Medicare premium refund issue after starting Social Security benefits - paid double for 2 months

You're right to be concerned about this. The SSA should automatically process a refund when they detect double payments like this, but sometimes the system doesn't catch it. I'd recommend calling the SSA directly about this issue. Make sure to have your Medicare premium payment records and your Social Security benefit statements ready when you call. The standard timeframe for these refunds is 6-8 weeks, but it can sometimes take longer, especially if your situation isn't a common one.

I had the exact same thing happen to me last year!! The refund eventually showed up on my credit card but it took almost 4 MONTHS! No notification or anything, just suddenly appeared one day. Super frustrating. No one at SS seemed to know anything when I called.

This is a common issue when transitioning from direct Medicare premium payments to having them deducted from your SS benefits. The system should automatically process a refund, but in my experience as a benefits counselor, this process is often delayed. If it's been more than 8 weeks, I recommend taking these steps: 1. Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and specifically mention you need help with a "Medicare premium refund due to duplicate payment" 2. Have documentation ready showing both your direct payment and the SSA benefit statements showing the deductions 3. If they can't help, ask to speak with a Technical Expert or a supervisor 4. If the phone route doesn't work, schedule an in-person appointment at your local SSA office The problem is that Medicare premium operations are handled by CMS while your SS benefits are administered by SSA, and sometimes the coordination between these two agencies isn't seamless.

yeah you definately need to call them, they're not going to just magically fix it. the goverment never gives money back unless you MAKE them do it lol

I had the EXACT same issue in 2024! After waiting 3 months with no refund, I got so frustrated trying to call SSA directly. Constant busy signals, disconnections, and wait times of 2+ hours only to get transferred and disconnected again. I was about to give up when someone recommended Claimyr.com to me. It's a service that helps you get through to SSA quickly instead of waiting on hold forever. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU I used it, got through to an agent in about 10 minutes, and they were able to check on my refund status. Turns out there was some paperwork error that needed to be fixed. Got my refund about 2 weeks later. Might be worth trying if you're having trouble getting through!

This happens more often than you'd think. The automated refund process should work, but there's a specific situation where it can get delayed: if you started your Medicare more than 3 months before your Social Security benefits. In these cases, the system sometimes requires manual intervention. You mentioned you started Medicare in August and SS in October, so this could be what's happening. The best approach is to call the SSA's dedicated Medicare premium billing line at 1-800-772-1213 and choose the Medicare premium payment options when prompted. Be sure to explain that you: 1) Paid Medicare premiums directly for Aug-Nov 2025 2) Started SS benefits in October 2025 3) Had Medicare premiums deducted from October and November SS checks 4) Are requesting a refund for the duplicate payments And yes, keep your documentation handy - proof of your direct payments and your SS benefit statements showing the deductions. The refund should come back to your original payment method.

I wonder if there's like an actual form for this? Seems like there should be a form for everything with Social Security right? Maybe ask if there's a specific Medicare premium refund request form you need to fill out?

This is just another example of how BROKEN the SSA systems are!! I've been dealing with them for YEARS and it's always some problem or another. Don't hold your breath waiting for that refund. My dad went through something similar last year and had to make MULTIPLE trips to the local office before they fixed it. The right hand doesn't know what the left is doing over there.

I see a lot of good advice here. One additional thing to consider: sometimes these refunds are processed as adjustments to future premiums rather than direct refunds to your credit card. Check your MySocialSecurity account online and look at the Medicare premium section. You might see a notation about an adjustment or credit.

After reading through this thread, I think you have all the information you need to proceed. To summarize the best course of action: 1. Call SSA's main line (1-800-772-1213) specifically about a Medicare premium refund due to duplicate payment 2. If you have difficulty getting through via phone, consider using a service to help connect you or schedule an in-person appointment 3. Have all your documentation ready showing both payments 4. Be prepared to be persistent - this is a known issue that requires follow-up 5. If not resolved in 2-3 more weeks, escalate by asking for a supervisor or Technical Expert The good news is that you WILL get your refund eventually. These situations are always resolved, it's just a matter of time and persistence.