How do I know whether this applies to me?

Social Security sends a letter — an initial determination notice — telling you your Part B and Part D premiums for the coming year. If it shows an income-related amount on top of the standard premium and your income has dropped since the tax year they used, that’s the signal.

Which tax year is Medicare using?

Medicare generally uses the tax return from two years before the premium year. For example, 2026 income-related charges generally use 2024 income. If your income has since fallen because of a qualifying life change, you can ask about a review.

What if the income is right but I disagree with the determination?

Follow the instructions on your notice to contact Social Security about reconsideration. If you filed an amended tax return or believe the income information is incorrect, tell the representative so they can explain the appropriate process.

Does it cost anything to have you look at this?

There is no charge for a consultation. I can help you understand the notice and prepare questions for Social Security. They decide whether your premium can change. For tax advice, you’ll need a qualified tax professional.

Greensboro · Form SSA-44

Has your income gone down since you retired?

Medicare generally uses income from two years earlier to calculate income-related premium charges. If you’ve retired, reduced your work hours, or had another qualifying life change, you may be able to request a review through Social Security.

(919) 408-6671 Ask about your Medicare premiums →

Free consultation. No obligation to enroll.

Christian Brinkley, licensed insurance agent in Greensboro, North Carolina — Christian BrinkleyLicensed insurance agent · Greensboro, NCMaster’s student in Accounting at UNC Greensboro

The eight events that qualify

Social Security recognizes the following life-changing events. If one applies to you and your income has gone down, you can ask Social Security to review the income used to calculate your Medicare premiums.

You stopped working: This can include leaving work for retirement.
You reduced your hours: A reduction in your work hours can qualify.
You got married: Marriage can change your household income and filing status.
You divorced, or had a marriage annulled: Divorce or annulment may affect household income.
Your spouse died: The loss of a spouse can change household income.
You lost a pension: Certain losses or reductions in pension income can qualify. Check the requirements in Form SSA-44.
You lost income-producing property: Through a disaster, or something outside your control. Selling it does not count.
You received an employer settlement: From a bankruptcy, a closure, or a reorganization.

Income changes that may need a different approach

A temporary increase in income, by itself, generally does not qualify as a life-changing event for Form SSA-44. Examples include the transactions below. If you think the income information or decision is wrong, contact Social Security about a review.

Selling a house, even if the gain is what pushed your income up
A one-off capital gain from selling investments
A Roth conversion
A large withdrawal from a retirement account
A taxable distribution from an inherited retirement account

Before a large withdrawal or Roth conversion, ask your tax professional or financial advisor how the additional income could affect your taxes and future Medicare premiums. Our calculator can help you explore an estimate using 2026 rates.

Estimate the Medicare premium effect →

How to prepare your request

1. Review your Medicare premium notice. Social Security tells you what your premium will be and which tax year they used. That letter is what you’re responding to.
2. Fill in Form SSA-44. You state which event happened, when, and what you expect your income to be for the more recent year.
3. Bring evidence. Gather documents that support the event and your expected income, such as an employer letter or pension statement. The form’s instructions explain what evidence may be needed.
4. File it with Social Security. Contact Social Security for instructions on submitting your request and supporting documents.

You can find the current form and instructions at ssa.gov. Social Security reviews your request and determines whether your premium can change.

Personal Medicare help near you

Questions I get about this

How do I know whether this applies to me?: Social Security sends a letter — an initial determination notice — telling you your Part B and Part D premiums for the coming year. If it shows an income-related amount on top of the standard premium and your income has dropped since the tax year they used, that’s the signal.
Which tax year is Medicare using?: Medicare generally uses the tax return from two years before the premium year. For example, 2026 income-related charges generally use 2024 income. If your income has since fallen because of a qualifying life change, you can ask about a review.
What if the income is right but I disagree with the determination?: Follow the instructions on your notice to contact Social Security about reconsideration. If you filed an amended tax return or believe the income information is incorrect, tell the representative so they can explain the appropriate process.
Does it cost anything to have you look at this?: There is no charge for a consultation. I can help you understand the notice and prepare questions for Social Security. They decide whether your premium can change. For tax advice, you’ll need a qualified tax professional.

Would you like help understanding your notice?

We can look at your notice, discuss what has changed, and identify questions to take to Social Security. Your consultation is no cost, with no obligation.

(919) 408-6671 Tell me what changed →

Free consultation in person or by phone. Appointments daily at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm, Eastern time.

For help reviewing changes to your Medicare plan, read our annual enrollment guide.