Medicare Blog

why are they taking two medicare payments out of my first social security check

by Jackson Kilback Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Because most retirees have their Medicare Parts B and D premiums deducted from their monthly Social Security check. This can surprise people in two ways. First, Medicare premiums went up in general for 2022, so more will be taken out.

Full Answer

What happens to my Medicare premiums if I receive Social Security?

If you receive Social Security benefits, your Medicare Part B premiums are automatically deducted from your check. If you don't get Social Security yet, you'll get a bill for your Medicare premiums. Who Is Eligible for Medicare?

Does Medicare Part A come out of your social security check?

Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalization, is usually free for anyone who is eligible for Social Security, even if they have not claimed benefits yet. Since most people don't have a Part A premium, nothing will come out of your Social Security check. Do Part D drug plans come out of my check?

Can I receive Medicare and Social Security at the same time?

If you receive Medicare health insurance benefits and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time, you can have your Medicare premiums automatically deducted from your Social Security check each month. This can save a lot of time and energy, as you won’t have to worry about paying your premiums manually.

Will My Medicare premiums be automatically deducted from my paycheck?

If you receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits, your Medicare premiums can be automatically deducted. The premium amount will be taken out of your check before it’s either sent to you or deposited.

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Why is Medicare deducted twice from my paycheck?

Once a person is on Medicare, the premiums for Part B of Medicare are deducted from their Social Security payments for people who already have claimed Social Security. It may appear as if you're paying twice for the same thing, but you're really not.

Why is Medicare taken money from my Social Security check?

Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums are normally deducted from any Social Security or RRB benefits you receive. Your Part B premiums will be automatically deducted from your total benefit check in this case. You'll typically pay the standard Part B premium, which is $170.10 in 2022.

Are Medicare premiums automatically deducted from Social Security?

Yes. In fact, if you are signed up for both Social Security and Medicare Part B — the portion of Medicare that provides standard health insurance — the Social Security Administration will automatically deduct the premium from your monthly benefit.

What is the average amount taken out of Social Security for Medicare?

NOTE: The 7.65% tax rate is the combined rate for Social Security and Medicare. The Social Security portion (OASDI) is 6.20% on earnings up to the applicable taxable maximum amount (see below). The Medicare portion (HI) is 1.45% on all earnings.

How do I stop Medicare deductions?

Voluntary Termination of Medicare Part B You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (medical insurance). It is a serious decision. You must submit Form CMS-1763 (PDF, Download Adobe Reader) to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Visit or call the SSA (1-800-772-1213) to get this form.

What deductions come out of your Social Security check?

You would pay taxes on 85 percent of your $18,000 in annual benefits, or $15,300. Nobody pays taxes on more than 85 percent of their Social Security benefits, no matter their income. The Social Security Administration estimates that about 56 percent of Social Security recipients owe income taxes on their benefits.

Why is my first Medicare bill so high?

If you're late signing up for Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) and/or Medicare Part D, you may owe late enrollment penalties. This amount is added to your Medicare Premium Bill and may be why your first Medicare bill was higher than you expected.

What month is Medicare deducted from Social Security?

The Medicare premium that will be withheld from your Social Security check that's paid in August (for July) covers your Part B premium for August. So, if you already have Part B coverage you'll need to pay your Medicare premiums out of pocket through July.

What part of Medicare comes out of my Social Security check?

Medicare Part B premiumsIf you receive Social Security benefits, your Medicare Part B premiums are automatically deducted from your check. If you don't get Social Security yet, you'll get a bill for your Medicare premiums.

How much will be deducted from my Social Security check for Medicare in 2021?

The standard Medicare Part B premium for medical insurance in 2021 is $148.50. Some people who collect Social Security benefits and have their Part B premiums deducted from their payment will pay less.

How do you qualify for $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.

Is Medicare Part A free at age 65?

You are eligible for premium-free Part A if you are age 65 or older and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You can get Part A at age 65 without having to pay premiums if: You are receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.

What is the money taken from your payroll check used for?

It’s like I’m being charged twice! Phil Moeller: The money taken from your payroll check is used to fund Part A of Medicare, which covers hospital and nursing home expenses. People who have worked long enough to qualify for Social Security benefits are entitled to Part A without having to pay a premium.

When can you start receiving survivor benefits?

Normal retirement benefits cannot be started before the age of 62, whereas survivor benefits can begin at age 60 . The fact that your benefits began at age 60 leads me to think that you are receiving a survivor benefit and that you can later switch to your own retirement benefit.

Does Medicare cover assisted living?

Phil Moeller: Your note says she would lose her Medicare, but I think what’s at stake here is whether she would lose her eligibility for Medicaid. Medicare does not cover assisted living, but Medicaid does. States pay a substantial share of Medicaid expenses and require income and assets tests to qualify.

Can Social Security be reduced?

As far as limits on your earnings are concerned, someone gave you bad information. It is true that your Social Security benefits may be reduced because of outside wage earnings. But any reductions caused by what’s known as Social Security’s earnings test will disappear when you reach your full retirement age.

Can a widow defer their own Social Security?

Under Social Security rules, a person who takes a survivor (widow) benefit can defer their own retirement benefit, allowing it to grow until the age of 70, when it reaches its maximum value. Under Social Security rules, a person who takes a survivor benefit can defer their own retirement benefit.

Does Medicare Part A cover hospitalization?

En español | Yes. In fact, if you are signed up for both Social Security and Medicare Part B — the portion of Medicare that provides standard health insurance — the Social Security Administration will automatically deduct the premium from your monthly benefit. Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalization, is free for anyone who is eligible ...

Does Social Security deduct Medicare premiums?

In fact, if you are signed up for both Social Security and Medicare Part B — the portion of Medicare that provides standard health insurance — the Social Security Administration will automatically deduct the premium from your monthly benefit.

How long can you delay Social Security payments?

You can delay Social Security checks until age 70. You can technically delay payments even beyond 70, but you won’t get higher checks once you begin receiving benefits. Waiting until age 70 is when you receive the highest Social Security checks. On the plus side, Social Security doesn’t cost you anything.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Zero Premium?

Zero-premium plans often have higher deductibles. On the flip side, Medicare Advantage plans with higher premiums often have lower deductibles. Part D prescription drug plans also have varied premiums with the average premiums $20.50. Your income plays a role in Part D premiums.

Does Social Security cost you anything?

On the plus side, Social Security doesn’t cost you anything. You pay into the system while you’re employed, so you don’t have to pay for the benefit in retirement. On the other hand, Medicare usually charges a monthly premium. How much you pay depends on the type of Medicare plan and your income.

Can you take money from Social Security?

No matter the type of Medicare, people on Social Security can let the federal government take the money directly from your Social Security checks. Having the money removed directly from your check means you won’t have to remember to pay for coverage.

Can Medicare be paid directly from Social Security?

The federal government takes the premium cost directly out of your Social Security check to pay for Original Medicare. However, if you have Medicare Advantage, you can pay the private health insurer directly instead of having the money taken out of your check. The same goes for if you have a Part D prescription drug plan.

Is money taken out of my Social Security check for Medicare?

Yes. To pay for Medicare Part B premiums, Medicare may take that payment directly from your Social Security check.

Which forms of Medicare take money out of my Social Security check?

Typically, only Medicare Part B. Part A does not usually have premiums. If you wish to add a Part D drug plan, there may be extra payments that would require money that could come from your Social Security benefits.

How much is taken from my Social Security benefit per month?

In 2021, the Part B premium is $148.50. Keep in mind that the Part B premium is based on income, so while most people will pay $148.50, some people will pay more.

Do Part D drug plans come out of my check?

You can have your Medicare Part D (drug plan) premiums deducted from your Social Security check if you wish. When you enroll in your drug plan, the system will give you the option.

Do Medicare Advantage premiums come out of my Social Security check?

About half of Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums, but if you do have a premium, you can deduct it right from your Social Security check. This is your choice, as it is not required to come from the Social Security check.

Do Medigap costs come out of my Social Security check?

Medigap premiums are paid directly to the private insurance carrier that provides the plan. In other words, you cannot deduct your Medigap premiums from your Social Security check.

Conclusion

Medicare and Social Security can be confusing at first. They both kick in at times when you’re dealing with a lot of change in life. Both are complicated systems. That’s why we’re here. It’s in the name — Medicare Allies.

Not everyone pays for Medicare with their Social Security check

Lorraine Roberte is an insurance writer for The Balance. As a personal finance writer, her expertise includes money management and insurance-related topics. She has written hundreds of reviews of insurance products.

Who Is Eligible for Medicare?

Medicare is a social insurance program available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents 65 years of age or older. It’s also available to some younger Americans who are disabled or diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

When Do You Have To Pay for Medicare?

If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A coverage, you’ll need to pay a monthly premium. You’ll also have to pay a premium if you sign up for Part B, which is optional.

Medicare Costs You Can Deduct From Social Security

Most people who receive Social Security benefits will have their Medicare premiums automatically deducted. Here’s a closer look at what costs you can expect to see taken out of your checks.

Can You Change How You Pay for Medicare?

If you have Social Security benefits, your Part B premiums will be automatically deducted from them. If you don’t qualify for Social Security benefits, you’ll get a bill from Medicare that you’ll need to pay via:

What does Medicare pay for?

Medicare pays for many different types of medical expenses. Part A covers inpatient hospital care, surgery, and home health care, among other items. Part B covers things such as preventive care, doctors’ visits, and durable medical equipment. Part D covers prescription drugs.

How much will I pay for Medicare?

The amount you’ll pay for Medicare depends on several factors, including your sign-up date, income, work history, prescription drug coverage, and whether you sign up for extra coverage with an Advantage or Medigap plan. The Medicare Plan Finder can help you compare costs between different plans.

People enrolled in both Social Security and Medicare have their premiums automatically deducted from their monthly check

If you receive Medicare health insurance benefits and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time, you can have your Medicare premiums automatically deducted from your Social Security check each month. This can save a lot of time and energy, as you won’t have to worry about paying your premiums manually.

How do I know if I will have money taken out of my Social Security check?

If you receive Social Security retirement benefits, your Medicare benefits will be deducted automatically. This means that you do not have to do anything to make this happen – it will be automatic when you enroll in Medicare.

How much is taken out, exactly?

There is no standard amount that is taken out of your Social Security check when you sign up for Medicare. Instead, the amount deducted depends on several factors. Each part of Medicare has a different cost. On top of this, Part C and Part D are offered by private plans, which means their monthly premiums vary even more.

How much is deducted from Social Security for Medicare Part A?

For most people, Medicare Part A hospital insurance is premium-free. This doesn’t mean it is actually free, because you still have to pay your deductible, co-insurance, and other out-of-pocket costs. However, you will have no monthly premium fees if you qualify.

How much do Part A premiums cost?

If you paid Medicare taxes for under 30 quarters, the Part A premium is $499 in 2022. Those who paid Medicare taxes for 30 to 39 quarters will pay $274 per month in premiums. Please note that, if you have to pay monthly Medicare premiums, you cannot qualify for Social Security benefits.

How much is deducted from Social Security for Medicare Part B?

There is no premium-free version of Medicare Part B. If you are enrolled in Part B and receive Social Security benefits, then your Medicare Part B premiums are deducted automatically. If you are enrolled in Part B but do not receive Social Security benefits, you have to pay your monthly premium online or by check.

Medicare Advantage premiums and Social Security benefits

Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is a type of insurance provided by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. Private insurance companies manage the plans but have to work within guidelines provided by the federal government. They are only available to people who are eligible for Original Medicare.

What percentage of payroll is Medicare Part A?

Like Social Security, it has a trust fund that is funded with Medicare payroll taxes – 1.45 percent of payroll for both the employee and the employer. Unlike Social Security, there is no wage ceiling on Medicare taxes.

How much of Medicare Part B premiums are covered?

Nearly all of the difference, or more than $236 billion, came from general government revenues. By law, in fact, Medicare Part B premiums need cover only 25 percent of projected Part B expenses. There are many, many reasons to support the continuation and even expansion of Medicare programs for people aged 65 and older.

Is there a wage ceiling on Medicare?

Unlike Social Security, there is no wage ceiling on Medicare taxes. The Medicare Hospital Insurance trust fund is sufficiently funded to pay all claims for the next 15 years or so. But, like the much larger Social Security retirement trust fund, it needs attention much sooner than that to avoid running out of funds.

Can lower income people get ACA premiums?

Of course, lower-income folks may qualify for ACA premium tax credits. Over time, if more employers stop providing health insurance and force employees onto exchanges, the pressure will grow to change if not end the deductibility of premiums for employer-provided health plans.

Is Medicare a primary payer?

The rules for these small-employer plans may require Medicare to become the primary payer of insurance claims with the employer plan the secondary payer. Even if you work for a larger employer, you are very smart to want to check out these matters ahead of time.

How long does it take to pay Social Security premiums?

Next >. Within 2 to 3 months. Depending on any administrative issues, you can usually expect your Social Security check premium deductions to begin within 2 to 3 months after the start of a new Medicare plan year or the enrollment into a new Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan.

How long does it take for Medicare to withhold premiums?

In cases where premiums weren’t withheld from your Social Security payment until 1 or 2 months after you enrolled in a Medicare drug plan, you’ll get a bill for the months your drug plan’s premiums weren’t withheld.

When will Medicare Part D premiums be deducted?

For instance, if your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan premium deductions begin in February, the first deduction will include both January and February monthly premium payments – so be sure to budget for less monthly income from your Social Security check in February. So, it is possible that the Social Security administration will not ...

Do I need to notify Social Security about Medicare?

You do not need to notify the Social Security Administration about your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan premium change. If you have elected to have your monthly premiums automatically deducted from your Social Security check, any increase (or decrease) in monthly plan premiums will automatically be adjusted by Social Security.

Can you withhold Medicare Part D?

So, it is possible that the Social Security administration will not withhold back premiums and instead, your Medicare Part D plan will send you a bill for those months that were not paid through your Social Security benefit check. In such a situation, you would pay these unpaid premiums directly to your Medicare plan.

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