Paying Medicare Premium Twice at Start of Social Security

[Carol9956]

I started Medicare at age 65. I waited to take Social Security until my Full Retirement age. I am required to paid quarterly payments for the Medicare Premium, (this before reaching Full Retirement age). My Notice of Award for my Social Security Benefit shows that Medicare Premiums will be automatically deducted from each month's benefit payment.

The problem is I will be paying the Medicare Premium twice for the month of May. After that, no problem and I want the automatic deduction. My Social Security Benefit starts in May. The Notice of Award clearly itemizes the deduction of the Medicare Premium for this first benefit payment. However, my last quarterly payment for the Medicare Premium includes the premium for May. Thus, I'm paying twice.

How do I fix this? Calling my local Social Security office is met with the sound of crickets chirping. Is there a way to fix this from within my online social security account? Or, will this get corrected automatically? If it is expected to be fixed automatically, how long does that take? Or, do I have to file a claim of some type?

It seems this must occur a fair amount since Medicare typically starts well before Full Retirement. I can't find it at the government sites. Please help.

[jv2057]

Yes - I think I am all set.  Thank you.

[GailL1]

Yes, that’s right BUT YOU ONLY HAVE A REFUND for Part B premiums for November and December AFTER they have been deducted from your SS benefit.  

You cannot ask for a refund until all of the deductions have been made to your SS benefit because up to then - you haven’t actually paid twice - Government works in real time not what is planned to be.

COMPRENDO???

Two different benefits - two different agencies - two differ timing schedules - Your refund will take awhile because of this too.

OH, If only I were in charge !!??  But I’m too old for that now!

Good Luck.

[JimT57]

Amazing SSA personal story:  applied for SS FRA benefits 10 Dec 2023 anticipating 3 month processing delay.  First payment received via direct deposit 29 Dec, NINE DAYS!!  Paid Medicare premiums 20 Dec for first quarter 2024, got refund from SS today for two excess payments.  No explanation, just simple arithmetic that SS/Medicare figured without me asking.  Amazing!

[MetaF784255]

WOW Congratulations!   That is Amazing....I applied for my Social Security as well, I PRAY it goes quickly!  My app is straight forward no complications! God Knows I need those Social Security Payments in the Worst way now.  I ended up my FRA month is this June however I just can't wait any longer, I requested March 2024 and I'll praying they are here by April 2024. 

[fffred]

@JimT57 

Awesome Jim!

thanks for relaying this. It’s great to hear when things go smoothly.

[sktn77a]

Based on this logic (with which I agree), shouldn't everyone get a refund of 1 month Medicare payment for the month they die???