If you disagree with the decision regarding your Medicare Part B premium amount, you have the right to appeal. You can request an appeal in writing by completing a "Request for Reconsideration" (Form Social Security Administration-561-U2).  You can find the appeal form online at www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ssa-561.html or request a copy through the Social Security Administration’s toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or you can contact your local Social Security office to file your appeal.

You do not need to file an appeal if any of the following applies to you.

You can request a new decision and ask that Social Security use more recent  tax information if:

• Social Security used 2004 tax data to determine your 2007 premium and you have a signed copy of your 2005 tax return; or
• One of the following happened and the change will make a difference in the income level Social Security considers:
  • You married;
  • You divorced or your marriage was annulled;
  • You became a widow or widower;
  • You or your spouse stopped working or reduced work hours;
  • You or your spouse lost income from income-producing property due to a disaster or other event beyond your control; or
  • Your or your spouse's benefits from an insured pension plan stopped or were reduced.
    
    Once you show evidence of the event and provide proof or an estimate of your reduced income, Social Security will update the Social Security records and correct your Part B premiums back to the earliest time in the year you had Part B.

You also can request a new decision and ask that Social Security use more accurate tax return information if:

• You amended your tax return for the year Social Security used to determine your premium and it changes the income Social Security counts;
• You provide proof from IRS of an error in the tax return information Social Security used to make the Social Security decision; or
• Your tax filing status for the year Social Security used to determine your premium was "married filing separately" and you did not live with your spouse at any time during that year.

To report the change, you can use Form Social Security Administration-44, Medicare Part B Income-Related Premium - Life-Changing Event.

For more information, visit the Social Security Administration’s website at www.socialsecurity.gov/mediinfo.htm, call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office.

To learn more about Medicare Part B coverage, visit www.medicare.gov.