Medicare premiums
Medicare Part B Premiums and IRMAA: What to Know
Most people with Part B pay a monthly premium. Some people pay an additional income-related monthly adjustment amount, commonly called IRMAA. Amounts and income brackets can change annually.
How IRMAA is determined
Social Security generally uses federal tax-return information supplied by the IRS to determine whether an income-related adjustment applies. The determination can cover Part B and Part D.
Use current-year tables
Do not rely on an old premium or income threshold. Check the current Medicare cost page and Social Security's Medicare premium information for the applicable year.
Life-changing events
Certain events—such as retirement, marriage, divorce or loss of income-producing property—may support a request for a new determination when income has decreased. Social Security controls the process and documentation requirements.
Planning checklist
- Read the Social Security determination notice.
- Confirm which tax year was used.
- Compare the notice with current official tables.
- Collect documentation for a qualifying event.
- Follow appeal or new-determination instructions by the deadline.
IRMAA is based on tax information
The income-related monthly adjustment amount can apply to Part B and Part D when modified adjusted gross income from the applicable tax year exceeds current thresholds. Social Security generally uses federal tax-return information supplied by the IRS. Thresholds and amounts can change annually, so use the current Social Security notice and tables.
IRMAA is separate from the plan premium and is generally paid through Social Security or Medicare billing. Changing Medicare Advantage or Part D plans does not by itself remove an income-related adjustment.
Life-changing events may support a new determination
Social Security provides a process for requesting reconsideration when tax data is incorrect or when certain life-changing events reduce income. Examples can include work reduction or stoppage, marriage, divorce, death of a spouse and specified loss of income-producing property or employer-related income. Eligibility depends on the official rules and evidence.
Read the determination notice, collect supporting documents and follow the stated deadline. A future lower tax return does not automatically replace the current determination immediately.
Planning checklist
- Review the tax year used in the notice.
- Confirm filing status and modified adjusted gross income.
- Identify whether an official life-changing event occurred.
- Estimate Part B, Part D and private-plan premiums separately.
- Coordinate tax projections with a qualified tax professional.
- Keep Social Security submissions and decisions.
Organize your Medicare questions
HCA can discuss options available through organizations the agency represents. There is no obligation to enroll.