I overpaid my first three months of Medicare before it started coming out of my Social Security Benefits, and so was due a refund. It took several months to get reimbursed, but when I did, I did not get the full amount. The 10% I have taken out for taxes in my Social Security benefits was taken out. I don't understand why this is not a simple reimbursement. It was not income. It would be like if I was overcharged at a hospital or store and the refund was taxed when returned, which we know, is not how it works. Thank you.

Hi. I don't have enough information to know if your math is correct, but if you believe that you're due more of a refund then you'll need to follow up with Social Security. If you're not satisfied with their response, you may want to try contacting the offices of your U.S. congressional representative or one of your U.S. senators.

One fact I'll mention for clarity is that even though Social Security benefits are paid a month behind, Part B Medicare premiums deductions are for the current month. In other words, Social Security benefits paid in December are for November, but Part B premiums deducted from those payments cover the person's Medicare premium for December. That often causes confusion over how much, if any, of a premium overpayment actually occurred.

Best, Jerry