Expensive Part B

2008-08-28 by

Today TaxMama hears from Judy in Iowa who is perplexed, “I recently retired and have Medicare part B. I am being charged the high premium for part B because of my husband’s earnings, which are several times over what my earnings are. I signed a prenuptial 26 years ago and support myself and am now filing taxes on my own. Is there any way I can get the premium charge lowered to the normal amount or am I going to continue to be penalized because of my husband’s high income?”

Dear Judy,

Hmmm, I am definitely not a Social Security expert. That topic is still shrouded in mystery for me.

However, the only reason I could ever think that the SSA (Social Security Admin) would be referencing your husband’s income at all? That’s because you’re receiving SS benefits based on his earnings, rather than yours. (Having a prenup does not prevent you from getting SS benefits based on his income.)

If that’s not the case, then demand they pay you based on his benefits, if they’re going to charge you the higher Part B rates.

If they don’t give you his benefits, ask them to review your case. At the very least, go to the SSA office and sit down with someone, face-to-face to discuss your issues. They may be able to help you.

And perhaps one of our readers will have better advice.

And remember, you can find answers to all kinds of questions about tax issues, free. Where? Where else? At TaxMama.com

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# | Posted in Tax Quips | Comments » (3)



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  1. Blakely Sanford Says:
    August 28th, 2008 at 07:46 am

    Social Security doesnt care whether Judy has filed for legal separation or whether Judy still lives in the same house and enjoys other benifits from her husband. Because of the length of time she has been married, she is entitled to receive benifits based upon her husbands income.

    Imagine if the situation was reversed and how hard we/she would fight to see that she received all the benefits she is entitled to.

    I agree with out further information it would appear that she is receiving her benefits based upon her husbands income.

  2. J T Reagan Says:
    August 28th, 2008 at 07:51 am

    I am not an expert either but I did discover that sometimes you get a clearer picture if you contact Medicare AND Social Security. They are not exactly the same and have separate websites. Also, if her husband is older than she and didn't sign up for Part B when he turned 65, she could be paying the penalty for late signup.

  3. Lincmark Says:
    August 29th, 2008 at 12:13 pm

    I think she means high current income, and they are filing a joint return. The 2008 Part B premium is based on taxable income reported for 2006. If she filed MFS for 2007, her premium should go down in 2009. If she files MFS for 2008, she should see a lower premium in 2010.

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