Costs
IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)
Quick answer
IRMAA is an income-based surcharge added to Medicare Part B and Part D premiums for higher earners. Social Security calculates it from your IRS tax return two years prior.
Plain-English definition
IRMAA is not a separate program — it's an extra amount tacked onto the Part B and Part D premiums you already pay. The higher your MAGI, the higher the bracket.
Why it matters
Life events like retirement or the death of a spouse can push you into a bracket that no longer reflects your income. Form SSA-44 lets you request a recalculation.
A simple example
You retired in 2025. In 2026 Social Security uses your 2024 MAGI and charges IRMAA. You file SSA-44 citing retirement and the surcharge is reduced.
Common mistakes & misconceptions
- Assuming IRMAA is permanent — it's recalculated every year.
- Forgetting IRMAA applies to Part D too.
Parent topics
Related terms
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B is the medical insurance half of Original Medicare. It covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive screenings, mental health services, and durable medical equipment.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage sold by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. You get it either as a stand-alone drug plan (PDP) with Original Medicare or bundled inside most Medicare Advantage plans.
Premium
A premium is the fixed monthly amount you pay for health coverage, whether or not you use any services. You may pay premiums for Part B, Part D, Medigap, or a Medicare Advantage plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can I appeal IRMAA?+
Yes. File SSA-44 after a qualifying life-changing event.
People also ask
What income triggers IRMAA?
Thresholds update yearly and start in the low six figures for single filers.
Sources & references
📚 Where this information comes from
- Medicare.gov — official U.S. government site for people with Medicare ↗Primary source for benefits, enrollment periods, and plan comparison.
- CMS.gov — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ↗Federal rulemaking, program updates, and official guidance.
- Social Security Administration — Medicare enrollment & premiums ↗Enrollment, premium withholding, and IRMAA determinations.
- SSA Form SSA-44 — Life-changing event ↗
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Medicare Caddies is an independent insurance agency. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We help compare Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, and we don't offer every plan available in your area.