Socal Security Medicare premium deduction

[mr bill]

At age 62 I took "early retirement" for SS benefits. This month I turn 65 and my monthly direct deposit now shows an auto-deduction for Medicare which I have no access to nor any plans to use. Can this [having to pay Medicare] be rejected/refused?

[meroberts]

Mr. Bill,

Based on my personal experience, you can refuse it. But once you do, you cannot ever request it again and they will record your cancelation and send you a form that you have to sign and return to SSA.

Martha

[jesm]

For most persons Part A ( hospital coverage) is totally free if you have had sufficient medicare taxes deducted during your working years. So rejection,or cost, is not an issue for most social security recipients. You would have made a enrollment into Medicare in advance of your 65th birthday in which you could choose to add optional coverages (parts B,C or D). Perhaps you inadvertently chose additional coverage, or did not have sufficient working taxes for Part A, or they acrewed up! Part A coverage without having paid sufficient payroll taxes can go as high as $450/month. Part B runs around $90/month. You can opt to refuse Part A participation if you have to pay the monthly premium due to insufficient tax paid while you worked. I do understand such rejection continues for your lifetime and enrollment later is not allowed even with paying required premiums.

[raquelita]

Sounds like they're deducting for part B (dr&lab) and D (drug plan). While living out of the country, you can refuse D and probably B although there may be a penalty if you sign up later on moving to the US. Best to take the time to talk with Medicare, including finding out how to change your status. The 800 number is google-able.

[mr bill]

Thanks everyone for your information.

Using my VOIP phone I called Medicare (1-800-Medicare) twice. Both times the time on hold was under 5 minutes. Since I didn't know/couldn't guess what US address I have on file with them they could only give me general info - such as I was 'paying' for Part A and B.

To dis-enroll I was directed back to Social Security 1-800-772-1213 [where the 'esimated wait time' was 35 minutes - actual was 55 min ].

Medicare told me that a letter needed to be written and sent to them at :
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Baltimore MD 21244-1850 requesting the dis-enrollement

Social Security told me that I needed to fill out form CMS 1763 but did not know/could not find an address to send it to. The agent suggest I wait for my Medicare card and check the box indicating I did not want the insurance - return that to whatever address it came from and that not only would I be opt-ed out of Medicare I would also have my premiums refunded. We'll see

[raquelita]

Yes, this whole thing about past addresses is a nightmare, not only with Medicare.

[jesm]

IF you qualify for free Part A, why cancel? You will likely visit the USA at some point and this hospital coverage would literally be "free insurance" if ever needed due to illness or accident while there. If not free then sure,let it go.

[peddler665]

Yeah I have no idea where the earlier poster got the idea the Part A is free cause it AIN'T! No free rides for us Old folks although there are those that like to say we get one. I personally earned every thing I ever got & continue to do so.
PS Guess I do not qualify for the 47% Ole Mitt talked about as I also pay income tax.

[raquelita]

"Free" in the sense the person doesn't make payments for Part A after 65.

[jesm]

Free, in that you will receive a service without current cost. Of course, you in effect pre-paid via your payroll tax deduction.