What is the income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA)?  

The income related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) is a monthly surcharge based on your income. If you have Medicare Part B or Part D coverage, you may have an IRMAA surcharge. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines which income brackets must pay this surcharge, and if it applies to you, you will get a notice from the SSA with your new premium amount. You can appeal IRMAA by requesting a reconsideration within 60 days of getting your notice.

 

 

How is IRMAA calculated?  

The SSA calculates IRMAA every year. They look at your income reported from 2 years prior—so for 2026, they’ll look at your 2024 tax returns to decide if you must pay IRMAA. This means if your income is higher or lower each year, your IRMAA status can change.  

If the SSA decides you must pay IRMAA, you’ll get a notice with your new premium amount and the reason for the change.  

Information sourced from: https://www.medicare.gov/publications/11579-medicare-costs.pdf?mod=article_inline

Note: If you pay a Medicare late enrollment penalty, these amounts may be higher. 

 

How do I pay Part B or Part D IRMAA?  

Part B IRMAA is automatically added to your monthly premium bill. There are 4 ways you can pay your Part B premium: 

• Online through your secure Medicare account 
• From your bank’s online bill payment service 
• Signing up for Medicare Easy Pay 
• Mailing your payment to Medicare 

You’ll have to pay Part D IRMAA directly to Medicare—not to your insurance plan or your employer. You have to pay directly to Medicare even if your Part D premiums are covered by your employer or another third party. You may have your Part D IRMAA paid automatically from your Social Security or other federal benefits. If not, you’ll get a monthly bill from Medicare for your Part D IRMAA and you can pay it the same way you pay your Part B, which is:  

• Online through your secure Medicare account
• From your bank’s online bill payment service 
• Signing up for Medicare Easy Pay
• Mailing your payment to Medicare 
  
  

How do I appeal an IRMAA? 

You can appeal an IRMAA notice for several reasons.  

• The tax information used by the SSA is incorrect or outdated 
• You’ve had a loss of income 
• You’ve experienced the death of a spouse 
• You’ve gotten married or divorced 

You have 60 days from receiving a notice to file an appeal. To get started, contact the SSA at 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778).