Social Security: Medicare and disability questions answered

photo Gregory Holmes, district manager for Social Security

Q. What is the "Part B" Medicare monthly premium for 2013?

A. Most people pay the standard Part B premium of $104.90 each month in 2013. If your modified adjusted gross income on your Internal Revenue Service tax return from two years ago (the most recent tax return information provided to Social Security by the IRS) is above a certain amount, you may need to pay more. Only about 10 percent of Medicare beneficiaries, those with very high income, are required to pay a monthly premium greater than $104.90. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and select the "Medicare" tab.

Q. I am on disability. I would really like to try to work again. I understand Social Security's Ticket to Work might let me try working without jeopardizing my benefits. What can you tell me about it?

A. Ticket to Work is a voluntary program offering disabled beneficiaries a variety of services such as vocational rehabilitation, training, and job referrals. Ticket to Work can help you get the support and

services you need to help you achieve your employment goals. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/work or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Work Incentives make it possible for you to explore work while still receiving health care and cash benefits designed to give you a safety net:

• You can keep your Medicaid/Medicare while you work

• You can select part-time or work-from-home alternatives to help you reach your goal of financial independence

• You can try work with confidence, knowing your benefits continue during your transition period.

Submit questions to local Social Security Director Gregory Holmes by writing to Business Editor Dave Flessner, Chattanooga Times Free Press, P.O. Box 1447, Chattanooga, TN 37401-1447, or by e-mailing him at dflessner@timesfreepress.com.

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