Why Some People Pay More for Medicare (IRMAA)

If you’ve heard of IRMAA and wondered what it means, don’t worry — here’s the simple version.

What Is IRMAA?

IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.

  • It’s an extra charge added to your monthly Medicare costs if your income is above certain limits.

  • It applies to Part B (medical insurance) and sometimes Part D (prescription drug coverage).

  • The government looks at your tax return from two years ago to decide.

Example: Your 2023 income is used to figure out your Medicare costs for 2025.

How Will I Know If I Have IRMAA?

If IRMAA applies to you:

  • Social Security will mail you a separate letter telling you the amount.

  • This letter explains why you owe more and how it was calculated.

  • If you don’t get a letter, IRMAA doesn’t apply to you.

Can I Do Anything About It?

Yes! If your income has recently gone down because of a life change (like retirement, marriage, divorce, or loss of a spouse), you can ask Social Security to reconsider.

  • You’ll need to fill out a form (SSA-44) and show proof of your income change.

  • If approved, your IRMAA could be lowered.

Key Things to Remember

  • Not everyone pays IRMAA. Many people never do.

  • It’s based on your past income, so sometimes it may not reflect your current situation.

  • You can always appeal if your income has dropped.

Need Help Figuring It Out?

Medicare rules can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I make it easy to understand your options.

👉 Contact me today for help with your Medicare questions.