Plain-language guides to understanding and lowering your Medicare IRMAA surcharge. Start with how the surcharge works, learn the moves that can keep your income under the next bracket, then see how to appeal if a life event has changed your finances.
Check the tax year and individual Part B or Part D monthly surcharge, then use the guides below for the next step. Open the IRMAA Letter Checker →
The single number behind every IRMAA bracket, and exactly what income goes into it.
01.01The income thresholds that trigger IRMAA
01.02How much of your benefit actually counts
01.03The extra Part D premium by income
01.04How IRMAA is figured, step by step
01.05IRMAA explained in plain language
01.06Why your 2-year-old income sets today's premium
01.07When Medicare premiums cut your tax bill
Compare surcharges before and after an income change
02.02Moves that lower MAGI, and myths that do not
02.03Timing conversions to avoid the surcharge
02.04Give from your IRA to lower MAGI
02.05HSA rules, premiums, and IRMAA