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

Gary Church · Answer

First of all, sorry for your husband's passing. There could be several factors. Did your income increase? You could appeal the increase by reaching out to Medicare.

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Hi, thanks for watching. So the question is, someone's husband passed away and now their Medicare premiums went up. Why does losing someone raise your costs? There are like two reasons I can think of. The first one is maybe you lost your household discount with the insurance carrier. The second reason has to do with IRMAA, which is the income-related monthly adjustment amount. That's the income surcharge or upcharge Medicare charges you when you make over a certain amount.

But immediately, my advice would be to quickly go to the Social Security office, make an appointment, go down there, and find out what's going on because this could drag out for a long time. And actually, the people at Social Security are pretty helpful. I've gone down there with several clients, and they've been very, very helpful. So the first thing I would do is go there and try to get some guidance.

Mark Bilgere · Answer

This is a unique case. It is not because of the person's passing that causes the increase. It is most likely a result of income reported 2 years prior to the spouses death. Part B IRMAAs are determined on a 2 year look back. If your joint income exceeded certain thresholds two years prior to the person's death, you could see an increase in your Part B premium. Also, if you filed single instead of joint this year, the income from two years ago may exceed the threshold for a single filer versus a joint filer. Work with a local broker or your tax professional. There are remedies for this situation.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on November 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK

Answered by Mark Bilgere 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.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

Thats not a lot of info to go on but I'm assuming you're talking about a Medicare Supplement.  If you both had your plans at the same supplement company, you would/ may have lost the household discount, that's the first thing that comes to mind.  You can call your carrier and ask.  Supplements can be shopped anytime of the calendar year so you might look into that.  I'm licensed in a lot of states so if you care to you can contact me.   
Contact us.

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

Medicare premiums often rise after a spouse passes away due to the "widow’s penalty," where your tax filing status changes from "married filing jointly" to "single," making it easier to exceed income thresholds. Additionally, IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) uses income from two years prior, meaning past joint income may trigger higher premiums now.

Answered by Mark Maliwauki on March 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in ID, AZ, CA & 13 other states

Answered by Mark Maliwauki Medicare Insurance Agent

Ann Sanfelippo · Answer

When a spouse passes away, your household income often changes, which can affect how Medicare calculates your IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). If your income was previously based on a joint tax return, Medicare may still use that higher amount temporarily, causing your premiums to rise. You can appeal this with the Social Security Administration by reporting a life-changing event and request a lower premium based on your new income.

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo on October 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 14 other states

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo Medicare Insurance Agent

John Becker · Answer

You would have to be much more specific about your circumstances. There is not enough information here to answer it. I assume what you might be referring to may have to do with you now filing as and individual where as before you were filing as a couple… but would need way more information to answer that question.

Answered by John Becker on October 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI & MN

Answered by John Becker Medicare Insurance Agent

Vincent Murray · Answer

You must be making more money than your husband did.  As you can see if you both made the same it would be the same amount.
Standard	Single: <= $106,000
Married Filing Jointly: <= $212,000
$206.50

1.4x Standard	Single: <= $133,000
Married Filing Jointly: <= $266,000
$289.10

2.0x Standard	Single: <= $167,000
Married Filing Jointly: <= $334,000
$213 and so on.

Ravi Natarajan · Answer

The only scenario that I can think of here would be that your income as an individual is now subject to IRMAA. Please consult with your broker to assist with the calculations.

Amy Putrino · Answer

Medicare Part B premiums are calculated using your income from 2 year prior. If you had a higher income and were filing jointly, your income was calculated as such. Now that you are single, the same income is used to calculate, but all towards you as an individual. You should file an appeal, which I can help with.

Answered by Amy Putrino on June 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in RI, AZ, CT & 12 other states

Answered by Amy Putrino 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

Jane Ahrens · Answer

You didn't specify which premium you meant.  Your Part B premium (based on 2023 income) is income-based if you are an individual with higher income (above $106K for a single filer). If you are under $106K, your Part B is $185/month.
If you are talking about a Medicare Supplement premium, it's possible that you were receiving a household discount on the monthly premium which would be gone now.
It's impossible to say without knowing what premiums you mean.

Sherry Stone · Answer

I actually cannot answer that 100% accurately without more information.  What I can tell you, though, is that Medicare bills the Part B premium on a "sliding scale", if you will, which is based off your income from two years prior.  For 2025, if you are single with a yearly income of $106,000 or less, or married with a yearly income of $212,000 or less, you pay the "standard" Part B premium - which is $185 monthly (for 2025).  The rest:
Single $106,000 - $133,000 or Married $212,000 - $266,000 yearly income - your Part B is $259 monthly.
Single $133,000-$167,000 or Married $266,000 - $334,000 yearly income - your Part B is $370 monthly.
Single $167,000-$200,000 or Married $334,000-$400,000 yearly income - your Part B is $480.90 monthly.
Single $200,000-$500,000 or Married $400,000 -$750,000 yearly income - your Part B is $591.90 monthly.
Single with over $500,000 or Married with over $750,000 yearly income - your Part B is $628.90 monthly.
This is called IRMAA - Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.  It will change a little each year.  This also pertains to Part D!

Michael McGarrigle · Answer

I’ve had this come up with clients, and it catches people off guard.

What usually causes it is the change in filing status. After a spouse passes, you go from married to single, and Medicare uses income from a couple years back to set your premiums. The income brackets for single filers are lower, so even if your income didn’t really change, your Part B and Part D premiums can go up.

Sometimes there’s also a small increase on the Medicare Supplement side if there was a household discount that no longer applies.

The one thing I always suggest is taking a look at your current income. If it’s gone down, you may be able to file an appeal with Social Security and get those premiums reduced.

It’s not always obvious, but definitely worth checking into.

Joseph Mullen · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that your husband has passed away. The Medicare part B premium typically increases each year. In 2025 the standard Medicare part B premium is $185 per month. The premium in 2026 will be $205.50 per month. If you qualify, there are programs that can help pay some or all of the Medicare part B premium.

Answered by Joseph Mullen on August 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, CT, FL & 5 other states

Answered by Joseph Mullen Medicare Insurance Agent

Justin Call · Answer

I believe you are referring to your Part B premium. Usually that cost is based on your income 2 years ago. There are brackets to determine this cost based on your income. If you gained some of your husbands income, but now there is only you filing single instead of two of you filing jointly, your income could be in a different bracket now. 

You can submit a form SSA-44 to have your income reconsidered based on a life changing event.

Sonya Tomovich · Answer

Some insurance companies give discounts for spousal policies. If you would like to get a cost comparison and possibly save some money, please contact me. I’d love to help.

Diana Garner · Answer

My first question would be, which Medicare premiums are you referencing?  

If you are talking about Medicare Supplement plan premiums, those premiums could have increased for a couple of reasons:
     1) After your spouse passed away, you may have lost your household discount
     2) Med Sup premiums generally increase each year around the policy anniversary, so it could be time for renewal. You can shop around for better rates.
   
Your Medicare Part B or D premiums may have increased due to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) and the change in your tax filing status.  These premiums are based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from the 2 prior years.  When a spouse passes away, the tax filing status changes to single, and the income threshold for IRMAA is lower for individuals, which causes premiums to increase.

Jim Tretola · Answer

First off, my condolences on your loss.

As for your Premium increase, everyone’s went up.
Medicare is an individual thing and your Husband’s passing had nothing to do with the increase.
Meet with a Broker and look at your options.

Ron Cronwell · Answer

There could be several reasons your Part B premium has increased after your husband passed.

But, I suggest you contact Medicare directly and ask them why your premium increased. When an increase is coming, Medicare usually issues a latter informing the person of the increase and explains the WHY.

Michael Pyers · Answer

If you were both covered by the same insurance plan/company then you would lose your household discount. If you are healthy and can pass health questions on an application, then you may want to shop around with different carriers.

Answered by Michael Pyers on July 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH & MI

Answered by Michael Pyers Medicare Insurance Agent

James Stang · Answer

You would have to be more specific. Medicare Part B premiums can change annually but are individual so that would not be effected by losing your spouse. If you were covered by a Medicare Supplement policy that had a discount for two people in the household being covered, you would lose the discount when your spouse passes.

Answered by James Stang on July 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH

Answered by James Stang Medicare Insurance Agent

Gus Karigan · Answer

I’m very sorry for your loss. ❤️

The reason your Medicare premiums went up is likely due to IRMAA/ Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. Medicare calculates IRMAA based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years ago. When you were married and filed jointly, your combined income may have kept you in a lower IRMAA bracket. After the death of a spouse, your filing status changes to single, which can push your income into a higher bracket, increasing your Part B and Part D premiums.

If your income has dropped significantly since your spouse passed away, you can request a life-changing event appeal with Social Security using Form SSA-44. This lets them recalculate your premiums based on your current income rather than the prior two-year tax return, which may lower or remove the IRMAA surcharge.
Another reason your premiums may have jumped is you lost your household discount.  In Medicare, if you have a spouse or room mate, you can take advantage of a household discount.

David Silver · Answer

The question is, "My husband passed away and now my Medicare premiums went up. Why does losing someone raise your costs?" Well, the only reason your Part B premium would increase is if there was an increase in income. Maybe you're now collecting survivor's benefits from Social Security, which increased your income and put you over the Medicare threshold. Or, upon your spouse's passing, maybe there was some sort of income left to you that caused your income to rise. When Social Security does their look-back, they see that your income went up, and that's why your Part B would be more. That’s the only thing I can think of. You may want to consult with a tax advisor as well. But if it has to do with an increase in income, that's the only reason your Part B would increase. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to me, Dave Silver from Dave Silver Insurance. I look forward to hearing from you and talking to you soon.

Richard Kozlowski · Answer

Evening

First, I would like to extend my condolences on the passing of your husband.

As far as Medicare goes, < Medicare A and B should remain unchanged or even go down
If you are not in a lower-income bracket.

If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, your premium, or lack thereof, will remain unchanged.

If it were a Medicare Supplement, you may have enjoyed a household discount for two people in the house having the same plan, which dropped off when he passed. We can always look at other carriers for a lower price point.

Rich Kozlowski
Contact me.

Michael Wallner · Answer

Enrollment in Medicare is individual unless you were enrolled under a Private Employer Sponsored or Union Plan. Losing your spouse would not normally increase your premium under Traditional Medicare. If you were enrolled under a private employer or union plan, you should contact the plan administrator directly.

Some Medigap Policies offer a Household  Discount. If you are referring to an increase in the premium for a Medigap Plan, it is likely you may have lost the household discount on your policy due to your husband’s death.

Cindy Clonts · Answer

You may have had a household discount with a Medicare Supplement. When that person passes away, you no longer qualify for the discount unless another adult is living with you. Different companies have different age requirements. Some are 18 and some require a 50+ year old to live with you.

Answered by Cindy Clonts on June 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in GA, AL, CA & 9 other states

Answered by Cindy Clonts Medicare Insurance Agent

Tracy Davis · Answer

It sounds like you are on a Medicare supplement F, G, N. You were probably getting a household discount for having a spouse on the plan as well.

Hugo Luis Mion · Answer

The best thing you can do is call the SSA to find out what you can do about the passing of your husband and the increased cost. They're the best people to help you with your questions.

Tammie Rutledge · Answer

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

Marisa Mitchell · Answer

This may be due to your tax filing and income changes that impact you via an Income Monthly Related Adjustment Amount or IRMAA. 

You could request a redetermination due having a “life changing event” that could lower or even waive IRMAA.

Alicia Rosenquist · Answer

I'm very sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences.
Losing a spouse does not directly raise costs, but it can trigger a change in how your income is determined. There are two primary reasons this may happen:
1. Your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums are based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your tax return two years prior, not current income. If it has been longer then this, even if your total household income decreased, your individual income might fall into a higher income bracket when compared against the lower thresholds for a single person. This results in a higher premium. 
2. If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you might have been receiving a "household discount" because two people in the same home were enrolled with the same company. This discount is typically lost when there is only one remaining member in the household, leading to an increase in your premium for that specific plan.

Patricia Stiffler · Answer

I am so sorry for your loss! It may be because you had a household discount while you and your husband were both on the plan together,

Fred Manas · Answer

It's understandable to feel frustrated & confused when your Medicare premiums increase after the passing of your husband. Here's why this might happen:
Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA): Your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums are determined, in part, by your income. After your husband's death, your income may change, potentially shifting you into a different income bracket & affecting your Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).
Change in Tax Filing Status: When your husband passed away, your tax filing status changed from "married filing jointly" to "single" in the year following his death. This can impact your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which is used to calculate your IRMAA.
Income Thresholds: There are different income thresholds for single filers versus those married filing jointly, & the loss of your husband's income might put you above the threshold for the higher IRMAA, even if your income decreased overall.
Loss of Spousal Discounts: If you had a Medicare Supplement plan & were receiving a spousal discount, this discount would no longer apply after your husband's passing, leading to an increase in your premium.
Increased Healthcare Needs: A study published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that spousal death can lead to increased healthcare costs & usage for the surviving spouse, which may influence your Medicare premiums in some ways. 
What you can do:
Contact Social Security: You can contact the Social Security Administration to discuss your situation & see if your new income level might qualify you for a reduced IRMAA.
Appeal IRMAA: You can appeal your IRMAA determination if you believe it is incorrect.
Review Your Medicare Plan: It's important to review your current Medicare coverage & consider your options.
Consult a Financial Advisor: A financial advisor specializing in retirement planning can help you understand how losing your husband might impact your Medicare costs & guide you.

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.

Andrew Kramer · Answer

With the loss of your husband, you are now filing a single tax return, not joint. If your income is above a certain bracket, you need to pay the IRMAA. The income bracket for a single filer is lower than the bracket for a joint, married filer, hence you are paying the IRMAA. The IRMAA is the increased Medicare Part B and Part D premiums you must pay when your income is higher than the basic bracket.

Answered by Andrew Kramer on June 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Boone · Answer

When a spouse passes away, your Medicare premiums can increase due to changes in your tax filing status, which affects the income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA). Another possible reason is the loss of a household discount if you had a supplemental Medicare plan. The first year after your spouse's death, your IRMAA is likely still being calculated using your old, higher joint income. The Medicare system then applies that income against the new, lower threshold for individuals, which can put you in a higher premium bracket.

Answered by Mark Boone on October 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in MN, FL, MI & NC, OH, SC & VA

Answered by Mark Boone Medicare Insurance Agent

Jennifer Kalbach · Answer

Everyone who has Part B has the same premium across the board unless they have a MAPD DSNP (dual eligible) and Medicaid is helping to cover part of the Part B premium. Perhaps your income went up (SSI or other retirement benefits) and that knocked you out of DSNP eligibility.

Answered by Jennifer Kalbach on March 17, 2026

Agent Licensed in KY

Answered by Jennifer Kalbach Medicare Insurance Agent

Pat Papson · Answer

Best to check with the Social Security Department. 

You can call they're office or drop by your local office

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.

Rodolfo Rojas · Answer

It has to do with your husband's adjusted gross income for the last year's taxes. 
I would suggest that you speak with an agent that can review your plans.

Antonio Rodriguez · Answer

I’m really sorry for your loss. ❤️
It can feel unfair, but here’s why this sometimes happens:

When your spouse passes away, your household income and tax filing status can change — and Medicare bases your Part B and Part D premiums on your individual income from your most recent tax return.

So if you were previously filing jointly, Medicare may now look at your income as a single individual, which can push you into a higher income bracket under what’s called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount).

The good news is that there’s a form you can submit to appeal this increase — it’s called Form SSA-44 (Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Life Event form). You can use it to report a life change like the loss of a spouse, retirement, or reduced income. That often lowers the premium back down.

If you’d like, I can help walk you through how to fill that form out or where to send it.

Don Hansford · Answer

Losing someone does not raise your Medicare premiums. Those are adjusted every year for everyone and notification goes out late in November or early December. Traditionally, the Part B premium does increase slightly every year, but that is normal.

Answered by Don Hansford on December 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Don Hansford Medicare Insurance Agent

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

Jamie Blake · Answer

Losing a spouse can raise your Medicare premiums due to how the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is calculated. The income thresholds for individuals are much lower than for couples, which can push a surviving spouse into a higher premium bracket, even if their total income has decreased.

Answered by Jamie Blake on September 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in NV, AZ, CA & TX

Answered by Jamie Blake Medicare Insurance Agent

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

Rick 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 Rick Balistreri on May 13, 2025

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

Answered by Rick Balistreri Medicare Insurance Agent

Richard Norcross · Answer

Your premiums likely increased because you have a change in your filing status. IRMAA adjustments happen automatically when a spouse passes away but you do have an option to appeal the raise in cost.

Theodore Carpenter · Answer

The primary reason is that your husband's income puts you into a higher IRMAA (income-related Monthly Adjustment Amount), triggering a higher tax filing status as a single person. After your husband's death, your income is now compared against lower thresholds for individuals, causing your rates to rise.

Answered by Theodore Carpenter on August 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in IA, AZ, IL & TN

Answered by Theodore Carpenter Medicare Insurance Agent

Tanisha Coffey · Answer

When a spouse passes away, there's often a financial impact on top of the emotional one. One of the changes that often happens is that the surviving spouse's tax filing status changes from married filing jointly to single. When this happens, the income thresholds at which Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) applies also change. If your Medicare Part B premium increased, it's likely due to an IRMAA being assessed; the fee is based on income tax returns for the previous 2 tax years. If this is the type of increase you're experiencing, it is possible to appeal the IRMAA charge and, if the appeal is won, the IRMAA will be removed. Meanwhile, if you have experienced increases on other Medicare related coverages, if you and your spouse had those services together and had a household discount applied to your coverages, pricing could have increased due to the loss of the discount. Take a close look at your past and most recent billing statements to determine if this is the case. If you're unsure how to do either of those or if you would like help, reach out to your Medicare broker. If you don't have one, I'm happy to be a resource to assist you.

Answered by Tanisha Coffey on May 26, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, CA, GA & MD, SC, TX & VA

Answered by Tanisha Coffey 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

Robin Earley · Answer

Some companies offer discounts on Medicare Medigap policies for people living in the same household. Another reason your cost could rise could be a change in tax status from “Married Filing Jointly” to filing “Single”. This could change your “Adjusted Gross Income” amount.

Answered by Robin Earley on July 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in IL

Answered by Robin Earley 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

Cindy Hoppe · Answer

Someone needs to look at what you are looking at. Without seeing anything there is no way to answer your question.

Jesus Escamilla · Answer

I’m so sorry for your loss. I know this is already a hard time, and seeing your Medicare cost go up can feel very unfair.

The reason this may have happened is because Medicare looks at income in a certain way. When your husband was living, Medicare may have counted you as a married couple. After he passed, they may now count you as one person. The income limit for one person is lower than it is for a married couple, so Medicare may think you should pay more.

This extra charge is called IRMAA. It can raise your Part B premium and sometimes your Part D drug plan premium.

The good news is this may be fixable.

Social Security has a form called SSA-44. This form is used when a big life change happens, like the death of a spouse. You can ask Social Security to look at your income again and lower the extra charge if your income has gone down.

Here is what I would suggest:

Call Social Security and say:

“My spouse passed away, and my income has changed. I need help filing an SSA-44 form to lower my Medicare IRMAA charge.”

You may need to show them a copy of the death certificate and proof of your new income.

Also, we should check what kind of premium went up. It could be your Medicare Part B, Part D, Medigap plan, or another plan. Once we know which one went up, we can see the best way to fix it.

I know this is frustrating, but you may not be stuck with the higher cost. There is a process to ask Social Security to review it.

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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