IRMAA — the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount — is an extra charge added to your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums if your income is above a certain threshold. It catches many new retirees off guard, because it's based on your tax return from two years ago — often your final, highest-earning working years.
The Good News: You Can Often Appeal
If your income has dropped because of a life-changing event — retirement, reduced work hours, the loss of a spouse, or a lost pension — you can ask Social Security to recalculate using your newer, lower income. The appeal is filed on form SSA-44, and if approved, the savings can apply to both spouses' premiums.
- Retirement or reduced work hours (the most common reason)
- Marriage, divorce, or death of a spouse
- Loss or reduction of a pension
- Loss of income-producing property beyond your control
Got an IRMAA letter? Don't ignore it — the surcharge starts whether or not you respond. Learn the details in What Is IRMAA? How to Appeal It.
How The Pane Agency Helps
We help you understand your IRMAA notice, determine whether an appeal is warranted, and prepare the SSA-44 — plus plan ahead so you don't cross a bracket unnecessarily in future years. Free, with no obligation.
This page is for general education only and is not tax or legal advice. Income thresholds are set annually by CMS and the Social Security Administration. For official information visit ssa.gov or Medicare.gov.