How much is Taken Out of Social Security for Medicare in 2023?

Decoding Medicare premium deductions from Social Security checks takes some work. The standard monthly Part B premium will be $164.90 in 2023 for most people. However, higher earners pay more based on income tiers that raise rates through IRMAA. Having Part D prescription or Medicare Advantage coverage also boosts deductions. These costs automatically come out of payments for Social Security beneficiaries.

For example, a $1,500 monthly check could drop to around $1,335 after the basic $164.90 Part B deduction is applied. Tacking on a $50 Part D plan premium could reduce it further to approximately $1,285. Those struggling to afford their Medicare costs may qualify for assistance from Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs.

It’s crucial to understand your specific Medicare deduction amount from Social Security to budget accurately. Closely review any notices from the Social Security Administration and contact them with questions. Navigating Medicare can be complicated, but resources exist to help make sense of it.

The Different Parts of Medicare in 2023

Medicare has a few main components:

Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and some home health services. Most don’t pay a premium for it.

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive care, durable medical equipment, and more. Most pay monthly premiums for it.

Part C, or Medicare Advantage, are private plan options that include Parts A and B coverage as well as extra benefits.

Part D provides prescription drug coverage through private plans. Monthly premiums apply.

How Income Affects Medicare Part B Premiums

The standard Part B premium for 2023 is $164.90 per month. But income determines if you pay the base rate or higher premiums.

Medicare uses reported income from 2 years prior to set yearly Part B costs through something called IRMAA – income-related monthly adjustment amounts.

Here’s how 2023 Part B premiums break down by income for individuals:

• Under $97,000 – $164.90 monthly
• $97,000-$123,000 – $230.80 monthly
• $123,000-$153,000 – $329.70 monthly
• $153,000-$183,000 – $428.60 monthly
• Over $183,000 – $506.90 monthly

And here’s IRMAA brackets for married couples filing jointly:

• Under $194,000 – $164.90 monthly
• $194,000-$242,000 – $230.80 monthly
• $242,000-$302,000 – $329.70 monthly
• $302,000-$365,000 – $428.60 monthly
• Over $365,000 – $506.90 monthly

Higher earners pay more for their Part B coverage. The max premium is $506.90 monthly per person in 2023.

Premium Deductions from Social Security Check

For Social Security beneficiaries, Medicare premiums automatically come out of benefit checks monthly.

The Social Security Administration deducts costs for both Part B and Part D plans. They notify you each year of new payment amounts after accounting for updated premiums.

For example, with a $1,500 Social Security payment and $164.90 Part B premium, the adjusted check would be around $1,335 monthly. Add a $50 Part D plan and it drops to about $1,285 after deductions.

The SSA doesn’t actually send these amounts directly to Medicare itself. But the deductions help fund the overall Medicare program.

Paying Medicare Premiums Without Social Security

Those who have Medicare without Social Security benefits need to pay premiums themselves in different ways:

• Monthly bills sent directly to enrollees
• Auto-payments from bank accounts
• Deductions from checks if in Medicare Advantage or Part D plans
• Pre-paying quarterly or annually

Regardless of method, staying current on premiums is crucial to avoid losing coverage.

Medicare Advantage Premiums

Instead of Original Medicare, you can enroll in Medicare Advantage for Part C coverage. These are private plan options.

Medicare Advantage plans have out-of-pocket limits, extra benefits, prescription drug coverage, and more. But the premiums differ.

In 2023, the average Medicare Advantage premium is around $50 monthly. But they range anywhere from $0 into the hundreds depending on the plan and coverage details.

Just as with Part B, higher earners pay more for Medicare Advantage coverage due to income adjustments.

Unless you arrange deduction from Social Security, Medicare Advantage plans bill you directly. Even with Social Security deductions, you often owe additional costs.

For instance, your plan may charge $75 monthly on top of the $164.90 Part B rate deducted from checks already. This means owing that extra $75.

Help Paying Medicare Costs

People struggling to pay Medicare expenses may qualify for financial assistance programs like:

• Medicaid – Helps cover premiums and cost-sharing if income and assets are limited. Rules vary by state.
• Medicare Savings Programs – Pay for Part B premiums based on income and resources even if Medicaid isn’t approved.
• Extra Help – Provided by Social Security to lower Part D plan costs if income and resources fall under set limits.

Contact Medicaid, Social Security, or your local benefits office to learn more about these programs. You can also use the online tool at www.benefits.gov to check eligibility.

What Will be Deducted Monthly?

In summary, your specific Medicare deduction amount from Social Security depends on:

• Income affecting Part B/Medicare Advantage premiums
• Having only Part B or also Part D
• Being in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan

Some examples:

• Part B alone: Around $165
• Part B + Part D: Around $215
• Medicare Advantage + Part B: $240 or more
• Higher income with $329 Part B premium: $330+

Deductions generally range from $165 to $500 monthly depending on your coverage situation. Contact the SSA if you need help determining your deduction amount.

Reviewing Statements from Social Security

Each year, the Social Security Administration sends letters explaining upcoming Medicare premium adjustments and how deductions will affect your Social Security payments.

Make sure to carefully look over these notices and address any concerns right away. You can also:

• Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213
• Visit your local Social Security office
• Check your online Social Security account
• Notify the SSA of any income changes ASAP

Staying on top of correspondence about Medicare deductions is key to understanding your specific situation.

Preparing for New Deductions

If you’ll soon be starting Social Security and Medicare for the first time, here are some tips to prepare:

• Check if your income makes you eligible for IRMAA adjustments
• Know Part B enrollment is automatic
• Understand Part A typically has no premium
• Shop around for Part D drug plans if needed
• Consider supplemental coverage like Medigap or Medicare Advantage
• Be aware of retroactive premiums if retiring mid-year
• Plan your retirement date wisely around Medicare enrollment periods
• Seek help from a Medicare consultant if needed

Doing your homework on how Medicare coordinates with Social Security can make for an easier transition.

Why Medicare Can Be Confusing

Medicare comes with a lot of complicated enrollment rules, costs that change yearly, varied coverage options, and more. This makes it challenging to navigate, especially when coordinating with Social Security.

Be sure to do extensive research so you understand how Medicare works. Seek out free counseling services through State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) or your local Medicare office.

The more knowledge you gain, the better prepared you’ll be to make smart decisions about your Medicare coverage choices. While complex, resources exist to provide information and support.

We’re Here to Help

You do not have to spend hours reading articles on the internet to get answers to your Medicare questions. Give the licensed insurance agents at Glidden Group a Call at (208) 962-0077. You will get the answers you seek in a matter of minutes, with no pressure and no sales pitch. We are truly here to help.

FAQs

 How can my Medicare premiums be deducted from my monthly Social Security check?

If you receive Social Security benefits and sign up for Medicare Parts A and B, your monthly premiums will be automatically deducted from your Social Security check each month. Contact the Social Security Administration to verify your premiums will be deducted properly.

How much will be deducted for my Medicare Part B premium in 2023?

For most Medicare Part B enrollees, $164.90 will be deducted from their Social Security check each month in 2023 to pay for their standard Medicare Part B premium. However, higher-income Part B enrollees may pay more depending on their modified adjusted gross income.

What if I want Medicare premiums deducted but am not receiving Social Security yet?

Even if you don’t currently qualify for Social Security benefits, you can request to have your monthly Medicare Part B premium of $164.90 (or more if income-related) deducted from your monthly check once you do become eligible to receive Social Security. Contact the local Social Security office to set this up.

How do I set up premium deductions if I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?

Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. If you enroll in a Part C plan, your plan’s monthly premiums will still be automatically deducted from your Social Security check along with your Part B premium. Premiums vary from plan to plan.

What if I also enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan?

If you enroll in both Medicare medical insurance (Part B) and a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D), both premiums will be bundled together and deducted from your Social Security payment each month. The amount deducted will be the total of your Part B ($164.90) and Part D premiums for 2023.

How can I find out exactly how much will be deducted from my monthly check?

Contact the Social Security Administration with questions about your monthly benefit amount and how much will be deducted for Medicare premiums, part B and any supplements. They can provide an estimate to help you understand your take home Social Security payment and out-of-pocket Medicare costs.

What if I want Medicare but do not receive Social Security benefits?

If you aren’t receiving Social Security, you’ll need to make arrangements with Medicare to directly pay your monthly premiums for Part B or Part D since they can’t be deducted from benefits. Contact Medicare to setup billing and understand your payment options.

 Can premium deductions affect my Social Security in other ways?

Medicare premium deductions are mandatory and won’t reduce the amount of your overall Social Security benefit. However, high income beneficiaries may pay more for Part B & Part D coverage which could increase the total amount deducted each month from Social Security payments.