Paying twice for Medicare


Q: I just turned 65 and started paying my Medicare premium on a quarterly basis. I am still working federal civil service and not drawing Social Security so I have to pay my Medicare premiums separately from my pay deduction. However, Medicare deductions are still taken from my civil service pay. It seems I am having to pay twice for the same coverage. If I was not working civil service I would not have the deduction and I would still receive the same coverage since I am 65 and paying the premiums for parts A and B.  Shouldn’t the pay deduction cease when a worker turns 65 since I am paying premiums directly now?

A: As long as you have earnings from wages or self-employment, Medicare Part A will continue to be deducted from your pay. Therefore, you shouldn’t be making quarterly payments for that coverage. If you are, write to or call 1-800-Medicare to straighten things out. On the other hand, Medicare Part B deductions are not automatically deducted from an employee’s pay. If they are, you shouldn’t be making separate payments; if they aren’t, your should.


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  1. Similar question: Like countless others, I have worked a long time and paid into the Medicare system along the way. Now I’m 66. And getting billed big bucks to have Medicare. I am not drawing Social Security yet, but even if I were, why would I still be required to pay for my Medicare again? I contributed to the system for the last 36 years.

    Who is benefiting from all the contributions I paid into Medicare? And to add insult to injury, when I do take my Social Security, it will be diminished considerably when Medicare takes the quarterly payments from that source.

    Thank you.

    • Deductions for Medicare Part A are taken from everyone who is receiving a paycheck. That’s the law. Those deductions allow the system to remain solvent and cover the costs of those who are eligible for that benefit and are no longer working.

  2. I’m currently having medicare deducted from my Social Security pension. I’m also working and having medicare being deducted from my payroll check. I’m 71 years old. Is this correct?

    • All employees have Medicare A deductions taken from their pay checks. Deductions for Medicare Part A are never taken from Social Security benefit payments; therefore, they must be for some other Medicare benefit, such as Part B.

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