Short answer: Usually the month after Social Security acknowledges the state has added the person to its buy-in rolls. In Texas, any premiums withheld after the buy-in date should come back as an upward adjustment, typically by the third month after certification.
When the state pays a person’s Part B premium (the standard premium is $202.90 per month for 2026), it is called the Medicare buy-in. The Texas HHSC handbook explains the timing:
- Once a person is enrolled in buy-in, Social Security stops charging for Part B, usually the month after it acknowledges the person’s addition to the buy-in rolls.
- If premiums were already withheld from the monthly benefit, the check should show an upward adjustment by the third month after the month of certification.
- SSI recipients with Part B are enrolled in buy-in effective the first month they receive a cash payment.
For full-benefit Medicaid, Medicare.gov says the state pays the Part B premium. For partial duals, it comes through QMB, SLMB or QI. Tell people to expect a lag of a couple of months before their Social Security deposit goes up.
Sources
Texas HHSC MEPD Handbook A-9200, Medicare Buy-In (archived)web.archive.org/web/20260116042621/https://www.hhs.texas.gov/handbooks/medicaid-elderly-people-disabilities-handbook/a-9200-medicare-buyCMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A and B Premiums and Deductiblescms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-parts-b-premiums-deductiblesMedicare.gov, Medicaidmedicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicaid