Larry,

I’m in what is likely to be an increasing category of folks. People who start their Medicare coverage long before they start their Social Security. Under this scenario I have been paying my Medicare premiums directly every three months.

I have not seen any discussion anywhere of my pending problem which, as I indicated, must be occurring more often now.

Medicare requires that I directly pay my premiums three months in advance. My next three-month premium is due June 25th which I must pay by that date. That will cover my Medicare for July – August – September.

However, here’s my problem. After making that 3-month advance payment I intend to start my Social Security in August. As you know, Medicare automatically withholds premiums from Social Security benefits. I have no idea what will happen to my Social Security benefit in August given that I will already have paid my Medicare through September.

Unbelievably – or not! – I cannot find anywhere CMS or SSA explaining how this increasingly common dilemma is handled. Do Medicare and SSA communicate with each other regarding the status of premiums paid and due?

Do you know anything that can help?

Thanks.

Chris

Hi Chris,

They do communicate to a degree, but when you file for your Social Security benefits your Part B Medicare premiums will automatically be withheld from your benefit payments regardless of how many months in advance you've paid your premiums. However, once the premium withholding begins any duplicate premiums should automatically be refunded to you within roughly 60 days. CMS will also then stop billing you for your Part B premiums.

By the way, although Social Security benefits are paid a month behind, Medicare premiums are withheld in the month of coverage. So, for example, the Part B Medicare premium withheld from your benefit payment issued in September for the month of August funds your Medicare coverage for September, not August.

If you haven't already done so, you may want to consider using our software to explore and compare your various filing options to make sure that you choose the best possible strategy for claiming your Social Security benefits.

Best, Jerry