My dad retired unexpectedly last year, and his Medicare premiums got hit with IRMAA fees based on his old income from two years ago. He submitted the SSA-44 form to explain his lower income, but SSA still billed him for 2023. Now, they're likely going to do the same for 2024. SSA told me the IRMAA is always set on income from two years back, no exceptions, which feels unfair. Should he just pay and wait it out, or is there a better way to appeal and get the charges lowered?
Trying to help my dad after forced retirement
- Thread starter folklore
- Start date
IRMAA should have exceptions for life-changing events, and they recognize retirement or work stoppage as one.
I think your dad should absolutely not just pay and wait it out, you have to consistently follow up on his SSA-44 for 2023 and formally appeal for both years if the initial form wasn't processed correctly.
Be ready to submit all supporting documents again when you request for reconsideration.
Persistence is key, and he can also seek help from his State Health Insurance Assistance Program for guidance.
Hope this helps!
I think your dad should absolutely not just pay and wait it out, you have to consistently follow up on his SSA-44 for 2023 and formally appeal for both years if the initial form wasn't processed correctly.
Be ready to submit all supporting documents again when you request for reconsideration.
Persistence is key, and he can also seek help from his State Health Insurance Assistance Program for guidance.
Hope this helps!
My uncle went through something similar, he retired earl and his IRMAA was based on his final high-earning year. He filed SSA-44 citing retirement as a life-changing event, but they denied it at first because his paperwork didn't include a proper proof of reduced income. Once he submitted his pension statement and a signed letter from his employer, they adjusted it the next quarter and even refunded the difference, it took persistence, but it worked.
