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Probably IRMAA — an income-related amount Social Security adds to Part B and Part D premiums when your income two years ago was above a threshold. It is based on an old tax return, so people who just retired often pay it on income they no longer have. If your income dropped because of a life-changing event — retirement, loss of a spouse, divorce, reduced work — you can file form SSA-44 and ask Social Security to use this year’s income instead.
Apply this to my situationThe rules behind this
A higher Part B bill is based on a tax return from two years ago — and can be appealed
If your income was above a threshold two years ago, Social Security adds an income-related amount (IRMAA) to your Part B and Part D premiums. If your income has since dropped because of a life-changing event — retirement, loss of a spouse, divorce, reduced work — you can ask Social Security to use your current income instead, using form SSA-44.
Who this is for
People whose Part B premium notice shows an income-related amount.
What changes it
- A drop in income without a qualifying life-changing event usually has to wait for the normal two-year cycle.
The question that settles it
“My income dropped because of [event]. Can I file SSA-44 to lower my Part B premium?” — Social Security.
Get help
Free Medicare counseling
California HICAP offers free, confidential Medicare counseling. Ask the local program about language and appointment availability.
California HICAP1-800-MEDICARE
Call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for an interpreter. TTY: 1-877-486-2048.
Call Medicare · 1-800-633-4227Official information in other languages ↗External resource. Some pages are in English; ask for language assistance if needed.