IRMAA is a monthly surcharge on Medicare Part B and Part D premiums for higher-income beneficiaries. In 2026, the surcharge kicks in at $109,000 MAGI (single) and can add up to $487.00 per month to your Part B bill.
Quick Answer: IRMAA adds a monthly surcharge on top of your standard Medicare Part B premium ($202.90 in 2026) and your Part D plan premium if your income crosses the threshold. SSA uses your 2024 MAGI to set 2026 IRMAA. Six tiers apply, with the top tier capping at $689.90 total monthly Part B above $500,000 (single). Review Medicare eligibility to confirm your enrollment status.
The standard 2026 Part B premium ($202.90) applies to most enrollees. IRMAA is billed separately by SSA, not by your plan. You can file a Life-Changing Event appeal if retirement, divorce, or a spouse's death reduced your income after 2024. Use the medical bill analyzer if an IRMAA charge appears in error on a Medicare statement.
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$109,000 MAGI for single filers and $218,000 for married filing jointly, based on your 2024 tax return. SSA reviews your IRS data automatically and notifies you in November. At or below these thresholds, you pay the standard Part B premium of $202.90 per month in 2026. IRMAA uses MAGI, not the federal poverty level thresholds used for Medicaid or ACA subsidies.
Yes. If retirement, reduced work hours, divorce, or a spouse's death lowered your income after 2024, file SSA Form SSA-44 to request recalculation using more recent income. Documentation is required. Approved appeals reduce or eliminate the surcharge going forward. Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to start.
Yes. Even in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you still pay the Part B premium including any IRMAA surcharge separately to SSA. If your Medicare Advantage plan includes Part D drug coverage, the Part D IRMAA surcharge also applies on top of your plan's drug premium, even if the plan premium is $0.
You may qualify for free health insurance.
Our 2-minute screener checks Medicaid, ACA, Medicare, CHIP, and more. Most uninsured Americans qualify for $0/month coverage they didn't know about.