I am retiring in August 2021 (next month). I applied for Medicare and was told I would be subject to IRMAA. On June 15 I filed a form SSA-44 with a copy of my 2020 tax return which would not be subject to IRMAA. I keep getting letters that they are going to charge me this. I called SSA and got the name and extension of the person handling my SSA-44. However I cannot get in touch with her. I leave voicemail with my number but she doesn't call back. I spoke to someone else there and they said they could send her an email requesting that she call me. What can I do to get this matter resolved?

Hi. Well, when you leave a message with a Social Security employee they should return your call, but I'm not surprised that you haven't yet received a formal determination about your request for a lower Part B Medicare premium rate. Those determinations can take much longer than a month to be processed. If you're overcharged for your premiums while a determination on your request is pending, the excess premiums will be refunded if and when you receive a favorable determination.

Best, Jerry