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. I do pay $70 a month for my drug coverage, taken out of my checking account. Any thoughts about what is going on?

Hi. Without having access to your Social Security records I can only hazard an educated guess. It sounds like your Part B Medicare premiums are higher than the standard rate due to the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA). People with modified adjusted gross incomes (MAGI) above certain levels must pay a higher monthly premium rate for Part B of Medicare. The applicable premium rate depends on the amount of the person's MAGI (https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/part-b-costs).

The bottom line is that if your Social Security benefit rate isn't high enough to cover your Part B premium amount, then you must pay your excess Part B premiums out of pocket in order to keep the coverage. I have no way of knowing whether or not your Part B premium rate is correct, though, nor do I know if you might meet any exceptions to the increased premium rate. I would suggest that you read the following Medicare website to determine if you might be eligible for a lower Part B premium rate: https://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/omha/the-appeals-process/part-b-premi....

Best, Jerry