I started Part B on January 1st and because I hadn’t started receiving SS yet, I was billed for 3 months Part B premium. My SS benefits began in February when I turned 70, and I got the first payment today (March 16). Noticed that Medicare premium was withheld, so haven’t I doubled-paid the premium for at least the month of March? If so, how do I deal with it?

Hi. The Part B premium withheld from your payment in March, which is your Social Security payment for February, covers your Part B premium for March. So, if you previously paid your Part B premium for March then you would be due a refund.

What happened in your case is extremely common with people enroll in Medicare prior to starting their Social Security benefits. Social Security automatically refunds duplicate Part B Medicare premiums in those circumstances, so you shouldn't need to do anything in order to be reimbursed. Such refunds used to normally be made within 60 days, but from what others have said it may be taking longer nowadays. I would suggest being patient, but if you haven't received a refund within 90 days then you may want to check on the status with Social Security.

Best, Jerry