Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)
What is IRMAA
IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. It’s an extra charge added to your regular Medicare Part B and/or Part D premiums if your income is above certain limits. In simple terms: higher income can mean higher Medicare premiums.
Who It Applies To
You only pay IRMAA if your income is above Medicare’s set thresholds.
- Medicare looks at your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your tax return two years prior.
For example, your 2026 Medicare premiums are based on your 2024 tax return.
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses income information from the IRS to determine whether IRMAA applies to you.
If your income falls below the limits, you pay the standard premium.
Which Medicare Parts It Affects
IRMAA can increase your premiums for:
- Medicare Part B (medical insurance)
- Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage)
If IRMAA applies, you’ll pay more than the standard monthly premium for these coverages.
How You’re Notified
If you’re required to pay IRMAA, the Social Security Administration will send you a notice explaining:
- The amount you’ll pay
- How it was calculated
- How to appeal if you believe it’s incorrect
In Short
IRMAA is a Medicare surcharge for higher-income individuals. It increases your Part B and/or Part D premiums based on your income from two years ago and is determined each year by the Social Security Administration.
Wondering if IRMAA could affect your Medicare premiums?
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