Making Changes After a Medicare High-Income Surcharge
Surcharge is based on your last tax return on file.


Question:
I retired this year, so my income next year will be much lower. But I just received notice of a high-income surcharge on my Medicare premiums. Is there a way to use my newer, lower income? --M.S., Yuma, Ariz.
Answer:

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Yes. Single filers who have more than $85,000 in adjusted gross income plus tax-exempt interest income, and those who are married filing jointly who have more than $170,000, have to pay extra for Medicare Part B and Part D. The surcharge is based on your last tax return on file—generally 2016 income for 2018 premiums.
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As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.
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