Ask Larry

I applied for Social Security in June to be eligible to start in September, 2022. My approval was late, so I paid my Medicare premium for September and it was also deducted from my September, 2022 payment I received in October. I've called several times and I can't get a clear answer as to when I will get a refund. Is there a form or some other "official" way to make this happen? It's almost January, 2023 and I've been assured there is a double payment, but I can't seem to be able to pin down when I'll receive a refund and in what form (check or electronic deposit in my checking account). Thanks for any advise or assistance you can offer.

Hi. No. If you an excess Medicare premium was deducted from your Social Security benefits then that excess amount should be refunded automatically. If it isn't, you'll need to follow up with Social Security, or you may want to try contacting the offices of your U.S. congressional representative or one of your U.S. senators for help in dealing with Social Security.

One thing I should mention, though, is that the Medicare premium deducted from your September Social Security benefit payment that arrives in October pays your Medicare premium for OCTOBER, not September. Even though Social Security benefits are paid a month behind, the Part B Medicare premiums deducted from those benefits pays for the current month's coverage. In other words, Social Security benefits paid in December are for November, but Part B premiums deducted from those payments cover the person's Medicare premium for December, not November.

Best, Jerry