Medicare premium refunds for overpayments are usually automatic, issued by Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board within 2–3 months. These are typically sent as a separate check from regular benefits, or for Part B "giveback" plans, applied directly to monthly Social Security checks. If not received, contact 1-800-MEDICARE or Social Security.
If you or your dependents are eligible for Medicare Part B reimbursement, CalPERS will automatically reimburse the eligible amount of the standard Medicare Part B premium, beginning the date of your enrollment into a CalPERS Medicare health plan.
You qualify for a Medicare premium refund (often through an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA, reduction) if a major life change drastically lowers your income, like retirement, divorce, or spouse's death, allowing you to apply for a lower premium; or for specific Medicare Advantage plan "giveback" benefits if you're enrolled in Parts A & B and pay your own premium in a plan's service area, or through employer/union plans like the Federal Employee Program (FEP).
Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to verify the overpayment. Contact the Social Security Administration if your premiums were deducted from your Social Security benefits. If required, submit a written refund request and relevant documentation, such as billing statements and bank records.
To get money back on your Medicare, you need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that offers a Part B premium reduction (the "$144 back" benefit), meaning you must be in Original Medicare (Parts A & B), pay your own Part B premium (not covered by Medicaid), and live in the plan's service area; the money is then returned as a credit on your Social Security check or a lower bill, effectively lowering your premium.
Medicare Reimbursement Account (MRA)
Basic Option members who pay Medicare Part B premiums can be reimbursed up to $800 each year. You must submit proof of Medicare Part B premium payments through the online portal, EZ Receipts app or by fax or mail.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 60-day rule has existed for many years and was most recently revised effective January 1, 2025. Under the current version of the rule, Medicare providers are required to return an overpayment within 60 days of identifying the overpayment.
A premium refund is a clause in some insurance policies that provides beneficiaries with a refund of the total premiums paid to date. Depending on the contract and type of insurance, this clause may grant a refund of premiums if the policyholder dies before the term ends or voluntarily terminates the coverage.
Participating Medicare Advantage plans can afford partial premium refunds because the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) gives them money back in rebates.
If you pay your Part B premium through Social Security, the Part B Giveback will be credited monthly to your Social Security check. If you don't pay your Part B premium through Social Security, you'll pay a reduced monthly amount directly to Medicare.
If you are a new Medicare Part B enrollee in 2025, you will be reimbursed the standard monthly premium of $185.00 and do not need to provide additional documentation to LAFPP.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final interpretation of the 60-day refund rule, effective Jan. 1, 2025, that clarifies responsibilities for identifying, reporting and refunding overpayments.
Send your completed form, itemized bill, letter and supporting documents (if any) to the Medicare administrative contractor in your state. Medicare claims can't be filed online—they must be submitted by mail.
To get your Medicare Part B premium back, you need to enroll in a specific Medicare Advantage (MA) plan (Part C) that offers a "giveback" or "premium reduction" benefit, which returns some or all of your Part B premium as a credit on your Social Security check or a reduced bill. You must be enrolled in Original Medicare (A & B) and pay your own premiums, not receive premium assistance from Medicaid. The benefit amount varies by plan and location, and it's crucial to compare plan details during enrollment periods, as the offer isn't guaranteed each year.
The extra $144 added to Social Security usually comes from the Medicare Part B Giveback benefit, offered by some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which pays back some or all your Part B premium, showing up as extra money in your check if it's deducted from your Social Security. To qualify, you need Original Medicare (Parts A & B), pay your own Part B premium, live in a plan's service area, and enroll in a specific Medicare Advantage plan that offers this "rebate," with the amount varying by plan and location.
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How to Request a Refund
Your CalPERS health coverage will automatically be canceled the first day of the month after you turn 65. Review Cancellation of CalPERS Health Coverage for information on reinstating your health coverage.
To qualify for the giveback, you must: Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Pay your own premiums (if a state or local program is covering your premiums, you're not eligible). Live in a service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.
You must be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan through Via Benefits Insurance Services to qualify for Part B Automatic Premium Reimbursement.