Medicare Premiums for the Year 2025: Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) Rates and Surcharges for Parts B and D
Article Title: Understanding Medicare Part B and Part D IRMAA Surcharges for 2026
For individuals approaching retirement or already enrolled in Medicare, understanding the costs associated with Part B and Part D coverage is essential. One such aspect to consider is the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which can significantly impact the monthly premiums for these services.
The IRMAA surcharges for 2026 are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from 2024. If you miss or delay a Part D IRMAA payment, your next bill will include a past due amount. The key income thresholds and surcharge amounts for 2026 are as follows:
| Income Bracket (MAGI from 2024) | Part B Monthly Premium (2026) | Part B IRMAA Surcharge Added | Part D IRMAA Surcharge Added | |---------------------------------|-------------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------| | Single ≤ $109,000 / Joint ≤ $218,000 | $186.90 (standard premium) | $0 | $0 | | Single $109,001–$137,000 / Joint $218,001–$274,000 | Approx. $261.20 total | ~$74.30 | Varies, up to ~$30 | | Single $137,001–$163,000 / Joint $274,001–$326,000 | Higher than previous level | Higher surcharge | Higher surcharge | | Single $163,001–$500,000 / Joint $326,001–$750,000 | Increasing surcharge levels | Up to approx. $448.60 total | Up to approx. $91 | | Single > $500,000 / Joint > $750,000 | Highest surcharges | Highest surcharge (~$448.60) | Highest surcharge (~$91) |
For married taxpayers who file separately, the IRMAA amounts for Part B are $406.90 (if income is greater than $106,000 and less than $394,000) and $443.90 (if income is greater than or equal to $394,000). For Part D, the IRMAA amounts are $78.60 (if income is greater than $106,000 and less than $394,000) and $85.80 (if income is greater than or equal to $394,000).
The standard Part B premium for 2026 is projected to be about $186.90 per month before surcharges, and IRMAA surcharges apply on top of this standard premium for those with income over the stated thresholds. The Part D surcharge also depends on the same income brackets but is smaller in dollar amounts; for 2026, it may be up to around $91 per month above the base Part D premium.
It's worth noting that the IRMAA surcharge represents an increase to Medicare Part B and Part D standard monthly premiums. The surcharge is calculated on a sliding scale with five income brackets, topping out at $500,000 and $750,000 for individual and joint filers, respectively.
The IRMAA surcharges for Part B and Part D are paid separately. For those with income above the specified thresholds, total Monthly Part B premiums will range from $259 to $628.90.
For beneficiaries who are concerned about the increase in benefits from the Social Security Fairness Act triggering the IRMAA in 2026 or 2027, it's essential to consider the impact on their income and potential surcharges.
If you believe you should not be subject to an IRMAA, you can appeal and request a redetermination if you've had a life-changing event, such as the death of a spouse or the loss of pension income. If your request for a redetermination is denied, you can appeal the decision, with three additional levels of appeals available: the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals, the Medicare Appeals Council, and the federal district court where you live.
To manage the costs associated with IRMAA surcharges, it's advisable to consider well-timed Roth IRA conversions and plan accordingly. The Social Security Administration determines your IRMAA eligibility, and if you receive a notice indicating that you should pay an IRMAA, you can appeal the decision and request a new initial determination.
For those enrolled in original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, the IRMAA surcharge applies. It's essential to budget accordingly and understand the impact of your income on your Medicare premiums to make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.
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