any social security experts?

[lindalinda]

My mom (age 66) had to apply for medicare last year. She receives a partial federal pension (from my dads career, she was a sahm). When she applied the agent said she was eligible for partial SS benefits. Mom told her no, she didnt think so, since dad had a federal pension. The woman argued with her , and finally convinced her she was eligible. Fast forward to today, mom receives a letter from SS, stating that they "calculated her benefit incorrectly" and that she has to return $2900 within 30 days! My mom has an extremely tight budget, there is NO WAY she can come up with 2900$! The only way she figures she can do it, is to borrow against a small IRA that she has. If she doesnt pay within 30 days (the letter states) they will just cancel her SS payment until it is paid.

So , the main, (and most important ) question is, since her medicare comes out of this payment, will she lose her medicare benefit? Could this get screwed up, where if she got ill, it wouldnt be covered by medicare? It's so confusing now!

 

[SwedishMeatball]

My husband is in the health insurance business and works with medicare issues. He said the first thing to do is take that letter to your local SS administrative office and verify that this is not a scam, or you can also call 1-800-772-1213, which is the federal SS administrative office and they can verify it for you. She can never lose part A, which is hopitalization. If this is legit, then they will give her the option to pay $93.50 per month for part B, but they only bill quarterly. For more information on medicare go to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-medicare.

 

[lindalinda]

Thank you, she is totally stressing out over this (not that I blame her)! She is going to call and make an appointment tomorrow.