Frequently Asked Questions
▸ How do I check if my employer actually reported my Medicare wages to the IRS?
The fastest way is to create a free my Social Security account at SSA.gov, where you can instantly view your complete earnings history going back to 1951. If you’re approaching 65, it’s worth verifying you’ve hit the 10 years of qualifying work well before you apply — catching a discrepancy five years early gives you time to dispute it rather than scrambling at enrollment.
▸ What IRS form do I file to report an employer who stole payroll taxes?
IRS Form 3949-A, called an Information Referral, is the standard submission for reporting suspected employer tax fraud. You can mail it or submit it through the IRS website. Worth knowing: the IRS Whistleblower Program allows individuals who report tax fraud exceeding certain thresholds to receive between 15% and 30% of any amount the IRS actually collects — so reporting isn’t just the right thing to do, it can have a financial upside.
▸ Is there a deadline for suing a former employer who didn’t pay Medicare taxes?
State statutes of limitations for fraud-based wage claims typically range from two to six years depending on where you live, so time matters enormously. Federal civil RICO claims, which can apply when fraud is systematic, carry a four-year window. If you’re already 65 and just discovered the problem, consulting a tax or employment attorney within 30 days of learning about it gives you the most options.
▸ Does paying the full $505/month for Medicare Part A actually save money versus private insurance?
For most people in 2026, yes — the $505/month Part A premium still undercuts comparable private hospital coverage by a wide margin, especially when bundled with the $185/month Part B premium. A licensed Medicare broker can run a side-by-side cost comparison at no charge to you, since brokers are paid directly by insurers, not by clients.
▸ What happens to my Medicare enrollment deadlines while an eligibility dispute is being resolved?
This is critical: your Initial Enrollment Period — the 7-month window centered on your 65th birthday — does not pause while a dispute is pending. You should enroll in Part B immediately since it requires no work history. Missing that window triggers a permanent late enrollment penalty of 10% added to the standard $185/month 2026 premium for every 12 months you were eligible but unenrolled.
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