Social Security and Medicare are two of the most significant American social safety net programs. Both programs are separate, but as AARP notes, Social Security handles Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment.
Sifting through both can be confusing, but the distinctions are worth noting to understand your total benefit and cost potential.
How Medicare Deducts Premiums from Social Security Benefits
Perhaps the most significant piece of this is that Medicare Part B Premiums (for non-hospital care) are directly deducted from Social Security benefits (for those receiving them). If you’re not getting benefits, you’ll get a bill directly from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
In 2022, Part B premiums will start at $170.10 per month and rise with your income level. AARP notes that premiums are based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), which are taken from the most recent tax data Social Security has on file. If your income was less than $91,000 as an individual, you’ll pay the standard $170.10 rate (the threshold is $182,000 for joint filers).
Things to Keep in Mind About Social Security and Medicare
If you’re disabled, you qualify for Medicare before the automatic enrollment at age 65. If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance, the SSA will automatically enroll you in Parts A and B once you have been receiving benefits for 24 months.
If you’re considering Health Insurance Marketplace coverage, you can’t enroll in a Marketplace plan to replace or supplement existing coverage unless you enrolled in a plan before enrolling in Medicare. In this case, you’re allowed to keep the plan as supplemental coverage. However, you’ll lose any credits or savings on your Marketplace plan by electing to go this route.
Figuring out how to work within the rules of Medicare and Social Security can be overwhelming and difficult. This is why it’s important to consult a qualified Social Security benefits attorney to determine your best options. Call (541) 434-6466 today to arrange a free initial consultation with Drew Johnson, P.C., and his dedicated Eugene and Albany Social Security disability benefits team.
