (II) for 2029, 50 percent; and (III) for 2030, 75 percent. (C) Application to part b premium and other provisions of this part For each of 2026 through 2030, the Secretary shall use the alternative monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over for the year determined under subparagraph (A), in lieu of the monthly actuarial rate for such enrollees for the year determined according to paragraph (1), when determining the monthly premium rate for the year under paragraph (3) and subsection (j), the part B deductible under section 1833(b), and the premium subsidy and monthly adjustment amount under subsection (i)..