Medicare IRMAA Premiums

[Burke]

Client's income exceeded threshold for 2017, so they are paying IRMAA increased premiums. 2018 was below threshold. Can a visit to SS office get this reduced? Will they refund excess charged in 2019? Letter dated 11/21/18 says when they" receive tax info from IRS next year" they will re-assess.

[DaveinTexas]

They can fill out a Medicare IRMAA Life Changing Event Form if their income changes; they will need to provide documentation proving their income decrease and/or life change. A life change can be marriage, divorce, death, medical issues, loss of pension, etc.

if they are denied a reduction, they can appeal the decision. To make the determination or appeal, they can fill out the form on the SSA site; see below. Or, you can request an “oral” determination by calling SSA at 8007721213, or by making an appointment at the local office.

Here’s a link to the Form SSA-44: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-44-ext.pdf

[kathyc2]

2017 tax return is used for 2019 premiums, so unless it was a life changing event, no refund. 2020 premiums will be based on 2018 returns. The change will be automatic, so unless it doesn't change in 2020 no need to contact them.

[Burke]

They can fill out a Medicare IRMAA Life Changing Event Form if their income changes; they will need to provide documentation proving their income decrease and/or life change. A life change can be marriage, divorce, death, medical issues, loss of pension, etc. if they are denied a reduction, they can appeal the decision. To make the determination or appeal, they can fill out the form on the SSA site; see below. Or, you can request an “oral” determination by calling SSA at 8007721213, or by making an appointment at the local office. Here’s a link to the Form SSA-44: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-44-ext.pdf

This form lists "work reduction" as a qualifying event. Client was not an employee or laid off, but self-employed and cut back on his business. How do you document this other than the 2018 tax return. Or will they accept it as a valid event? I don't see the difference between an employer reducing hours worked and a self-employed person doing the same.