I started medicare in 2016, but was not on SS yet. My medicare premium went up 10% in 2017 because I was not "held harmless". I am eligible for SS Oct 2017, and will qualify for the "held harmless" rule then. BUT my question is, if I continue to work after receiving SS, then my SS amount will go up by about 3% each year I keep working. My working will not cause me to go into another IRMMA bracket. If they have a COLA of 1% then my medicare premium could go up by 1% - HOWEVER will they also increase my medicare premium to include my Increased SS amount of 3%?

Should The Part B Premium Hold-Harmless Provision Apply In My Case?

In follow-up, since there was a retroactive adjustment to my Medicare Part B premium in 2016 because of the change in my social security benefit amount based upon prior work credit, and the SSA manual for VSMI premiums does mention exemptions related to retroactive benefit increases resulting from work, should this rule be applicable?

Please advise.

Hi,

I have been receiving social security benefits since 2014. During 2015 my Medicare Part B premium was $104.90/mo. This rate was maintained during 2016, but then SSA changed it later in the year whereby I ended up paying the standard rate of $121.80/mo for all of 2016.

Even thought I did not exceed the income threshold, had Medicare premiums taken from my social security benefit each month since Dec 2014, and of course did not receive a COLA in 2016, I was not protected from an increase.

I am currently on Medicare AB&D plus a Medigap G Plan. I am currently NOT collecting social security. I understand that once you begin collecting SS you can have your Medicare premium payments automatically deducted from your SS check. Does that include D and my G plan or just B? Also, can you elect to have none of the premiums dedicated from your check and continue to make those payments yourself?

Hi,

My husband started taking social security at age 62. He turned 68 on Dec 31, 2016. He wants to suspend his benefits and have them start up again at age 70. My question is: Will his Medicare part B premium be apx the same amount when he starts getting checks again at age 70? As of now it is $109 a month. Does the hold harmless still apply while benefits are suspended or will he be charged the current Medicare premium when he turns 70 in Dec 2019.

Hi,

Hi Larry and Jerry
I need help! I have been without hospital coverage for 6 months due to an error made by my agent in filing for my spousal benefits. The details are as follows:

Just received Feb 2nd notification my February SS would be reduced by $99.90. Reason, deducting past due premiums. I've made no changes. Seems odd. Do I think they are wrong they ask. This is the 1st time in 5 years for this to happen. Should I appeal? What past due premium is it? Thank you for your help.
Bob

Hi Bob,

My mom, 82, who is a US citizen and receives Social security , lived abroad for the past 25 years, and never signed up for Medicare, even part A. She is returning to the US. How does she sign up for Medicare?

Hi,

I am 60 and my wife is 65 and she does not have enough credits to qualify for her own social security.

Can my wife get medicare now, even though if I'm not yet at retirement age?

Can she get social security benefits once I reach retirement age?

Thank you!

Hi,

Hi Larry,