Husband Passed Away…Why Is My Medicare Monthly Premium $545?

Dear Toni:

I have been reading your articles regarding COVID-19, being laid off, and enrolling in Medicare properly but I have not read an article on how to lower the Medicare monthly premium if you are not making that amount of income due to a life event such as your spouse passing away.

I turn 65 in September and have enrolled in Medicare. I received a letter from Social Security stating that I must pay $475.20 for Part B and $70.70 for Part D, totaling over $545.90 monthly because the IRS states that my income was $345,000 in 2019.

Since my husband passed away this February, I only have my Social Security check of $2400 a month to pay bills, not my husband’s income anymore.

How do I inform Social Security that I am no longer making this amount of income and…