My husband passed away and now my Medicare premiums went up. Why does losing someone raise your costs?

Question

Steven Bleicher · Accepted Answer

This can be complicated. It has to do with you & your husband's "Adjusted Gross Income" or "AGI" which is taken from your 2-yr. old tax return. If you've earned more than your husband during your respective careers, once he is out of the picture, Medicare only looks at your new and "individual" tax return. The least amount in 2025 for the Part B premium is $185.00 (as an individual filer, that means the "AGI" is $103,000.00 or less; but it can be as much as $594.00 per month if your AGI is $500K or greater). My best advice for you would be to make an appointment with a counselor at your nearest Social Security office to verify that the above example happened to be your case, or not.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Renee Brown · Answer

It most generally has to do with the income that you and your spouse had. With the spouse being deceased, it may throw you personally into a higher tax bracket if your income was higher. Your Part B and D monthly premium could go up if that is the case

Answered by Renee Brown on May 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 32 other states

Answered by Renee Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

Firstly, I’m sorry for your loss. I understand it’s a hard and confusing times for you. 
One has nothing to do with the other though in this scenario. Currently most all companies are seeing increases for their policyholders. I would ask your agent or carrier directly what they correspond the increase costs to.

David Silver · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/my-husband-passed-away-and-now-my-medicare-premiums-went-up-why-does-losing-someone-raise-your-costs#david-silver

Tammie Rutledge · Answer

It is possible you lost a spouse discount if you had a Medicare Supplement plan.

Gary Henderson · Answer

It depends on what premiums you're talking about 
If you're talking about your Medicare supplement plan premiums, if you had a discount because you both had the same policy with the same company that would eliminate that and raise it somewhat but not too much 
So again, I would need to understand your situation. If you'd like to talk about it give me a call.

David Christian · Answer

Your Medicare premiums might have increased after your husband's passing due to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). This surcharge, which affects Parts B and D, is based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years prior, and the loss of your husband's income or benefits can shift you into a higher income bracket, triggering the surcharge.

Answered by David Christian on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA & TX

Answered by David Christian Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Barnes, CMIP® · Answer

Some insurance companies offer a spousal or household discount. When one member of the household passes away, the discount is no longer extended for just the one person left in the home.

Karen Ansell · Answer

The main reason for this is that Medicare has income limits for couples, that will effect your Medicare premiums. If one passes away you are now under the single income which can effect your premium.

Wild Bill Anderson · Answer

Some plans give couple discounts. We will be sure you maximize all discounts when your spouse passes away. There are usually many plans and companies to choose from . With 11 different companies and over 65 plans to choose from, you will maximize your plan as we work with you to get you the best value.

Answered by Wild Bill Anderson on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA

Answered by Wild Bill Anderson Medicare Insurance Agent

Richard Balistreri · Answer

This could happen if you were both on a Medicare plan with the same company. A lot of companies offer a discount when two people in the same household are enrolled with the same company. The discounts can range from 5% to 15%.

Answered by Richard Balistreri on May 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in MO, AZ, FL & 7 other states

Answered by Richard Balistreri Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Rowe · Answer

Medicare supplement plans or Medigap plans have discounts for living with a spouse or living with an adult (depending on carrier) on them which can’t get taken away at the time of death or during a plan change and move.

Answered by Robert Rowe on May 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in MI

Answered by Robert Rowe Medicare Insurance Agent

Darko Bozic · Answer

Your Medicare premium (Part B) should not go up because of your husband's death. Neither should your Medicare Advantage plan's premium. Only Medicare Supplement plans can have their premiums go up after a spouse dies if both spouses had the same plan and were receiveing a family discount. I cannot give a definite answer without taking a look at your situation and what type of plan you have.

Answered by Darko Bozic on April 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Darko Bozic Medicare Insurance Agent

My husband passed away and now my Medicare premiums went up. Why does losing someone raise your costs?

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My husband passed away and now my Medicare premiums went up. Why does losing someone raise your costs?

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