I've heard about IRMAA affecting my Medicare premiums. How can I find out if it applies to me, and how does it work?
Answered by 65 licensed agents
Answered by Lea Ayres on March 12, 2025
Broker Licensed in PA, CT, MD & 8 other states
All right, thanks for watching. So the question is about IRMAA and how it affects your Medicare premiums and does it apply to you? Here’s how it goes. IRMAA is an acronym, and I won't bore you with the meaning of it and all that, but basically it's an upcharge by Medicare if you've made a lot of money. The way it works is the standard Medicare Part B premium, which is the medical piece of Part A and B, Part B is the medical insurance piece of Medicare, is your standard price of $164.90 a month. If you make over a certain amount of money this year, it's $106,000 for an individual or $212,000 for a couple filing jointly. If you make over that, then they have what they call an IRMAA charge, which is an upcharge. They're going to charge you more for your Part B than people that make under that amount. What you have to remember is this is a two-year look back. So if you signed up for Part B today, they would look back at your 2023 tax return to assess if there's a... and that’s not a penalty, assess the upcharge. And it's on a sliding scale. There's five different levels. It starts out not too bad. If you make a little bit over $212, I want to say it's another additional $100 a month,
Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on June 28, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ & CA
There are a variety of exceptions available to have an IRMAA reevaluated. Use Social Security Form SS-44 to apply for reconsideration. The most common reason is a reduction in income when someone retires. They may have had a high salary 2 years before retiring but now they will get very little. This could qualify for a reconsideration.
If you work with a trusted broker they can help you with this.
Answered by Mark Bilgere on September 22, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK
If your income earned is above a certain threshold, your Part B premium will be hirer.
Bill Lawler.
Answered by William Lawler on June 16, 2025
Broker Licensed in MO, FL, IA & 12 other states
Answered by Larry Dalton on April 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in OK & TX
Answered by Terri Reagin on July 12, 2025
Broker Licensed in OK, AR, CO & 6 other states
Answered by Pamela Masters on May 18, 2026
Broker Licensed in NC
Answered by Christy Jones on August 2, 2025
Broker Licensed in ID, AL, AR & 20 other states
Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 26, 2025
Agent Licensed in AZ & UT
Answered by Steven Lovell on May 18, 2025
Broker Licensed in GA, AL, CA & 11 other states
Contact us.
Answered by Nick Mangini on March 30, 2026
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 32 other states
Answered by Melonie Wood on April 12, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL & AL
Answered by Kerwyn Jones on May 3, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 21 other states
Irmaa. Now, we're not talking about your great aunt that you only see at Thanksgiving. Irmaa means the income-related monthly adjustment amount. It is effectively a tax placed on higher income earners who are on Medicare. Here's how Irmaa works.
When? Every year, November and December. When you first go on Medicare, Medicare requests information from the IRS about what your adjusted gross income was two years prior. And this is redetermined every year, every November, every December.
Now, if your income is in certain thresholds, then you're going to pay more for your Part B services and your Part D. It's going to be what's called an income-related monthly adjustment amount, or Irmaa for short.
Now, there are guides in the Medicare and You handbook. You can search online and find what those different threshold points or break points are. And you can review this annually because it does change.
Now, if you have a life-changing event, they look two years back. So if you're no longer making the same amount of money that you were two years ago because of a life-changing event, probably the most common is you've retired or reduced your hours. You can ask the federal government for a redetermination, basically saying, "Hey, I'm no longer earning what I made two years ago, and therefore I can't afford nor should be subjected to this higher, effective tax."
I hope that helps. If you have any questions, reach out to a local Medicare planning advisor, contact Medicare.gov, or reach out to your local Council on Aging or Senior Center. All great resources. Until next time, be healthy and be well.
Answered by Andrew Firmin on April 4, 2026
Broker Licensed in MA, CT, DE & 13 other states
How Can I Find Out If IRMAA Applies to Me?
• Check your most recent Social Security or Medicare notice. If IRMAA applies, you’ll receive a letter explaining the extra amount.
• Review your IRS tax return from two years ago. If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) was above the annual threshold set by Medicare, IRMAA likely applies.
• You can also contact Social Security directly or use their online tools to see if you are subject to IRMAA.
How Does IRMAA Work?
IRMAA increases your monthly premiums for Medicare Part B and Part D based on your income level. The higher your income, the higher your premium adjustment. If your income decreases due to certain life-changing events (like retirement), you can appeal the IRMAA decision with Social Security.
For more information, visit the official Medicare or Social Security websites, or speak with a Medicare representative for personalized assistance. (www.medicare.gov or www.ssa.gov)
Answered by Mark Cunningham on May 18, 2026
Agent Licensed in CO, FL, GA & NE, VA, WI & WY
Answered by Jennifer Sigman on February 23, 2026
Broker Licensed in OH, AL, IA & 12 other states
Answered by Jon Kelderman on June 24, 2025
Broker Licensed in IA, AZ & TX
Medicare looks at your income from two years back - so in 2025, they’re using your 2023 tax return. If your income was over a certain amount, you’ll pay extra for Part B and Part D. And no, it’s not always a small bump - it can be a few hundred bucks more per month depending on your income level.
You’ll get a letter from Social Security if IRMAA applies. The timing of that letter? Let’s just say it's government issued and doesn’t always conveniently show up BEFORE you’ve already picked your plans and thought you had your costs locked in.
If you’re not working with someone who brings this up ahead of time, that Social Security letter is not a fun one to open. That’s why it helps to trust your advisor who’s actually looking ahead - not just plugging in plan info or letting you go at it alone.
The good news? If your income has gone down if you just retired, sold a business, or lost a spouse - you can appeal it using form SSA-44 to get those premiums adjusted.
If your 2023 income was over $103,000 (single) or $206,000 (married filing jointly), it’s worth looking into. If not, you’re probably good. Either way, the key is catching it before you’re stuck wondering why your Medicare bill just jumped.
Answered by Corey Romero on March 21, 2025
Broker Licensed in LA & TX
Answered by Mark Holmes on March 9, 2026
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & GA, MI, TN & TX
Answered by Mark Szymanski on April 10, 2025
Agent Licensed in PA & NJ
Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 18, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ
It can increase what you pay for Part B (doctor visits) and Part D (prescriptions).
It’s not a penalty and not a separate plan—it’s just an income-based surcharge. IRMAA can apply if your income is over $103,000 (single) or $206,000 (married).
The more you earn above that, the more you’ll pay.
Answered by Priscilla Ramos on December 23, 2025
Agent Licensed in OH, AZ, FL & 5 other states
How much will I pay for my Medicare? This is a pretty typical question for anyone who is becoming eligible for Medicare.
For Medicare Part A, most people will get that for free, assuming you've worked at least 40 quarters within your lifetime and paid into Social Security. If you've worked less than that, there will be a premium for Part A: $285 if you worked 30 to 39 quarters, and $518 if you've worked less than 30 quarters.
For Part B, most people will pay $185 per month. But there is a sliding scale based on your income, which is known as the income-related monthly adjustment amount, or IRMAA. Depending on your income, if it's above $106,000 per year, you will pay more, which you can see on the chart here.
Your Part D is very similar in that it also has an income-related monthly adjustment amount. The breakdowns are the same on the income, and these will be the amounts that you will be charged in addition to the premium you pay for your prescription drug plan.
You'll also pay an additional premium for Medicare supplement if you choose to get one, and possibly also for a Medicare Advantage plan, depending on which plan you go with.
If you still have questions or need help in applying for a plan, please feel welcome to contact me.
Answered by Chad Watkins on September 24, 2025
Agent Licensed in NJ, AK, AL & 48 other states
To see if IRMAA applies to you, review your most recent tax return and compare your MAGI to the current IRMAA income brackets for your filing status. If your income is above the threshold, Social Security will automatically notify you of the higher premium amount. If your income has decreased due to a qualifying life event — such as retirement, divorce, or the death of a spouse — you can request a reassessment through Social Security to potentially lower or remove the surcharge.
Answered by Gus Karigan on March 4, 2026
Broker Licensed in IL, GA & MI
Answered by Lea Vollmer on October 30, 2025
Broker Licensed in IL, AL, AZ & 7 other states
Answered by Daintee Hurst Dietz on June 21, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AZ & CA
Answered by Paul Wyatt on August 20, 2025
Broker Licensed in TN, KY & MS
Answered by Shalonda Cave on March 23, 2026
Agent Licensed in OH, AZ & FL
Answered by Diane Poythress on August 15, 2025
Agent Licensed in AZ, CA, FL & 7 other states
They calculate the monthly part B premium on a two year look back. So, for 2025 they're looking at tax returns for 2023. Typically for most seniors the 2025 party premium is $185 and it goes up from there depending on what an individual or individuals earn.
I hope that clarifies your question.
Thank you for using MediConnect as a resource of information regarding your Medicare questions.
Chris Vari
Benefits executive
Contact me.
Answered by Chris Vari on August 15, 2025
Agent Licensed in PA
Answered by Justin Fox on December 29, 2025
Broker Licensed in MT, AZ, CO & 14 other states
Answered by Kathy Adams on May 2, 2025
Agent Licensed in NV & ND
So. Your IRMAA charge is based on your tax return, line 11 Modified Adjusted Gross, from 2 years prior.
Example: Your premium in 2026 is based off your Modified Adjusted Gross on your 2024 tax return. They automatically apply this every year. So in 2027, it will be based on your 2025 tax return and so on.
There is a chart available on the SHIIP website on the Medicare Premiums, Deductibles, and Coinsurance pdf. I am more than happy to send you a copy.
It is roughly $100,000 per person. A single person filing will get an IRMAA charge if they file their taxes for some over $100,000. Married, filing jointly is roughly a little over $210,000.
If it applies to you, you will receive a notice from Social Security that you have an adjusted premium. You can also login to your SSA.gov account or possibly your Medicare.gov account.
If you do receive an IRMAA increase and your situation has changed (Retired), then you can always file for an exemption. You may, or may not get it, but it never hurts to try.
Answered by Cori Richerson on March 10, 2026
Broker Licensed in LA, MS, TN & TX
Answered by Phil Goodge on September 15, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, NV & OR
Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on May 25, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states
It’s an extra charge added to your Medicare Part B (medical services & outpatient care) and Part D (prescription drugs) premiums if your income is above certain thresholds. 
Part A (hospital insurance) is not affected by IRMAA in most cases.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years prior.
Income above $106,000 annually requires you to pay more for Medicare Part B
Answered by Mary Brown on September 15, 2025
Broker Licensed in NJ, DE, FL & NC, OH, PA & TX
Answered by Andrew Kramer on May 15, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL
Answered by Meghan Blankenship on November 13, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, MD & OH
Answered by Mark Boone on December 10, 2025
Agent Licensed in MN, FL, MI & NC, OH, SC & VA
If you are assessed a Part D Irma you will receive a letter from Social Security.
Answered by Marcie Barnes on April 17, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states
Answered by Deborah Webster on January 26, 2026
Broker Licensed in Ia & SC
Answered by Jennifer Kalbach on April 27, 2026
Agent Licensed in KY
Answered by Antonio Rodriguez on March 2, 2026
Broker Licensed in OR
If your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is equal to or less than $109,000 individually ($218,000 married filing jointly), your part D IRMAA is $0. In other words you pay nothing for Part D from Medicare - but since medicare doesn’t actually provide prescription drug plans, you will need to sign up for a part D plan from one of the private insurers (United Health Care, Humana, WellCare, etc) to avoid a late enrollment penalty. The price of the plans available in your area will vary greatly and your agent can help you find the right fit based on your mix of medications. MOST (but not all) Medicare Advantage plans include part D drug coverage.
What if your income is higher than those limits? In that case, Medicare will charge you an additional premium for your access to Part D. Just like your Part B Premium, this additional premium is withdrawn from your Social Security or billed directly by Medicare, NOT by your insurance provider.
Read on for the 2026 Part D IRMAA amounts for higher income individuals, and as always reach out to your agent or Medicare.gov (1-800-Medicare) for additional information.
From CMS:
If your MAGI is over $109,000 but less than $137,000 (single) or more than $218,000 but less than $274,000 (couple) your part D IRMAA for 2026 will be $14.50 per month.
Between $137,000 and $171,000 (single) or $274,000 to $342,000 (couple) the Part D IRMAA is $37.50 per month.
$171,000 but less than $205,000 (single) or $342,000 - $410,000 (couple) the Part D IRMAA is $60.40 per month.
$205,000 - $500,000 (single) or $410,000 - $750,000 (couple) the part D IRMAA will be $83.50 per month
Over $500,000 (single) or $750,000 (couple) the Part D IRMAA will be $91 per month.
Answered by Rich Baker on January 26, 2026
Broker Licensed in CO, AR, AZ & 7 other states
Answered by William Murray on April 6, 2026
Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 31 other states
See page 2 for the IRMAA info. IRMAA premium adjustments start at $106,000 annual income and grow on a sliding scale
Answered by Bruce Resnick on August 18, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX
Answered by Larry Pereiro on June 2, 2025
Agent Licensed in IN
SSA and the IRS work together to determine if IRMAA applies to you. They look at your two year previous tax return (example - in 2025 they are looking at your 2023 income) and specifically look at the MAGI/AGI (adjusted gross income) line on your taxes. The amount of income depends on how you file your taxes (married/joinly; married/individual; single/individual). That line determines whether or not you pay the "standard" Medicare amount or more.
Answered by Abigail Turner on September 16, 2025
Broker Licensed in KS, AR, AZ & 13 other states
Answered by Tony Merwin on November 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 29 other states
it also depends if you are married or single
Answered by Al Saponar on June 30, 2025
Broker Licensed in IL, KS, MN, MO & NV
Answered by Judi Norton on April 14, 2025
Agent Licensed in NM
The SSA uses your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your tax return two years prior to determine if you fall into an IRMAA bracket.
Two-Year Lookback:
Your 2025 IRMAA will be based on your 2023 income tax return.
Part B and Part D:
IRMAA affects both Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Part D (prescription drug coverage) premiums, but not Part A (hospital insurance).
Automatic Deduction:
If you receive Social Security benefits, the IRMAA will be automatically deducted from your monthly payments.
Notices:
The SSA sends out predetermination and initial determination notices to inform you if you owe IRMAA and how to appeal if you disagree with the determination.
Appeals:
You can appeal the IRMAA if you've had a life-changing event that significantly reduced your income, such as marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, or loss of income.
To find out if IRMAA applies to you:
1. Check your income:
Look at your 2023 tax return to see if your MAGI exceeded the threshold for your filing status (single or married filing jointly).
2. Review SSA notifications:
If you are subject to IRMAA, the SSA will send you an initial determination notice.
The Social Security Administration tells you if you have to pay the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).
Answered by Leisha Stevens on June 16, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH, CA, FL & NC
If IRMAA applies to you, the Social Security Administration will notify you formally by mail. If you think you might be subject to IRMAA, I strongly recommend that you contact your tax advisor to ensure your information is accurate. Additionally, Medicare.gov offers a Medicare Premium Eligibility tool that can help you estimate whether you will incur IRMAA.
Answered by Angela Wainright on March 2, 2026
Broker Licensed in MN, AZ & ND
Answered by Emmond Wills on October 31, 2025
Broker Licensed in TN, AZ, FL & 6 other states
Answered by Paul Mercier on October 30, 2025
Broker Licensed in MA, NH & RI
Answered by Darnel Brown on January 5, 2026
Broker Licensed in TX, CA & LA
Answered by Korina Medrano on September 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, FL & MD
Answered by Jacquie Wolf on October 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in NY
Answered by Michael Turkaly on April 16, 2025
Agent Licensed in MI
Answered by Amine Amraoui on November 15, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL
Answered by Brandi West on August 16, 2025
Broker Licensed in OK, AR, AZ & 12 other states
Answered by Jennifer Ragborg on April 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in MN, AZ, FL, NC & WI
Answered by Tyler Henderson on March 31, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL
If the income is changing at this time as it does for many at retirement there is a form that can be filed with Social Security to reduce IRMAA.
Answered by Jesse Peltz on May 25, 2026
Broker Licensed in FL, AK, AL & 48 other states
Based on income from two years ago
Your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your tax return two years prior (e.g., 2023 returns for 2025 Medicare) determines IRMAA
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Applies to Part B & Part D premiums
Affects both:
Part B (doctor services)
Part D (prescriptions)
Note: Part C (Advantage) includes Part B and D, so IRMAA applies too
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Sliding-scale surcharge
There are income brackets with surcharges added to the standard premiums:
Standard Part B premium for 2025 is $185/month
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If your 2023 MAGI exceeded:
$106K (single) or $212K (joint), IRMAA kicks in
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Surcharge ranges vary: e.g., Part B total premium can be from $259 up to $628.90/month, depending how high your income is .
Here's a simplified table for 2025 Part B IRMAA brackets:
2023 MAGI 2025 Part B Premium
≤ $106K / $212K joint $185
$106–133K ($212–266K) $259
$133–167K (266–334K) $370
$167–200K (334–400K) $480.90
$200–500K (400–750K) $591.90
> $500K (> $750K) $628.90
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Part D surcharges follow similar income tiers (e.g., ~$13.70–$85.80/mo)
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✅ How to check if IRMAA applies to you
Check your income from two years ago
Look up your MAGI on your 2023 tax return. If it’s above the thresholds, IRMAA may apply
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Watch for notices from SSA
First, you’ll get a “predetermination” notice.
Then an “Initial Determination Notice” explaining the surcharge and how to appeal if needed
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Check your Medicare bill
Answered by Donald Friesen on June 26, 2025
Agent Licensed in NE, KS, MN, NM, TX & WV
Tags: Advice for Seniors The Medicare System
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