A Medicare question. (If you don't do Medicare, can you suggest someone to whom I can contact?)

I just received a letter from the IRS indicating our ERMAA for next year (2023) based on our tax return for 2021. This represents an increase into the next category (ERMAA will be $165 per month for each of us for Part A, plus $31 for part D. Ouch!)

I would like to file an SSA-44 form to reduce this amount, but the instructions are very ambiguous. I had a life changing event (retirement) in June, 2022, so my wife and I (joint return) are eligible. For Step 3, in 2023 I anticipate only social security income and mutual fund dividends because we won't start tapping into our 403b until 2024, the year I turn 72. This will decrease our 2023 income to around $110-130k, well within the zero ERMAA category. BUT....for the previous step (Step 2), it seems that they are asking for our income for 2022. Two issues. First, we can only guess at this, since we won't be filing our 2022 tax return until next March. Can I use an estimate now, or should I wait until next March to file the SSA-44 form when I will know for sure my correct 2022 income? (Must I file within 60 days of receiving the letter?) Second, our 2022 income may be larger than in 2021 because of my former employer's one-time retirement buyout. Would this high income in 2022 disqualify us for an ERMAA reduction in 2023? And, what information (current estimate, or exact income to be known next March) should I supply for 2022?

Thanks very much.

Hi. I well versed on Medicare's enrollment rules, but not so much with regard to the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) regulations. I believe you can use an estimate of your income on form SSA-44, but I'm not certain. I don't know anyone else to ask other than Social Security, so I would suggest calling them with any questions. Their phone number is listed on form SSA-44 (https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-44-ext.pdf).

Best, Jerry