Social Security Q & A- Can I ask for a new decision about

Can I ask for a new decision about my Income-Related Part B premium?

You can request a new decision and ask that the Social Security Administration’s use more recent tax return 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/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 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 Administration’s 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.

For more information, see Social Security's publication, Medicare Part B Premiums: New Rules For Beneficiaries With Higher Incomes 2006, 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.