To qualify for the Medicare Part B giveback, you must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B, pay your own Part B premium (not receive government assistance for it), and live in the service area of a specific Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that offers this premium reduction benefit. The benefit isn't for everyone, as it depends on the local plan's offerings, reducing your Part B cost by a certain amount (or even the full premium) directly from your Social Security check or bill.
To be eligible for the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit, you must: Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B) Pay your own Part B premium. Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As of November 2023, the income limits for free Part B coverage are as follows: Individuals with an income at or below 135% of the FPL: Individuals whose income falls at or below this threshold may qualify for free Part B coverage. As of now, the income limit for an individual is $1,640 per month or $19,683 per year.
There are 5 ways to make your Medicare payments:
Scope of Benefits Covered
The Medicare Give Back Program offers a reduction in your Medicare Part B premiums, which can lower your overall healthcare costs. Eligibility for this benefit includes various Medicare Advantage plans, allowing all ZIP codes in the United States to participate.
The person will get a refund check separate from his or her regular monthly Social Security or RRB benefit. It may take 2–3 months to get a refund. After 3 months, people should contact 1-800-MEDICARE.
Getting reimbursed for Medicare Part B usually means getting your premium back through a Medicare Advantage "giveback" or a retiree health plan, often automatically applied to your Social Security check or pension, but you might need to submit forms like CMS-1490S for other situations or use specific portals for employer/retiree programs. The key is understanding why you're seeking reimbursement: for a plan benefit (giveback) or a specific employer/retiree program (like a city/state pension).
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.
All you have to do is provide proof that you pay Medicare Part B premiums. Each eligible active or retired member on a contract with Medicare Part A and Part B, including covered spouses, can get their own $800 reimbursement. Download our Medicare Reimbursement Account QuickStart Guide to learn more.
There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.
You can avoid paying Medicare Part B premiums by delaying enrollment if you have creditable employer coverage (your own or spouse's job with 20+ employees) until that coverage ends (within 8 months to avoid penalties), or by qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to have state/federal funds pay for it due to low income. Other ways to save include using HSA funds, appealing high Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) for life changes, or enrolling on time during your Initial Enrollment Period.
No one is automatically exempt from Medicare Part B premiums, but many people avoid paying them by having other creditable coverage (like employer plans when still working), qualifying for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) through Medicaid due to low income, or having certain disabilities that qualify them for premium assistance. Those automatically enrolled in Medicare who don't need Part B right away (e.g., due to employer coverage) can delay enrollment without penalty.
You can reduce your Medicare Part B premium by applying for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) if you have low income, filing Form SSA-44 (Request for Reconsideration) for income drops after a life event (like retirement), or enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan with a Part B "giveback" benefit. For those with higher incomes, using a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from an IRA can help lower the income used for premium calculations, say financial experts and CNBC.
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.
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.
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.