Ask Larry

Medicare

Do You Have Any Thoughts On My Situation?

As of December 2020, my social security was suspended. All of my social security went to partially pay for my Medicare. I then was billed about $1050 a year for the difference. I see others have this problem too. I didn't find out until I didn't get a 1099 for 2021. I have called Social Security and they seem perplexed - no one can give me an explanation as to why my $4000 a year benefit was suspended. I have been told my Medicare bill is now $6000 and I might have to pay it out of pocket or have my Medicare cancelled for non-payment. I have not received any bills for Medicare.

Posted: 
Monday, March 14, 2022 - 13:09

Why Can't I Pay My Part D Premiums Quarterly?

I entered the Medicare program in December 2021. I would like to pay my medicare premiums quarterly. I do not pay for part A, but I do have an income adjustment for Part D. The Folks at the CMS tell me because of the latter that I have to pay monthly. Yet , I have a partner who also has a Part D adjustment and does pay on a quarterly basis? What is going on?

Posted: 
Friday, March 11, 2022 - 08:47

How Can We Correct My WIfe's Part B Start Date?

My wife has been on Social Security Disability since April 28, 2004 and has remained on our Employer Group Health Coverage ever since we were married July 1, 1983. I'm retiring soon and will loose our Group Coverage at the end of April. Because we are in a Special Enrollment Period, we submitted both forms CMS 40B, and CMS L564 to apply for PART B the third week in February requesting our start date be May 1, 2022 in the Remarks section on form CMS 40B . My date is starting May 2022 but my wife's date in July 2022??? How can we correct her start date to be May 2022?

Posted: 
Sunday, March 6, 2022 - 10:56

If My Wife And I File Taxes Separately, Would Her Premium Rate For Part B Be The Minimum?

My wife and I are retired, I receive a pension ($55K) and I am not enrolled in Medicare part "B". My wife also receives a pension ($49K) and IS enrolled in Medicare part "B".
I know Medicare premiums are based on MAGI. Combined the MAGI is about $81K but individually that’s not the case. If filing separately, would my wife’s Medicare premiums for part “B” be the minimum of $170.10?

Posted: 
Monday, February 28, 2022 - 16:34

What Do I Do To Get My Excess Medicare Premium Payments Refunded?

My new bank mistakenly deducted MY Medicare quarterly payments from my mothers checking account (my name is secondary name on her account) instead of from my checking account.
Meanwhile I sent in two Medicare payments by written check because I realized no money was automatically being deducted from my account.

Now I’ve overpaid by more than $900!!!

I’ve called and written letters to no avail.

What do I do?

Jean

Posted: 
Sunday, February 27, 2022 - 08:03

Why Is My Part B Medicare Premium Higher Than My Husband's?

My husband and I file a joint return. His part B payment is $366.10, and mine is $544.30. Why the discrepancy? My check decreased by $103. Per month ,and his went down $23. Thank you.

Hi. I can't explain the discrepancy in your premium rates. It's possible that an error was made, so you may want to either call Social Security for an explanation or request an appeal: https://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/omha/the-appeals-process/part-b-premi...,

Posted: 
Thursday, February 10, 2022 - 17:33

Why Am I Being Punished?

I received benefits in 2018 and 8 months later i traveled out of country for over a year and cancelled my b insurance. According to Social Security, i can cancel my insurance but "may" pay a penalty. But when i go to re-enroll when i got back to USA, they told me i would have to wait until Jan-march to enroll and the insurance would not be available until July and i would pay 10% on the months i was not covered which would be more than i can afford. I feel like they are punishing me when insurance is not mandated in Ohio.

Posted: 
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - 11:31

Medicare Eligibility

This is not a question now, but is about a point that likely affects a substantial number of your audience. Note that I have no idea if you've used this before. I expect you'll want to edit out much of my exposition below to get to the main point.

My personal income was above average. However, my wife, who is eight years older, has not worked for the duration of our marriage, having had three kids by a prior relationship and poor health for most of the marriage.

Posted: 
Friday, January 28, 2022 - 14:18
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