Medicare Premium Increases in 2025: Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) Rates and Surcharges for Parts B and D Contributions
Article Title: Understanding IRMAA Surcharges for Medicare Part B and D in 2026
In 2026, Medicare beneficiaries with income above certain thresholds will be subject to Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) for both Part B and Part D. Here's what you need to know about these surcharges.
The average Part D premium is projected to be $46.50, while the standard Part B premium for 2026 is set at $186.90 per month. However, IRMAA surcharges can significantly increase these amounts.
The Social Security Administration determines your eligibility for IRMAA, and the surcharges are based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your 2024 tax return. The 2026 income thresholds and surcharges are as follows:
| MAGI (Single) | MAGI (Married Filing Jointly) | Part B Premium (Monthly) | Part B IRMAA Surcharge | Part D IRMAA Surcharge | |-----------------------------|-----------------------------------|-------------------------|-----------------------|------------------------| | ≤ $109,000 | ≤ $218,000 | $186.90 (standard premium) | $0 | $0 | | $109,001 – $137,000 | $218,001 – $274,000 | $186.90 | $67.90 | $13.30 | | $137,001 – $170,000 | $274,001 – $340,000 | $186.90 | $171.20 | $33.60 | | $170,001 – $215,000 | $340,001 – $430,000 | $186.90 | $274.50 | $54.20 | | $215,001 – $329,000 | $430,001 – $658,000 | $186.90 | $377.80 | $74.80 | | > $329,000 | > $658,000 | $186.90 | $481.10 | $94.80 |
Notably, the IRMAA brackets for married filing jointly are roughly double those for single filers. Moreover, the surcharges increase in tiers based on income thresholds starting above $109,000 for single and $218,000 for married taxpayers.
Part B IRMAA surcharges can reach up to $443.90, while Part D surcharges are generally smaller, capping at around $91 per month. It's essential to note that both Part B and Part D IRMAA surcharges increase with income, with Part B surcharges substantially higher in dollar terms.
If your income falls below the thresholds, you will pay standard premiums without IRMAA. If you believe there has been an error in your IRMAA calculation, you can appeal and request a redetermination, especially if you've experienced a life-changing event.
Remember, the 2025 IRMAA income brackets and surcharges have increased by almost 3%, and the surcharge is based on the MAGI from 2023. You will receive a notice called an initial determination if Social Security determines that you should pay an IRMAA.
Your Medicare bills are due on the 25th of each month, and you can pay your premiums online, through Medicare Easy Pay, by mail, or using a bank's online bill payment service. A well-timed Roth IRA conversion could help avoid the IRMAA, as distributions from Roth accounts do not count toward MAGI.
For more information about IRMAA, consult the official Medicare website or seek advice from a financial advisor.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, understanding IRMAA surcharges for Medicare Part B and D in 2026 is crucial for those with incomes above the defined thresholds, as these surcharges can significantly impact their finance.
- Science reveals that the IRMAA brackets for married filing jointly are approximately twice those for single filers, signifying a more substantial impact on joint income for Medicare benefits and potentially higher surcharges.
- To effectively manage the IRMAA surcharges for both Part B and Part D, one might consider Financial strategies such as a well-timed Roth IRA conversion, as such conversions do not contribute to Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and could help avoid IRMAA.
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