Medicare Blog

how to reduce medicare high income surcharges

by Arlene Schmitt Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

  • Have Medicare Surcharges Reassessed. Most people pay a standard rate for Medicare. If you’re a high-income taxpayer, you pay more. ...
  • Get Medicare Advantage Part B Premium Reduction. Everyone must pay a premium for Part B. Some advantage plans have a built-in premium reduction. ...
  • Get a Medicare Low-Income Subsidy. Many people don’t realize there’s a subsidy available to reduce Part D premiums and out of pocket costs for medications.
  • Deduct Medicare Premiums from Your Taxes. You can deduct certain medical expenses on your tax return. Deductible medical expenses include premiums you paid for Parts B, D, and Medicare Advantage.
  • Use Your HSA to Pay Your Medicare Premiums. If you have money in a health savings account, you can use it to pay your Part B, Part D, or Medicare ...

Avoid the Surcharge in the First Place
If you're still working, contribute to your 401(k) or other tax-deferred account (such as a SEP IRA, if you're self-employed). Contributions will reduce your modified adjusted gross income, which is used to calculate the surcharge.

Full Answer

How to calculate Medicare surtax?

Medicare levy calculator. This calculator helps you estimate your Medicare levy. It includes any reductions or exemptions you are allowed. It can be used for the 2013–14 to 2020–21 income years. For most taxpayers the Medicare levy is 2% of their taxable income. The Medicare levy surcharge (MLS) is a separate levy from Medicare levy.

What is the maximum income taxed for Medicare?

  • When it comes to receiving Medicare benefits, there are no income restrictions.
  • You may be asked to pay more money for a premium depending on your income.
  • If you have a minimal income, you may be eligible for Medicare premium assistance.

What income is subject to Medicare tax?

Typically, self-employment tax is required if you earned over $400 per year from self-employment. Taxes on self-employment usually require an amount of 92 dollars. Self-employment earnings are subject to a 35% tax. Even if you are receiving social security benefits, you will still be responsible for paying self-employment tax.

How to reverse Medicare surcharges when your income changes?

  • Filing jointly with income above $330,000 up to $750,000/year
  • Filing as an individual with income above $165,000-up to $500,000/year
  • Married, but filing separately with income above $88,000 and less than $412,000/year

image

How can I reduce my Medicare Irmaa?

What are the best tips to avoid an IRMAA?Inform Medicare if you've had a life changing event that affected your income. ... Avoid certain income-boosting changes to your annual income. ... Utilize Medicare savings accounts. ... Consider a qualified charitable distribution. ... Explore tax-free income streams.

How do I appeal Medicare surcharge?

First, you must request a reconsideration of the initial determination from the Social Security Administration. A request for reconsideration can be done orally by calling the SSA 1-800 number (800.772. 1213) as well as by writing to SSA.

How do I stop Irmaa surcharges?

To avoid getting issued an IRMAA, you can proactively tell the SSA of any changes your income has seen in the past two years using a “Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount – Life-Changing Event” form or by scheduling an interview with your local Social Security office (1-800-772-1213).

How can I get my Medicare payments lowered?

To request a reduction of your Medicare premium, contact your local Social Security office to schedule an appointment or fill out form SSA-44 and submit it to the office by mail or in person.

Does Medicare reevaluate your income every year?

Yes. If we determine you must pay more for your Medicare Part B or Medicare prescription drug coverage because of your income, and you disagree, you have the right to request an appeal, also known as a reconsideration. You'll need to request an appeal in writing by completing a Request for Reconsideration (SSA-561-U2).

Is Irmaa tax deductible?

Yes, IRMAA is allowed as a medical deduction on Schedule A, which could come off against your adjusted gross income (AGI).

How often is Medicare Irmaa adjusted?

annuallyIRMAA is determined by income from your income tax returns two years prior. This means that for your 2022 Medicare premiums, your 2020 income tax return is used. This amount is recalculated annually.

How long do you have to appeal Irmaa?

You have 60 days to ask for an appeal, beginning with the date you receive the letter notifying you that you owe Part D-IRMAA. SSA will assume you receive your notice 5 days after the date of the letter, unless you show that you did not get it within the 5-day period.

Is Irmaa adjustment retroactive?

NOTE: The original IRMAA decision takes effect and continues until we make a new initial determination. If we make a new initial determination in the beneficiary's favor, we retroactively refund the excess IRMAA amount paid.

What income level triggers higher Medicare premiums?

In 2022, higher premium amounts start when individuals make more than $91,000 per year, and it goes up from there. You'll receive an IRMAA letter in the mail from SSA if it is determined you need to pay a higher premium.

How do I get $144 back from Medicare?

How do I qualify for the giveback?Are enrolled in Part A and Part B.Do not rely on government or other assistance for your Part B premium.Live in the zip code service area of a plan that offers this program.Enroll in an MA plan that provides a giveback benefit.

Will my Medicare premiums go down if my income goes down?

If your income has dropped since 2017 because of certain life-changing events, such as marriage, divorce, death of a spouse or retirement, you can ask to have your Medicare premiums based on your more recent income, which could reduce or eliminate the surcharge.

Why is Medicare surcharge determined each year?

Because these Medicare surcharges are determined each year, you have opportunities to do more proactive income and tax planning leading up to and after Medicare enrollment. Employing different strategies that help control your Adjusted Gross Income could also help control potential Medicare premiums in future years.

What are the changes in Social Security?

If you experience a change to your income because of certain life events, you can request that the Social Security Administration (SSA) review your situation and use your more recent income to determine what premium adjustment (if any) should apply. Examples of these life-changing events include: 1 Work stoppage or work reduction 2 Death of a spouse 3 Marriage 4 Loss of pension income 5 Divorce or Annulment 6 Loss of income-producing property

What is Medicare premium for 2019?

For individuals paying Part B premiums, for example, the standard premium in 2019 is $135.50 per month.

How much does Medicare Part B cost?

For a couple who filed a joint return with income above $170,000 and up to $214,000 in 2017, each spouse paying for Medicare Part B may pay an additional $54.10 per month above the standard premium (a total of $189.60 monthly) in 2019.

How much is the premium for a couple in 2019?

A couple with income that falls between $320,000 and $750,000 (or an individual filing single with income between $160,000 and $500,000) in 2017 could each pay an additional $297.90 above the standard premium, for a total of $433.40 per month in 2019.

Is Medicare higher for B and D?

For many clients with incomes above a certain level, Medicare premiums may be higher for Part B and Part D. As a Medicare recipient’s income exceeds specific thresholds, they may pay adjusted amounts in addition to the baseline Part B and/or Part D premiums.

What is a life changing event for Medicare?

The change must be linked to what Medicare considers a “life changing event”, which includes the following: 1) You married, divorced, or became widowed; 2) You or your spouse stopped working or reduced your work hours;

What is Medicare premium for 2017?

Higher-income Medicare beneficiaries (individuals who earn more than $85,000/year) pay higher Part B and Prescription Drug Benefit Premiums then lower income Medicare beneficiaries.

How much is the standard premium for Part B?

Standard Bracket: For Individuals with a MAGI under $85,000 annually, or Married Couples with a MAGI under $170,000 annually, the Standard Premium for Part B is $134 per Month, but you may pay less this year if it is taken directly out of your social security benefits.

How to avoid late penalties on Medicare?

Avoid Late Penalties by Signing Up When First Eligible. While avoiding penalties doesn’t directly reduce Medicare premiums, it does prevent them from becoming higher. You can sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday month. You then have a seven-month-long Initial Enrollment Period. There’s a financial motive to enroll ...

Why do people delay enrolling in Medicare?

Some people delay enrolling in Medicare because they have other insurance that’s cheaper or has other advantages. Those advantages won’t matter if your plan doesn’t count as “creditable coverage” and you have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

Is Medicare tax free?

It’s best to get advice from a professional about ways to grow your income tax-free. Medicare rules change from year to year, and so do the plans available in your area. It makes good financial sense to contact an agent every year to compare your options.

Can you change your Medigap plan at another time?

If you try to join a Medigap plan at another time, health issues can raise your premium. There are also yearly opportunities to change your advantage or Part D plans. These give you a chance to compare options and choose one with a lower cost.

Do you pay Medicare if you are a high income taxpayer?

Most people pay a standard rate for Medicare. If you’re a high-income taxpayer, you pay more. If your income is more than $88,000 for individuals or $176,000 for married couples, you’ll have a higher premium or an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount .In assessing IRMAA, Medicare doesn’t look at your current income.

Can you get extra help if you don't qualify for medicaid?

People with Medicaid automatically qualify for the Extra Help subsidy. However, you can obtain Extra Help, even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid. When your income is low, a subsidy can help reduce Medicare premiums and other costs.

Does having money in retirement lower your premiums?

Having money in a retirement account won’t lower your premiums. However, it will help you afford healthcare premiums along with all your other living expenses. It’ll feel like you reduce Medicare premiums when you have more money set aside for retirement.

How much does Medicare cost for retirees?

That drives monthly healthcare costs higher, but for most people, standard Medicare costs just $148.50 per month. For your Part B premiums, the federal government—thanks in part to your decades of deductions—pays 75% of the cost.

Why did Medicare never reach my pocket?

You watched as somewhere around 15% of your paycheck never reached your pocket, because the federal government took it for Social Security and Medicare payments. 1.

What is MAGI on Social Security?

According to the Social Security Administration, your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years ago is what counts. This means that benefits for the current period are based on calculations from income earned two years prior. Most poeple's MAGI and adjusted gross income (AGI) will be the same, but if you’re paying student loan interest, ...

How much extra do you pay for a part B?

Paying extra is something you might be able to avoid, but there’s good news hidden in these extra charges. First, here’s how the charges break down: If you’re married and make $176,000 to $222,000 jointly or $88,000 to $111,000 as an individual, you’ll pay an extra $59.40 monthly for Part B and $12.30 extra for Part D.

Will Social Security look at 2019 taxes in 2021?

In 2021, they will look at your 2019 return to determine whether you owe surcharges. 2 This is because the levels are normally set the year prior, while the Social Security Adminsitration only has access to returns from the prior tax year.

Does Medicare cover all of your medical expenses?

Once you reach retirement, you’re a little more accepting of those decades of deductions, because you'll receive full health insurance at next to no cost—especially compared to what you may have paid while you were working. To be fair, Original Medicare alone likely isn’t enough to cover all of your healthcare needs.

What to do if you have a higher income on Medicare?

If you’re a Medicare beneficiary with a higher-than-average income, the Social Security Administration ( SSA) could tack an extra charge onto the Medicare premiums you pay each month.

How much Medicare premiums will I pay in 2021?

In 2021, most people pay for $148.50 per month for Medicare Part B. If your income is higher than those amounts, your premium rises as your income increases.

What is IRMAA in Medicare?

What is IRMAA? IRMAA is an extra charge added to your monthly premiums for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). The income surcharge doesn’t apply to Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) or Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage. IRMAA charges are based on your income.

What is Medicare Part B premium for 2021?

For example, if your annual income in 2019 was more than $500,000 as a single taxpayer or more than $750,000 as a married couple, your 2021 Part B premium would be $504.90 for Medicare Part B and an additional $77.10 added onto your plan premium ...

Does IRMAA count as income?

This way, it won’t count as income when IRMAA is calculated. It’s a good idea to work with a CPA or financial adviser to make sure you’re following IRS guidelines for making the donation. For example, you can have the check made out directly to the organization to ensure the IRS doesn’t count it as part of your income.

Does Medicare increase your monthly premiums?

Medicare increases monthly premiums for Part B and Part D coverage if your income is higher than certain limits. To avoid these surcharges, you’ll need to reduce your modified adjusted gross income. Talk with a CPA or financial adviser to determine which income-lowering strategy is best for your situation. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary ...

Is a Medicare savings account tax exempt?

Contributions to a Medicare savings account (MSA) are tax-exempt. If you contribute to an MSA, the withdrawals are tax-free as long as you’re spending the money on qualifying healthcare expenses. These accounts can lower your taxable income while giving you a way to pay for some of your out-of-pocket medical expenses.

What is a redetermination of Social Security premiums?

In some circumstances, Social Security will recalculate your premiums -- known as a redetermination -- for Part B and Part D, particularly if the agency based the cost on a tax return that was later amended. Otherwise, there are seven "life-changing events" that qualify for a redetermination if they hurt your income: marriage, death of a spouse, ...

How to request a redetermination of a claim?

Filing a Claim. To ask for a redetermination, complete Form SSA-44 and include supporting documents, such as the death certificate for a spouse or a letter from a former employer stating that you are now retired.

How is Medicare Part B based on 2021?

Premiums for Medicare Part B and Part D -- coverage for doctor's visits and prescription drugs, respectively -- are based on your modified adjusted gross income from two years earlier. To determine your 2021 Medicare premium, Social Security uses your 2019 tax return. In those two years, however, your life can change in ways your 2019 tax return ...

How long does it take to win Social Security appeal?

Be a smarter, better informed investor. A decision usually takes a few weeks, but if you had one of the events that Social Security considers lifechanging, you should win the appeal. In that case, Social Security will reimburse you for the additional premiums by adding it to your benefit one month.

Does Medicare appeal count as one time?

What doesn't count is a one-time windfall. For instance, a Medicare beneficiary whose income jumps significantly one year from selling a home does not qualify for an appeal and will have to pay the higher premium. That's also true for people who take their first two required minimum distributions in the same year.

How many people pay Medicare monthly surcharges?

Of Medicare’s 62 million beneficiaries, about 7% — 4.3 million people — pay those monthly surcharges, due to various legislative changes over the years that have required higher-earners to pay a greater share of the program’s costs.

How long does it take for Medicare to adjust?

Yet it might take Medicare — which charges higher earners more for premiums — a couple years to adjust when income falls below the threshold.

How much is Part D insurance?

For Part D, the surcharges range from $12.20 to $76.40. That’s in addition to any premium you pay, whether through a standalone prescription drug plan or through an Advantage Plan, which typically includes Part D coverage. While the premiums vary for prescription coverage, the average for 2020 is about $42.

Did Medicare have your 2018 tax return for 2020?

In other words, for 2020, that would have meant your 2018 tax return was used. “They did the adjustment late last year and, at that point, they only had your 2018 tax return because you hadn’t prepared your 2019 return yet,” explained Roger Luchene, a Medicare agent with Hammer Financial Group in Schererville, Indiana.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9