Who Qualifies For An Extra $144 Added To Their Social Security?
If you’re looking for ways to save on your Medicare costs, you may have heard about the Medicare give-back benefit, which returns $144 a month to your Social Security check. Understanding how this extra cash works and whether you qualify can be tricky, but it can make a big difference.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about Medicare’s give-back benefit, who’s eligible, and how to get started.
Who Qualifies For An Extra $144 Added To Their Social Security? Medicare Giveback Benefit: What is it?
Medicare Advantage plans offer a special perk known as Medicare giveback that helps you reduce your Medicare Part B premium. In order to qualify for this benefit, you need to be enrolled in one of those plans that provide this benefit. This benefit isn’t offered by all plans, but it’s becoming more popular as a way to differentiate plans from each other.
It works like this:
Medicare Part B premiums are $185 in 2025 for most people on Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you will typically pay the Part B premium plus the Advantage plan premium. Although many Advantage plans do not charge an additional premium, some offer a “giveback” rebate that reduces your monthly premium for Part B. In some cases, the full part B premium can be given back, but it is rare for the full premium to be covered.
As of 2025, 32% of Medicare Advantage plans will offer some reductions in Part B premiums, according to Kaiser Family Foundation data. Medicare Advantage plans receive payments from the federal government for these plans, and some of them choose to reduce those payments to provide the giveback.
If you’re in a plan with this benefit, every member gets the same reduction, so it’s a uniform benefit. It’s worth exploring if you’re looking to save on Medicare costs. Not everyone will find this benefit, but it’s worth looking into.
How to Get a Refund for Medicare Part B Premiums
There are specific steps you need to follow in order to get a refund on your Medicare Part B premium. You can lower your Medicare Part B monthly payment by taking advantage of this benefit, sometimes called the Medicare giveback benefit, offered by some Medicare Advantage plans. Here are some tips for taking advantage of it.
Also check: What Is The 24-Hour Phone Number For Social Security?
Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan that meets your needs
In some Medicare Advantage plans, you pay the Medicare Part B premium in addition to the Medicare Advantage premium. When you enroll, you typically pay the Medicare Part B premium along with the Medicare Advantage premium.
A few plans, however, cover part of your Medicare Part B premium, which reduces the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket each month.
The following criteria must be met in order to qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan:
- The hospital insurance component of Medicare Part A must be combined with the medical insurance component of Medicare Part B.
- If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan, you must live in its service area.
- There are some exceptions to the rule of not having End-Stage Renal Disease (ERSD) when enrolling.
The process begins with:
- You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B to be eligible for this plan.
- Consider Medicare Part B giveback rebate plans that offer a Medicare Part B giveback rebate when comparing Medicare Advantage plans on the official Medicare website or consulting with an insurance agent.
- When you find a suitable plan, you can enroll during the Medicare Annual Enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), or at other times if you qualify.
Despite the fact that not every Medicare Advantage plan offers giveback rebates, those that do can save you money on your healthcare expenses.
Medicare Part B Premium Reimbursement Timeline
Those of you on Medicare are probably aware that Medicare Part B is automatically deducted from your Social Security check every month if you are on it. Invoices from Medicare are likely to be sent to you if you don’t yet receive Social Security retirement benefits.
You may be able to lower your Medicare Part B costs by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan with a giveback rebate, whether you receive Social Security benefits or pay Medicare directly.
How soon can you expect to receive this reimbursement?
After you receive your rebate, you’ll see that the amount deducted from your check for Medicare Part B has been reduced. This isn’t immediate, as there’s some processing time involved, but you should see the change within a few months.
You will see the lower premium reflected on your upcoming statements once Medicare’s rebate is applied. Again, it might take some time, so make sure you keep an eye on your statement to see the lower premium.
While you might not notice the changes in your Social Security check or invoice for a few months, the Medicare Part B rebate will help reduce your costs, regardless of what you currently pay.
Maintaining eligibility requirements
- On-time payment of premiums: Keep up with your Medicare Part B premium payments to avoid losing your coverage.
- Enrollment annually: To maintain appropriate coverage, review and adjust your plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7).
- Reporting of income: Changes in income may affect your premiums, so report them as soon as possible.
- Personal information should be updated: If your life circumstances change (e.g., moving, getting married), notify Medicare or Social Security.
- Follow the plan rules: Be sure to adhere to the Medicare Advantage and Supplement plan requirements, such as choosing a network provider and completing a health assessment.
- Annually review the plan: Make sure the plan continues to be suitable each year by checking for any changes.
- Make use of preventive services: Preventive services are an essential part of Medicare’s preventive services program, so make sure you take advantage of them.
Should I switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan with a Part B Giveback?
With a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare Part B giveback, your monthly premium can be lowered, which means a bit more money for you. However, it’s important to weigh the potential drawbacks, such as limited choices of doctors or higher out-of-pocket costs for certain services.
In addition, check whether your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network with the plan before switching. It’s all about striking the right balance between your healthcare needs and your finances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process of adding $144 back to your Social Security check every month?
It is possible to add up to $144 back to your Social Security check each month if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with a Part B giveback benefit.
What is the process for reclaiming Medicare money from your Social Security check?
It is possible to add Medicare money back to your Social Security check by joining a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a Medicare Part B giveback benefit.
Who is eligible for a refund of Medicare premiums?
Medicare premiums could be refunded if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a giveback benefit, or if you qualify for programs such as Medicare Savings Programs.
What is the process for applying for Medicare Part B premium reimbursement?
If you want to apply for Medicare Part B premium reimbursement, you must sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan that offers it. Your Medicare Advantage plan will automatically reduce your Social Security premium amount.
